10 Questions with ... Short-E

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started interning on the street team and worked my way up to on air on the weekends at 106 KMEL over the span of nine years. Then I moved to Sacramento to do afternoons, and got offered the MD position by then KBMB (now KHHM) PD Pattie Moreno. I've been here for the past five years.

1. Why Radio?

I'm an only child so as a kid I would listen to the radio and use my imagination through music and the dj's. Those were my friends when I use to do my homework or play video games. I always thought that being in radio would be the best job ever so I guess it was meant to be for me.

2. What would you say has been the highlight of your radio career?

Wow, so many....but if I had to choose one it would be hosting the New Year's Eve countdown in front of the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero in SF when the year 2000 hit. I thought I was only going to host on a side stage and I ended up hosting in front of 300,000 plus. Bringing in the City of San Francisco into the year 2000 was something that I will never forget!

3. Who were some of your early role models in radio?

I grew up listening to Bay Area radio so it was all the legends from back in the day. I consider myself lucky to actually have worked with my role models like Rick Chase, Sway & Tech, Chuy Gomez, Trace & Franzen, Renel Brooks, Michael Erickson, Theo, and Rosary

4. You're a huge San Francisco Giants fan. Did you get a chance to get to AT&T Park for a World Series game?

I actually broadcasted from game 1 in front of the stadium. I ended up on a boat in McCovey Cove during the game which was probably one of the most fun days of my life! Finally the trophy case isn't empty for the city of San Francisco. Game 1 of the series was INSANE!

5. When you've had a rough day, what do you do to get back to your happy place?

I either listen to music, call a good friend that I know will make me laugh, or put on a movie that will take my mind off of everything.

6. What would you like to do more of on the air?

Radio stunts and crazy contests. Things are so sensitive nowadays. I miss the days of stunting and crazy contests.

7. Think back to when you were 10 years-old. What did you want to be when you grew up?

I honestly had no idea. My grandfather always said I'd be a good electronic engineer because I picked up math so easily. Deep down inside though I always thought being a radio on air personality would be the coolest thing on earth. I also thought doing A&R for a record company would be cool too.

8. You host Hot 103.5's New At 2 show. Is it exciting playing new music when you jump on the air everyday?

That's going to be my favorite feature of the day no matter what! So I'm crossing my fingers that they never take that away. It's a breath of fresh air for the station and hopefully the listeners that tune in. I love every minute of that hour.

9. How do you think you've matured as a music director?

I've learned to trust my instincts a lot more when it comes to records and not second guess myself. I also don't let my opinions or personal preferences interfere with my decision making in choosing records for the station. It's really the audience's choice at the end of the day. I just have to make sure I deliver them a good product at all times. I've also learned not to worry so much about burning hit records. In this world of PPM sometimes the audience really doesn't get tired of songs no matter how much you think they do.

10. What's the most important thing that you feel your PD Pattie Moreno has taught you as a programmer?

She's taught me so much that I really don't know where to begin. I learn something from her on a weekly basis. I think she's taught me the lesson of "fearlessness" the most. Defying all odds against you and attacking them head on. People say "no" but she always seems to find a way to make them say "yes"! She turns everybody into a Burger King establishment because she ALWAYS gets her way! haha

Which new artist of 2010 do you think you'll be playing the most 5 years from now?

Nicki Minaj...there are not too many female emcees that put it down and she's multi-talented as well. I love her crazy character that she portrays.

If you could only watch one movie, one TV show and listen to one CD for whole year, which would you choose?

One Movie = this year for some reason Nacho Libre got a lot of play in my dvd player

One TV show = Sportscenter

One CD = Bob Marley - Legend