Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Kali Kat

Artist Interview: 1-on-1 with Kali Kat

We met on Twitter, and have yet to meet in person. I also, and I HATE to admit this, have not heard her on the radio. But I follow her on Twitter and love her content. She is fun, and is having the time of her life. At least according to what she shares online! According to her Twitter profile, she loves radio writing, music and movies. Sounds like she would be a fun person to hang out with! We haven’t met in person, but I asked to interview her for my blog. She was happy to do so, and was fun to work with. If you want to hear more from Kali Kat, you can listen to her on the weekends on Power 98.3 FM if you are in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Until then, you can learn all about her here. Enjoy!


You have an awesome name. Is that your real name, or your radio name?

Thanks! Part of it is. My real name is Katherine Landingin, but nobody really calls me Katherine, unless you’re my mom. I go by “Kat” with friends, and “Kali” comes from where I am from, California.

Speaking of the radio, you are on Power 98.3 on the weekends. Tell me more about that position.

Yes! Tune in for Power Mix Weekends and you will hear me on the mic!

Have you worked for other radio stations in the past?

I have not, actually. Power 98.3 is my first gig. I’m what they call a “baby jock.” I started at Power 98.3 as a promotions intern then interned for the morning show, at the time. I interned for about a year until I officially got hired. I then became the morning show producer, which by the way is NOT easy. I definitely give A LOT of credit to those stressed out producers who NEVER sleep because they don’t want to miss anything! After a year of producing, I was given the opportunity to be the talent instead of behind the scenes.

Do you ever get nervous on the air?

All the time! Ha! What’s weird is that instead of getting nervous before jumping on the mic, I get butterflies right as I am finishing my first talk break. I don’t think that will ever go away, but that’s fine with me. I kind of like it.

You are on the air on the weekends… what are you doing during the week?

Drowning myself in over priced textbooks… Ugh! (Laughs.) No, but really, I am a full time student at ASU. I graduate in December with an English major and Special Events Management minor… I am literally counting the days until graduation. As far as my day job is concerned, I help my mom run an after school tutoring business.

Wait, what are you doing on My 103.9? Isn’t that a conflict of interest?

Actually, it’s not. We’re owned by the same company, Riviera Broadcasting. Weekenders are allowed to be on more than one station if they are sister-stations. I’ve been doing weekends on My103.9 FM for almost a year now. I wanted to learn the dynamics of being on a Hot AC format radio station. Don’t get me wrong, I love my hip hop, that’s mostly what I heard growing up, but I want to make sure that I am open minded and comfortable in different areas. I want to make myself available for more opportunities. Plus I’m just a music lover in general!

You are all over Twitter. It looks like you are all over Facebook, too. Oh, and Instagram. Do you manage all of your social media accounts? Do you have a favorite network?

Of course! I’m not THAT famous. (Laughs.) I’m kidding, I’m not at all! I handle all my social media, which I don’t mind at all! I love networking and of course connecting with listeners. I tend to also vent over Twitter, which I’m sure you’ve seen. I’m obsessed with Instagram over all.

You have a blog… But it doesn’t look like you blog very much. Why don’t you write more? By the way, I love your blog!

Oh, gosh… I know! I smack myself for not being consistent. The ironic thing is that, I’m a writer. Now I just think that’s sad, but blogging is a job in its own. I stopped earlier this year because I decided to focus more on my studies. I definitely feel that I haven’t been 100% dedicated to school and it’s important for me to graduate in December.  I will start up again soon, though! I have too much to say.

I bet you get invited to all the big parties being on the radio. Have you met any celebrities along the way?

Yes, lots! Some pretty popular ones now, Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, J.Cole, Jonn Hart, Far East Movement, Ed Sheeran, Andy Grammer… I can go on. I’ve also met Ronnie from Jersey Shore, Columbus Short, bunch of basketball players and a ton of comedians. Favorite has to be Carlos Mencia!

When you are not on the radio, what are you listening to?

The radio. Ha! Being a radio personality, I listen with a completely different mindset than your average listener. I’m always studying and critiquing other radio personalities or stations. It’s just something you naturally do. Ask any other jock!

But when I don’t listen to the radio, I’m guilty of jammin’ out to my iPod.

I’d like to buy you a drink. What would you like?

Amaretto Sour… Yes, please!

People can book you. What exactly can people book you for? Like birthday parties or graduation parties?

Hosting clubs or events! I don’t jump on the turntables, I just stick to the mic!

I see you saw “This Is The End.” I hear that’s a pretty great movie. Thoughts on the film?

You haven’t seen it?! It’s amazing! I love the male cast, especially James Franco! I love stupid funny movies like that.

It’s hot here in the Valley. Where are you originally from?

Tell me about it. California.

You take a lot of photos. I hope you have a smart phone!

iPhone, son!

If I call 260-1039, will you answer?

If I’m on the air at the time, yessir!

KTAR is my favorite radio station. Don’t be mad! When you aren’t at work, what are you listening to on the radio?

Of course it would be. (Laughs.) No, of course I’m not mad! I get down with talk radio too! When I’m not listening to the stations I’m on, I’ll be browsing through all the stations. Gotta know your competition!

You are live on the radio… Does that mean you are literally live, or is there a delay?

There is a 10 second delay, but other than that, I am always live!

I bet you go to a lot of concerts. What is the best concert you have ever been to?

I have two! Definitely when I saw Justin Timberlake at STAPLES Center and The Roots here in Phoenix.

Speaking of concerts, I am still fairly new to the Valley. What are some of the better music venues in Arizona?

Jobing.Com Arena is huge! I saw Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift there. US Airways Center is really popular and a great venue for concerts. Mesa Amphitheatre is pretty sweet, too. I’ve seen Lupe Fiasco perform there. I prefer the open, outdoor, (in winter, of course) grass vibe venue.

“I AM WOMAN. HERE ME ON THE RADIO!!!” I think it’s, “I am woman. Here me roar.” Where did that tagline come from?

Exactly from what you just said. I had to put my own spin on it!

What’s next for Kali Kat?

A full-time gig!!! Whether it be here in Phoenix or a smaller market, I want to expand and grow. For now, until I graduate, I am working on branding myself in the city, events, clubs, etc., social media, and continue doing my thing on the radio.

That was fun. Thank you for your time, Kali. In all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go!

Being a woman in this industry can be tough at times, but it’s important to never lose sight of yourself and what you want. I’m not perfect, but I will be the best I can be in life doing what I love and hopefully helping a sista out along the way. Stay hungry, stay humble… stay you.

Connect with Kali Kat:
Website: http://www.iamkalikat.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaliKat214
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamkalikat