Working as a KCRW DJ is a dream come true for Mario Cotto, a preacher’s kid from North Philadelphia.
A former middle school teacher and improviser, Mario moved to LA to pursue a career in sketch comedy. He started volunteering at KCRW, assisting longtime DJ's Eric J. Lawrence, Jason Bentley, Chris Douridas and Tom Schnabel. Once Mario realized he was spending more time at the station than at the theater, he knew this was where he belonged.
His first 5 records were Menudo's Quiero Rock, Michael Jackson's Thriller, The Beatles' Rubber Soul, Michael W. Smith's Project and -- unbeknownst to his parents -- The Beastie Boys' License to Ill.
His sound is inspired by; strong coffee, Marcel Duchamp’s ready-mades, the NuYorican Poet’s Café, SAMO, Philadelphia’s Making Time, Blade Runner, golden-age hip hop, Manchester, Repo Records, arroz con pollo, shell-top sneakers with New Yorker laces, ESPO, Tristan Tzara’s 1918 manifesto, breakfast cereal, comic books, and metropolitan railways.
Mario Cotto on KCRW
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