Today we’d like to introduce you to Rubi Gonzales.
Rubi, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
To be completely honest, I always knew I wanted to work in the music industry. I just didn’t know I would end up working in radio.
My senior year of college at CSUF I took a radio class as an elective and ended up interning at 99.1 KGGI. That internship really propelled my interest in radio to the next level. Shortly after my internship, I was offered a position on the street team where I learned SO much. I loved working on the street team because the interaction with our listeners was constant.
After doing street team for some time I was given the opportunity to learn how to run boards which were super exciting but also slightly daunting because the pressure was on. About two years in at KGGI, I was fortunate to get an opportunity at our sister station 102.7 KIIS-FM. Initially, I was brought on as a board-op and then within a few months was offered the opportunity to produce the afternoon show.
Fast forward to today, I am still producing at KIIS-FM all while also having my own show on 99.1 KGGI on the weekends. Ever since I was in high school, I always wanted to learn how to DJ, and it wasn’t until about one year ago that I was able to buy my own controller and learn how to mix. DJ’ing is a hobby that has now turned into a “side hustle” that I LOVE.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Regardless of what industry you work in you’re eventually met with challenges, and while it hasn’t always been a smooth road, I’m lucky to have a great support system—my siblings, my close friends, and my boyfriend.
The biggest struggle for me was balancing my finances all while trying to chase this dream of being on the radio and learning how to DJ. I don’t come from a silver spoon, so my parents were never really able to help me financially (even if they wanted to).
I took on some debt when I first started interning because I left my job working at the Four Seasons so that I can fully dedicate my time to the radio. In retrospect, I think I should have been a little wiser, but you live, and you learn right?
So, as you know, we’re impressed with iHeartmedia – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m a producer for the afternoon show on KIIS-FM here in Los Angeles. I also host my own show on 99.1KGGI in the I.E. Saturdays from 2-6 pm.
Working for a company like iHeart is really a blessing because we’re a leading global media and entertainment company specializing in radio, digital, outdoor, mobile, social, live events and on-demand entertainment.
I have the best of both worlds because I’m both able to work for iHeartmedia and also DJ on my own time. DJ’ing has allowed me the freedom to work with brands that I truly admire like Kids of Immigrants and Akasa.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
At the moment, I’m really focused on being the best producer/on-air personality. I’m enjoying the ride, and while I have a plan in mind, I try not to stress about the future (even though at times it’s inevitable).
Ultimately my next big goal is to be on-air full time and to maintain my DJ “side hustle.”
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @rubigeee
- Twitter: @rubigee
Image Credit:
David Camarena @davidcamarena
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