DBO'S TEJANO MESSAGE BOARD: exclusive interview con monica pena. bnet

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exclusive interview con monica pena. bnet

Posted by cchwnn on May 5, 2008, 12:53 pm

Exclusive interview con Monica Pena,BNET .
SOME WHERE IN HOUSTON, TX.
Hello again I am Blanca Blanch Blanco here in Houston, Tex. doing an exclusive interview con Monica Pena.

Bbb: Good morning Ms. Pena:
Mp: Good morning Blanca! Hope you're doing well!
Bbb. Well we have wanted to do this interview for sometime Monica; can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into the radio business?
Mp: Yes this has been in the talks for a while, I'm glad we're FINALLY doing this. It’s not everyday I’m getting interviewed. I’m mostly on the other side asking the questions! I'm 30 years old and was born and raised in Houston, TX. I got my break about 5 years ago when BNetradio.com/Tejano was BANDIDO RADIO (remember that!). I had read about the station in the local newspaper and decided to tune in since we didn't have a Tejano station here at the time. When I tuned in I became friends with Roland Martinez and he invited me to the station to check it out! While there, I got on the air with him and it was great. When I got off the air, Dave Biondi walked into the room and said "I like your voice....ever considered radio?" When I told him no, he began to tell me that they had a Saturday afternoon time slot that was open and that I really should try it. I went home that day and thought about it. I came back the next day and started learning the ropes. I’ve been doing this ever since and even though we’re not paid DJ’s (we’re volunteers), I’m so blessed to be doing something that I love! The BNET staff (mostly men) nicked named me “DIVA.” I’m not really sure why but hey, “DIVA” is a good thing to be called…I’ll take it!!

Bbb: If you were to do a presentation to a gathering of young women what would you encourage them to do in regards to a career? Or even a radio career?
Mp: You know, during my pre-radio days I was the guest speaker for my former high school’s ROTC department’s Military Ball. I spoke to a group of high school kids and their parents and I began to tell the kids that I was once in their shoes not knowing what to do after graduation. I wanted to become a Military Criminal Lawyer, I wanted to be a news reporter, and I wanted to do it all!! I continued my education and worked my way up in the world! Even though there were obstacles in my life, I had to work hard to get to where I am at and I believe that I’m at one of the happiest times in my life. So for those young women out there that are still undecided, I would advise you to continue your education and keep moving forward. There will be many people you will meet in many different fields and it will open up your horizons. If you want to choose radio as a career, wonderful! The radio world is always looking for bright, young women that are full of energy! When I found BNet, I guess you can say I found my calling too. Radio is an outlet that let’s you be yourself. Sure there are rules to follow but the main rules are to smile and have fun! I can live with that! If you want to join BNET, let’s get you there!! We need more women --- more DIVAS!!! Remember, find something you like to do, so that it doesn’t feel like work!!

Bbb: We couldn’t help noticing that on your website myspace, you have a celebrity look alike, tell us what is that all about?
MP: Well, I saw many friends of mine having this Celebrity Look a-like slide show on their pages so I got curious and wanted to see which celebrity this system would say I looked like. I posted a picture of myself and the system stated I had the same facial features as Eva Peron, aka “EVITA” who was the First Lady of Argentina. WOW…I’m linked to a strong woman who had pursued a career in stage, radio and film!! Yeah we have something in common.

Bbb: How much of a difficulty is it working for a Tejano radio station, when your real heart and soul is into the Jazz music?
Mp: GREAT QUESTION! You’ve been reading my myspace page! You know, it really isn’t that difficult when you have artists like Bob Gallarza, Joe Posada and so many others that incorporate jazz tunes into their songs/sets. What most people don’t know is that I’m a HORN girl -- I played trumpet in middle and high school, learned about legendary Jazz artists and became hooked. When I’m at the station, I’m hearing Tejano for 4 hours or more. When I go home I just want to relax and unwind. On my way home I’ll put on Stanley Clark, Billie Holiday, Miles Davis or even my favorite trumpet player, Arturo Sandoval. I’ll even fall asleep with my IPOD playing jazz. Again it really isn’t that difficult when Tejano bands incorporate the sound into their songs/sets. I love it!! So, I’m really in the perfect place!

Bbb: I am sure you have read lots of postings that Tejano is dead and stuff like that, but have you noticed that many of the few that do post stuff like that, think they represent the millions of Tejanos, what is your opinion on that?
Mp: I do believe everyone is entitled to their own opinions but I don’t believe they speak for everyone. I’ve seen many posts where I’ll agree with a few sentences but turn around and NOT agree with them. I know I’m not alone in that thought. The many message boards out there are great tools to express one’s thoughts, but I don’t think they represent everyone. Some respond to the post, some don’t but I believe everyone has their unique voice; it’s up to them how they will use it.

Bbb: What is your most memorable moment as a DJ?
MP: There are many! Like the many different artists that I’ve met and have become GREAT friends with. I still get a kick when I hear my name being called by them or when I see their name pop up on my cell phone when they call me. The time I recorded a song with Los Volcanes at the Hacienda Studios in Corpus Christi, Texas - that was fun! The friendships I’ve had with all of the listeners, promoters, DJ’s (both mobile and from other stations), club owners and the artists couldn’t compare to anything in this world. Gotta love the haters too!! Lol But there is one that I will cherish for a lifetime: My 30th birthday party at Bea’s Island Club, Houston, Texas. Ruben Ramos and the Mexican Revolution were playing and they put a song in their set that they hardly ever play -- “LAS MANANITAS” -- and dedicated it to me. During the song, everyone except the horn section played, then at one part of the song I see Ruben and Rick point to the dance floor (where I was) and I turn around to find the horn section playing right behind me. What I memorable night that was and I will always cherish it for the rest of my life.

Bbb : We surely don’t want to take too much of your time, Monica, but would you like to tell the thousands of fans that listen too, what is the future of Monica Pena and what will you be doing in ten years?
Mp: WOW…10 years? It’s hard to tell what I’ll be doing in a year! I just hope that I’ll still be in radio (maybe getting paid for it), traveling the world and FINALLY be a family woman!! I also hope I’ll be remembered as the original DIVA of Tejano Internet Radio! It’s fun being the DIVA!

Bbb: We want to thank you for this interview and hope you have a very successful career, I am