10 Questions with ... Mambo

NAME:Mambo POSITION:PD/MD/mornings STATION:KVYB (103.3 THE VIBE) MARKET:OXNARD-VENTURA, CA COMPANY:CUMULUS MEDIA BORN:SANTA PAULA, CA RAISED:SANTA PAULA, CA

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started radio in late 1996 at KCAQ/Oxnard answering phones for the Night Guy. In 1997 I became the night show sidekick. In 1998, I took over the night show and got fired in 1999. In mid-1999 I got hired at KSEQ/Fresno and fired in 2001. In 2001 I got re-hired at KCAQ and quit in 2004 to help launch KVYB...here I am.

1. What got you into radio?

The love for music, listening to radio in the mid to late 80's and early 90's and watching MTV. I remember listening to stations and all the DJs sounded like announcers, but listening to Power 106 in LOS ANGELES and K-MYX 106 in VENTURA, the DJs Sounded like real people. Listening to THE BAKA BOYZ and DEEZ KRAZY KIDS is one of the main reasons I wanted to get into the radio.

2. To date, what is the highlight of your radio career?

Being a part of launching KVYB and being a P.D.

3. How hard was it to cross the street from KCAQ to help launch and program KVYB?

Before I left KCAQ was the hardest part of this move. I had to sit down and look at the advantages of going across the street and the disadvantages. Looking back now I know I made the right choice. At first it was work 24/7 when we were going to launch KVYB, but now its work and fun 24/7.

4. Tell me about your line-up and the rest of your staff at KVYB

RICO, D J WICKED, STUTTER and I hold it down every morning. RICO and I have been working together since 1996 and we've all worked together as a morning show since 2001. WICKED is also my main mixer and is very passionate about what he does. Holding down nights is SHNEEK DA FREAK and DJ OGGIE. These people have been at KVYB since day 1. We all came from KCAQ and we all grew up in this area. We also have a couple of weekend jocks and mixers. I'm still looking to fill in my mid day and afternoon positions. So, if you're the one...HOLLA!

5. You can hear a lot of Rhythmic radio in Southern California. How do you make KVYB stand out?

Our on air team is what makes THE VIBE stand out. If you look at all the SoCal rhythmic station playlists, most of the top 25 records are the same, so whatever is in between the music is important. We also do a lot of live mixing and it keeps the music flowing.

6. You're incredibly busy as a PD/morning co-host. What do you do to relax away from work?

Well I'm married with children so the word "relax" does not exist in my world. My day starts at 5am every weekday with the morning show and ends at 6pm. Then its family time, but right before bed I read and that's my way of relaxing. I love what I do and my family supports what I do so that makes everything easy for me.

7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I don't look that far into the future I try and take life one day a t a time.

8. Who do you consider your mentor(s)?

Repping the ATL...THE DICKEY BROS, SPIKE SANTEE and DOUBLE J(JAN JEFFRIES). In The 805...my GM GAIL FURILLO, my morning show partner RICO and my friend across the street BIG BEAR. In the AZ...JOEY BOY and J-PHILLA just to name a few.

9. What's the best thing about living and working near the beach in Ventura County?

Who cares about the beach! I like it here because this is where I grew up and this is where my friends and family are. Besides, I've only been to the beach like three times since I was born.

10. What's your favorite song on the station right now?

T.I. - You Know What It Is

Bonus. If you had to hire a group or artist to perform at your wedding reception...who would you bring in?

My wife and I have very different musical tastes. MANA is the only group both of us like. So I would have to say MANA and I would sell tickets.