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10 Questions with ... Jeff Ballard
June 4, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. I'm just thankful to have an outlet that truly matters when it comes to breaking new artists. Artists can have great streaming numbers, etc., but the jets kick in when Alternative radio lock in and supports. Radio connects the dots between streaming, social media, etc. and actual fans that want to support artists
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Played and managed the rock bands I was in while growing up in Smithville, MO before moving to Los Angeles. I got my foot in the door at Capitol Records (lucky) where I worked for 5 years doing College, Non Comm, Specialty and indicator Triple A Promotion before jumping over to Nettwerk Records almost 14 years ago.
1. How did you become interested in the record business?
I knew from an early age that my love of music was a bit more obsessive than most kids. I would comb over all the liners notes on records, put on air guitar concerts with a few friends for classmates, etc. Then I started playing in bands by junior high - which led to me playing in a real band. I did all the day-to-day for all of the bands I was in, from booking shows, promoting and basically educating myself on all sides of the music industry. My first real job in the record business though was for Capitol Records in 2001.
2. What stands out the most about how your job has changed from when you first joined Nettwerk almost 14 years ago?
What hasn't changed is the real question?!! I think the main thing though is the amount of metrics and data that is at our fingertips that we can utilize now.
3. Give us the 411 on Nettwerk Music Group.
35 Years of True Artist Development is the first thing that comes to mind. Originating out of Vancouver, we now have offices in NY, Boston, Germany, London and Australia. At Nettwerk, it really is about signing artists we love and are passionate about. The company is filled with brilliant, forward thinking minds that have the artist's best intentions in mind and actually mean it! We are a family in the most literal sense where we work extremely hard to find the right path that we can agree on with the artists and then work it longer than anybody else!
4. Mallrat is one of your current priorities breaking at Alternative now. Give us the sales pitch on Mallrat - Groceries and what else you have coming up for Alternative Radio.
We signed Mallrat 3 years ago when she was just turning 17 years old out of Brisbane, Australia. We knew we had a one of kind artist and it was about taking our time with artist development and also about her and the label evolving together until we felt it was right to push down the pedal. Every song she released had upward trajectory engagement on all platforms. "Groceries" currently has over 37 Million Streams and the response in Streaming, Shazam, etc. at Alt Nation (Critical Cut March 2019), Radio 104.5/Philly, Alt 105.3/SF, etc., clearly shows the song is extremely reactive at radio!
New records coming: SYML "Break Free" and Run River North "Wake Up."'
5. How would you describe your promotion style?
Data driven. As an indie label, we must have 20 more bullet points than our peers and digging in to find another angle is a must. With that said, I am extremely laid back since c'mon, isn't this all about having fun, we're in the friggen music industry!
6. What may surprise people the most to learn about the label?
That we offer the same services you can get at any major label. Radio, press, film/TV sync, DSP promotion, management, etc.
7. What is your favorite part of your job?
The music first, followed up by the people I work with. We are all extremely lucky to continue moving forward in an industry we love and that never gets lost on me. The fact that my entire life has revolved around music is unbelievable. I am very fortunate.
8. What are your thoughts on the state of Alternative Radio?
Since I am not always promoting artists to Alternative Radio, it's probably not fair to have an opinion on it. I'm just thankful to have an outlet that truly matters when it comes to breaking new artists. Artists can have great streaming numbers, etc., but the jets kick in when Alternative radio lock in and supports. Radio connects the dots between streaming, social media, etc. and actual fans that want to support artists.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ___________?
My wife. She makes our family move forward and is just an amazing human. Oh and coffee.
10. What would surprise people most about you?
That I have twins and that I also have an identical twin brother myself!
Bonus Questions
Tell us about your rock star days.
Started in bands at a young age. Moved to L.A. with one goal -- to become a rock star. Yeah.... that didn't quite happen the way I thought it would, but I did go onto play in a band called Something To Burn. Scott Weiland (RIP) of Stone Temple Pilots signed us to his imprint label under Sony. Made a record, toured the world and did some cool stuff. Fave thing was playing to 30k in Beijing. Again, very fortunate.
Who were some of your personal favorite new artists in 2019?
Not a new band, but the new album from Circa Waves is amazing. Also love the new SYML full length album, The Dirty Nil, Sam Fender and the Maggie Rogers record has been on high rotation since its release in January.
What are weekends like for you?
The family and I go camping a lot. We have an RV so I'm trying to take advantage of it as much as possible until my kids kick me to the curb!
You are a huge Kansas City Chiefs fan. How did you become a Chiefs fan?
Growing up in a small town just outside of Kansas City, it's basically mandatory to root for the Chiefs. I haven't missed watching a game for 25 years straight.
My family and I choose a new stadium each year to meet up and watch our beloved Chiefs. A bit of a family reunion each year. GO CHIEFS!!
When you get back home to Missouri and what are your top priorities?
I don't get back as much since my kids came along, but when I do, it's all about family, friends and drinking A LOT of beer.
What are your hobbies?
Watching Chiefs football, listening to my all-time favorite band KISS and now the kids hobbies are mine - Which are flag football, baseball, ice skating and Taekwondo. Amazing how that works isn't it?
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