10 Questions with ... Tony Tecate

NAME:Tony Tecate POSITION:MD/nights and Operations Technician STATION:KSFM and KMAX-KOVR TV MARKET:SACRAMENTO, CA COMPANY:CBS Radio BORN:Pasadena, CA RAISED:East Los Angeles, CA

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

KKBT/Los Angeles, KPWR/Los Angeles, KIIS/Los Angeles, KISV/Bakersfield, KBOS/Fresno, KSFM/Sacramento, KIKI/Honolulu then back to KSFM and also KMAX and KOVR-TV.

1. Why radio?

Radio was calling me, like Pookie to crack in "New Jack City".

2. What do you remember about your first impressions of a radio station?

My eyes were bulging, my mouth dropped on the floor and I was overwhelmed by the vibe! It was really a great feeling. Just thinking about it brings a smile to my face. Shout out to Dave Morales, and Tre Black for being the first DJs to bring me into the actual studio!

3. What's the first MD-related thing you do when you come into the KSFM offices in the morning?

I open up Selector and whisper sweet nothings into her ear. I tell her I don't want any artist separation problems, no stacking, smooth flow, and another #1 sounding day.

4. Are you still making beats? Don't you also do imaging work, too?

I would like to say yes, but since taking on the duties at the TV stations my focus has changed. With the exception of my show, there is no time for imaging.

5. What do you like to do to relax away from work?

Hahahahahahahahaha! I'm smashin' for my rations right now. There's no sleep til Brooklyn. I will sleep when I die. Do you see how many good people are out of work? I'm rolling til the wheels fall off!

6. Aren't you doing somethings in TV now?

I'm working on the #1 morning show in Sacramento, "Good Day Sacramento". I'm also the operation technician for the normal CBS newscast.

7. Ever think about jumping back into a PD position?

Absolutely! It would have to be a really good situation, and they probably would have to pay Byron (KSFM PD Byron Kennedy) a heavy ransom for him to let me go again!

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

The Almighty, my family, My wife, Byron Kennedy, and Randy Fox have been the most inspirational for me in the past few years.

9. What would you say is the highlight of your work day at KSFM?

This might sound corny, but this station is like no other station I have ever worked for. The vibe here is awesome, there's tons of creative freedom, Byron is an amazing, creative, programmer, not to mention a fair and honest boss and mentor. Everyday is topped by the very next day. I'm blessed to be working with a great company, station and team. KSFM purple runs threw my veins!

10. What is your favorite song that you're not playing at KSFM?

I wouldn't say song, more like station.Ii'm hooked on AOL Radio Classic Hip Hop. If they ever need someone to schedule or program some music, give me a call. I feel like I'm listening to my collection without having to dig in the crates and drop the needle on the record. Check it out.

If you were to leave Radio and music today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?

I would finally open up the business I have rooted in the back of my head on the island of Oahu. Yes, I want to go back!

If you and your wife were to renew your vows and have a big reception in three months and you could have any artist, or group, perform a special song for the first dance at your wedding reception, who would you chose?

Without a doubt it would be Outkast and they would have to perform The Way You Move.