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10 Questions with ... Steb Montez
August 6, 2018
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started at KRML as an intern in 2016. This is my first real, full-time radio gig. I've always found myself working in music, from promoting hip-hop shows in San Jose night clubs to booking some of the largest clubs and venues in Los Angeles, to operating one of my favorite San Francisco night clubs. I keep finding a way back to music, my first love.
1. How did you become interested in radio?
I had done a little radio in the '90s. A few friends and I had a radio show on KNRY (Monterey AM) called The Smokin' Commissary -- don't know how we came up with the name. We had zero experience and had to come up with $200 every week to host the show. We were able to convince a few local businesses and one well-to-do kid to help us produce it. We'd lug our records and gear in every week from 10a-midnight Sunday nights.
2. How did you end up at KRML?
I met Jeff White [KRML PD] at a mutual friend's "Big Game" party. At the time I was out of work, having left behind a nightclub gig in San Francisco to move to Monterey. I pitched a show to Jeff. Then I pitched it again and again and again until he became annoyed with me. One of my favorite books/flicks is High Fidelity. I thought it would be fun to have a show that highlighted my Top 5 songs about a subject or from an artist. Top 5 Beatles covers, Top 5 De La Soul songs, etc. I produced around eight episodes at home and Jeff finally let me do it. I've been bugging him ever since.
3. With such a small staff, tell us about the many "hats" you wear at the station.
We all have to wear multiple hats at KRML. Fortunately, I've done all kinds of stuff in some capacity at one time or another. I pride myself in adapting. So, when we needed a website, I made one; when we wanted to rebrand, I made a new logo; when we need graphic design, I usually do it. This is on top of the APD duties and production manager roles in my job description. I've even dabbled in the engineering side and find it fascinating. Who knew atmospheric ducting was so interesting?
4. How would you describe the music on the station?
In one word: Evolving. Jeff has exceptional taste in music. I've learned a lot from him, and in turn, I've been able to introduce him to new music as much as he has me.
5. What new artists are most excited about?
Over the last few months I've really enjoyed projects from Cautious Clay, Khadja Bonet, and Yuno. I'm generally excited about music. I look forward to Friday morning like a kid on Christmas. Can't wait to tear the ribbon off a new song!
6. What is the biggest challenge at the station?
Getting everything done and maintaining our connection with the community.
That's a very important component to what we do and it's vital to our growth.
7. Tell us a bit about the Carmel-Monterey market.
It's tricky. On one hand, it's one of the most beautiful places on the planet. On the other it's very diverse and that can be difficult when trying to pinpoint our demo. Like the music on our station, the community is evolving. We're seeing a lot of new business growth and younger folks moving into the area.
8. What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you? The worst?
Not really advice, but a quote from Kinky Friedman. As I do not know Kinky personally, I've always thought of this quote as the perfect good advice and simultaneously bad advice. "Find something you like and let it kill you." That's such a brilliant idea. I approach everything I love like this. It could easily fulfill and bite me, and I'm okay with that.
9. What would surprise people most about you?
I co-own an eatery called Nacho Bizness. Ironically, I'm lactose intolerant.
But we do make a kick-ass vegan option.
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ...
... checking my e-mail. I need to work on that. (I figured I'd left turn this question)
Bonus Questions
Last non-industry job:
Last non-music industry job was in 2001. I worked at an amusement park for a summer. Stage managing shows.
First record ever purchased:
First tape I remember purchasing myself was "Violator" from Depeche Mode; first CD was Another Bad Creation "At the Playground;" and first 12" was A Tribe Called Quest "Scenario"
First concert:
First concert ... I'm embarrassed to say, but it was The Imperials. They were like a Christian Oakridge Boys.
Favorite band of all-time:
Ween
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?
In my spare time, I love playing with my kiddos and playing softball. Both of which I'm pretty good at.
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