For our weekly “In It for the Money” feature, we’ll be introducing you to the kick-ass Knock Knockers who make everything go, from creative to sales to logistics to . . . everything! Note—everybody answers the first five questions. After that, they have about fifteen wild-card questions from which to choose.
1. Name and title? Pilar Díaz, office manager and assistant to the CEO and CCO.
2. Originally from? Santiago de Chile—Sudamerica!
3. What the hell do you do all day? Mainly, I walk up and down the stairs, because I manage things on both sides of the Knock Knock world—creative and business, right brain and left brain, sides divided by stairs. I like the fact that I’m never in front of the computer for too long before someone needs my help. Oh, and I should also confess that as a writer of songs, I am constantly thinking up melodies and lyrics in my head all day. So, if I seem distracted at a meeting, it’s just cause I’m masterminding my next big hit! Watch out, Gaga!
4. Favorite thing about working at Knock Knock? 1. I’m happy that Knock Knock isn’t afraid to hire a musician—that takes guts! 2. Everyone has a great sense of humor and sense of camaraderie. I don’t feel like an outsider, yay! 3. I’m never bored. Every day is different. 4. I love that our head honcho brings her dogs to the office. I get to hang out with them and receive some unconditional love.
5. Favorite hobbies outside work? I just started fencing! My childhood dream of becoming Princess Leia is coming true. I also like taking pictures of vintage or weird and interesting neon signs. I like to go dancing anywhere; clubs, small dive bars, weddings, gyms, parks, backyards, my room. I knit in front of the TV, too. And reading—I love to read books. (If only I had more time.)
6. Did your professional life exist before Knock Knock? As a musician/songwriter, I’ve had my share of day jobs to pay the bills when the music gigs are null. I’ve done everything—from teaching yoga to nannying to assisting film music composers and organizing their personal lives. All these experiences have made for quite a colorful palette of themes for songs to write about. Once I make it big, I hope to take all of Knock Knock on the road with me!
7. Favorite Knock Knock product? The whole Lines For All Occasions books, especially Insults and Comebacks for all Occasions. A nice girl like me needs this kind of help and encouragement to be a “bitch.” (I mean, more assertive.)
8. Favorite TV show? Of all time, it’s Three’s Company and Freaks and Geeks. Of now, it’s Mad Men. Also, thanks to my roomies for introducing me to the Fox Soccer channel on cable, I now have a huge crush on soccer player David Silva, who plays for Manchester City. So, my new favorite TV show is any soccer match that David Silva plays in.
9. Any hidden talents? Nah! It’s all up on pilardiazmusic.com.
10. Interesting factoid no one would know about you from first glance? I am a walking GPS. Not kidding, it’s true. Photographic memory is my friend, from my days of being a very independent kid, walking to and from school on my own, to the years of rock band touring I’ve done across the US and other countries. This all makes for a resourceful walking compass—me.
11. What’s in your music rotation right now? Due to my new commute from Silver Lake to Venice four times a week (thanks, Knock Knock), I have become a radio listener again. It’s been a while! Currently, I listen to KCRW-FM (89.9) Morning Becomes Eclectic with Jason Bentley and he’s really picking some great music for that show right now. I also love, love, love Recuerdos-FM (103.9), because it plays all the Latin American oldies and cumbia I grew up hearing in Chile and that my family would sing. When I’m feeling sappy, I like listening to KOST-FM (103.5), and when I want to dance to a few New Jack Swing hits, I turn up 102.3 KJLH and 93.5 KDAY.
12. Favorite place to sit back and relax? Griffith Park Observatory. It’s romantic, it’s nature, it’s Los Angeles. When I get married, I hope to have my wedding there! But first, let me get a boyfriend.
13. Hero in life you look up to? My father. He went through hell and back to immigrate to the US so I could have more opportunities. Hands down, he made one of the biggest sacrifices I’ve seen a person make. But at the same time, it was a bold and adventurous move to explore what else is out there in the world.
14. What advice would you give your past self? Life’s too short. Do and say what you need and want now, not later or never.
15. Song you would pick as your theme song? It’s always tough to ask a musician/songwriter what their favorite music anything is. So, I’ll just go with the first thing that pops into my head, and that is “Break My Stride” by Matthew Wilder. As a songwriter, it’s everything I love about a perfect pop song: it’s catchy, has a chorus that you just can’t help sing-along to, it’s upbeat even though it’s about going through something tough in life, and all that in three minutes! The reason I love this song, from a personal perspective, is because it reminds me of being a kid in the ’80s in the San Fernando Valley, roller skating in our apartment complex’s parking lot with all my friends and not having a worry in the world . . . ah. The video for this song embraces many things I love: neon, asymmetrical fashion, bold colors, lip-sync, pop music, and a performer engaging with his or her audience in a party atmosphere. To me, it just oozes fun.