Today we’d like to introduce you to Pedro De Anda.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My name is Pedro De Anda but you can call me Paydro. I am 29 years old and I was born and raised in the city of Pico Rivera, CA. I come from a proud Mexican family where music is a huge part of our lives. Growing up, I always knew I was going to do something with music, I just did not know what it was. When I was 20 years old, I was listening to the radio in my car, when it suddenly hit me that I wanted to be a Radio personality. Here is what I have done to accomplish just that. I began volunteering for a non-profit organization named NCLR Los Angeles in 2013 to conduct their annual award show known as the ALMA awards. I helped out for a couple of years in which I was able to network and meet a few consultants through the entertainment industry. In 2014, I applied for an internship at Power 106 with their DJ mixer known as DJ Pjay in which I was 1 of 2 selected from many that applied to help DJ Pjay build his brand. I interned with Pjay for about nine months in which I was able to help him expand his social media following through digital platforms. I also contributed in helping Pjay update his profiles for all his mix sites as well as help him build a brand in which he had a vision for.
In July of 2015, I met Radio Personality Sandra Pena from Mega 96.3 through a mutual friend named Keven Ramirez. He introduced me to Sandra at a family function, where Sandra Pena learned my interest for Radio and the action I was taking already to pursue my dream of being a Radio Personality. After conversing for a while that night, she then told me about a position available in the street team (promotions) for the company, Spanish Broadcasting System, in which is home to two sister stations in Los Angeles known as La Raza 97.9 fm and Mega 96.3 fm. We exchanged contact info and no more than two days later, Sandra reached out to me and asked for my resume so she can turn in to the promotions manager. I kid you not, a couple of hours later I received a call confirming my first interview for Radio. I was excited and nervous at the same time but nothing had felt greater than to hear that call.
After my first and only interview with the company, they proceeded to offer me the position as a street teamer to represent both La Raza and Mega. I accepted the position as a street teamer, which resulted in me ending my internship with Dj Pjay in July of 2015. On October of 2015, Sandra presented me the opportunity I have been searching for. She asked me to make a demo and present it to our Program Director so I can apply and be promoted to On-Air/DJ. I presented my demo to our Program Director and immediately received great feedback as well as the opportunity to be able to cover overnights On the Air during the holiday season. On December 17 of 2015, I had the opportunity to finally go on the air and accomplish what I had been working for in the last four years. Since then, I have been talking to you on the air every weekend on Mega 96.3 fm. Although I am nowhere near where I would like to be, I am still enjoying the process and hope to inspire through my ability to talk on the mic.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Any goal you try to accomplish, struggles will present themselves. A few struggles I’ve encountered are the sacrifices I’ve had to make to obtain my dream. For example, working two jobs with inconsistent work hours to just be able to provide financially for myself. Loss of sleep is another struggle I’ve encountered when you’re trying to make it in the entertainment industry. You go from working a full 8 hour shift to come out of work and get ready for an event that ends at 2am to network and then coming home to sleep for 3 hours to wake up and go to your second job seven days a week. The biggest struggle I have encounter is missing out on family time such as birthdays, holidays and accomplishments. These are moments you will never get back, yet somehow, I’ve managed to make it work. No matter what, always keep pushing.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a Radio Host/On Air Personality for Mega 96.3 fm in Los Angeles. I am known for my catchphrase at the end of every talk break, “Subele!”, meaning, turn it up in Spanish. Subele came in the spur of the moment out of nervousness the very first time I went on air and has stuck with me ever since. I am known for giving motivating speeches or simply uplifting people in the most positive way. I am proud of the way I was raised by my family. They have taught me hard work and discipline but most importantly to never give up and always show up and show out. I am proud of the continuous support I have received from my family, my girlfriend and to all the new people who have jumped on my journey and have simply given me uplifting feedback. In terms of what sets me apart, I have the ability to make people feel comfortable when first meeting them. I know how to talk to people and make them feel important so they can see the value in themselves. I am confident enough to say that I bring out the best in people and I am grateful to be able to inspire through conversation.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is an emotion. I strongly believe that everyone is already successful in their own way. I do not define success by status but more in their gratitude. Happiness is the ultimate key to success, the ability to wake up every morning knowing that you have done your best to this day and not having regret. Also, being grateful for what you have is a sign of success because there is always going to be someone that would like to be in your position but life chose you to be in it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/pay_droooo
- Twitter: twitter.com/pay_droooo
Image Credit:
Raymon Martinez
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