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10 Questions with ... Jason "Thriller" Miller
June 28, 2005
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POSITION:Mgr. of National PromotionsCOMPANY:Provident Label GroupFORMAT:ACLOCATION:Franklin, TNBORN:2/6/75RAISED:Franklin, TN
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I began working in Christian music in 1999 at AristoMedia in Nashville, TN. I handled the Christian music video promotion department for about 3 years. Following that I helped launch the Christian section of All Access, and built that up over a 2-year span of time whereabouts I got hired by PLG to come promote songs to Christian AC radio. A crazy ride into a field that I never thought I would get into. Actually, I vowed never to be a record promoter while in college. God does have a sense of humor!
1. What made you want to get into the music business? Early mentors? First job?
I love music. I'm passionate about music. I've been deeply involved in music since a very early age. I spent 2 ½ years of college as a mechanical engineer when it finally dawned on me that I wanted to do something in the realm of music. So after I completed every Calculus course in the book, I turned around and sought a degree in music business.
I honestly haven't felt like I had a true mentor until recently when coming to work for PLG. Andrew Patton is an amazing promoter, planner, thinker and make-it-happen man of God. I have learned an immeasurable amount from him these past 15 months. I've had a lot people shape me the past 5-6 years though. Craig Bann and Jeff Walker at AristoMedia taught me the basis of promotions, and how to get out there and get connected. Joel Denver showed me how to stay on top of everything, and constantly be looking for a new way to reach people. All of this has played a major role in who I have become as a promoter.
My first job was as a music video promoter. I got the job through an internship I did while at Belmont. I was in charge of getting music videos played to over 150 different stations and video programs, growing the Christian music video panel, and bringing in the label clients. I learned a lot about myself while there.
2. What do you think is the most important topic facing the Music Business and Radio right now? Why?
Ironically, I think the most important topic facing us right now is how are we gonna operate in the near future with all the new technologies we'll have at our fingertips. Our future target listeners/buyers are growing up a lot more tech savvy than we did. They don't need radio or records anymore. They can now get what they want the second they want it. How will radio and record labels embrace a future where listeners/consumers fill all their music needs through their cell phones or other portable devices? That's just one option for the future, but one that will drastically change how we all do business. There's so much uncertainty on the horizon that radio and labels need to be ready to adapt as quickly as possible.
3. What does Christian Radio need to do in order to break through to a mass audience on a more consistent basis?
I don't believe that Christian Radio will ever break through to a mass audience. It's not from a lack of trying. Christian Radio is doing a better job than they have ever done, and that is evidenced in the great ratings stations like KCMS and KBIQ, to name two, have had recently. To truly break through to a mass audience, Christianity has to be accepted, and society as it is, will not do that. I think Christian Radio is doing a great job of reaching those that they can, and if they continue to work hard at doing just that, then they will reach more and more people.
4. What gets you excited to come to work everyday?
2 things - the people and the music. The core of everything we do (Radio and Labels) is building relationships. Radio has to build a relationship with its listeners to keep them listening and coming back everyday. I get to build relationships with programmers, promoters, artists and consumers everyday and that to me is exciting! It's great to see people you work with succeed. To be able to contribute to that in some small way is great, but it is also important to grieve with each other when things don't happen like we expect. I've been lucky to develop some lifelong friendships out of what I do, and look forward to the trips, conventions and fly-ins we get to do just to get to spend time with those people. That's what this all about - people and relationships. Following that, I love music and to be involved from the beginning in launching a new project or career is truly one of the best things about this job.
5. In our highly competitive music field, where it seems more and more that every artist needs something special to get paid attention too, how do you position yourself, and your label, to get YOUR artists the shot they need?
Music sells music. Great songs get airplay. You have to have that foundation to succeed in the current music environment. We strive first and foremost to bring the best music to the table. Going beyond the music, relationships are key. Getting to know PDs, MDs, Promotions Directors and staff are the key to better understanding how a station operates and where best you, your artists and your label can fit in. I want my stations to know that I'm here to take care of them and help out in any way that I can.
6. What's your take on current music? Is it as good as say, six months ago? Better than it was? Same?
Better. It has to be or it won't get any exposure anymore. Music that was hot 2-3 years ago would have trouble competing with what is out now. Artists like Casting Crowns, Jeremy Camp, Joy Williams and Chris Tomlin have changed all of that in the past 2 years. They've created music that not only sounds amazing, but that connects on an emotional/personal level.
7. What project are you working on right now that gets you the most excited?
Hands down the new Casting Crowns project. Most people would not believe that any band could top their debut album, but they have done it with Lifesong. Every single song on the project is a hit song. We love this problem, but now we have to figure out exactly what to send to radio because they could all work. This project will dominate sales charts and radio charts for months to come, but more than that, the songs will challenge believers, comfort those who hurt and raise voices in praise across the globe. I can't wait for this to street!
8. If you could have any job outside the music business, what would it be?
Professional golfer. I love to play, and could do so everyday if the funds would allow it.
9. What book have you read that has touched you or taught you the most?
A book I've been reading as of late through a Bible study group I'm in is Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller. The beauty of this book is that you can follow the author (a much higher minded individual than I) as he experiences life and comes to know God. His walk was very different from my walk, but I've learned a lot about myself through looking back at his walk. It's just really cool to see how someone else has come to believe in God. It has challenged me to look back at my life and see where I made life-changing decisions and why.
10. What is your favorite quote?
Tommy: Did you hear I graduated? Richard: Yeah and just a shade under a decade. Alright. Tommy: A lot of people go to college for seven years. Richard: Yeah, they're called doctors.
Bonus Questions
What's new to your iPod right now?
Casting Crowns - Lifesong
The Afters - I Wish We All Could Win.Favorite TV program?
Present - Survivor or Amazing Race
Past - The A Team. -
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