10 Questions with ... Victor J Canales (Vic Latino)

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

BIO: http://www.ultrarecords.com/artists/vic-latino

1. Why Radio?

I honestly was going to college to become a chiropractor. In short, I missed my internship sign up, I did not want to waste a summer so I signed up to intern at MTV, I worked with Doctor Dre. I was memorized by the big city lights and the string bikinis at that year's Spring Break in Daytona Beach, the rest is history.

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

After all the ups and downs over the last 14 years, I was able to come back to my hometown and purchase the company which I started my first full time radio career at. Party 105, back then WXXP.

3. Tell me about your line-up and staff at WPTY. Who's on your team?

I like to call it the Next-In-Line team. Each of my jocks share the same passion, they believe in teamwork, they help each other and failure is not an option to them. They want IT.

Line-up:

• 6-8a Commercial Free Mornings
• 8a-12p Nikki
• 12-4p Natalia
• 4-7p Vic Latino's Neighborhood with Goldapper
• 7p-12a Pulido
• 12-6a Humpty

4. What's the biggest difference in programming for your audience on Long Island and programming for NYC?

Honestly, there is no difference other than the versions of the hits we play. Being we are a dance leaning rhythmic station, I like to play the up-tempo mixes of the songs you here 100+ times on WHTZ and WXRK in NYC.

5. Like a lot of radio programmers and talent, I'm sure you've a few "downs" to go along with the many "ups". Got any advice on making it through the "downs"?

I always maintained a positive attitude, as Jay Z says in his song may today's best be tomorrows worst. Remember this, no matter how bad a situation is, you will always look back and say remember when? As long as I always said that to myself, it made the bad times go by faster. We all lived off of Beef-A-Roni while the creditors were constantly calling our apartments because we missed a cell phone bill, don't think you're the exception, we have all been there, hell they still call me.

6. Rhythm radio may not have ever sounded so Pop and Pop never as Rhythmic. Any quick thoughts on Hip Hop and Rhythm radio today?

Funny...in NY hip hop was always considered pop music, after all pop music = the most popular music in your particular area. I see hip hop changing a bit these days, going a bit more up-tempo, it feels good, it makes people happy, I was always a firm believer that hip hop and dance were a perfect marriage and our station is living proof that it works.

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

When it comes to being a jock hands down Broadway Bill Lee. When it comes to a programmer, well I don't respect him anymore so I won't bother recognizing him.

8. What do you think is the biggest single key to WPTY's success?

Motivation. Our staff has an unstoppable drive. We are not afraid to lift our sleeves and dive right into any situation.

9. Where do you go to get away from it all?

I wish I had an answer to this question, I actually live with my wife and four daughters so believe it or not the office is actually a get-away.

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

When I was in college, I worked summers at a golf course as a greenskeeper. Man, what I would do some days to just be able to put headphones on and jump on a lawnmower and just cut grass.

If you could only watch one movie, one TV show and listen to one album, which would you choose?

My album would be Sting "Fields of Gold", Movie would have to be The Green Mile, TV show...I would probably have fallen asleep because of the last two.