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10 Questions with ... Athena Puharic
July 2, 2017
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Athena Puharic is a 2017 graduate of Belmont University. A native of Pittsburgh, PA, she moved to Nashville to pursue a degree in Music Business. Her internships throughout college provided her with experience in radio - at Forever Media Country WOGI/Pittsburgh - and records - at Sony Music Nashville - among other music industry experience. She originally applied for a position with All Access earlier in 2017, but it was not until her final weeks of college when she was offered the position as Editorial Assistant covering Country radio and records in the Nashville office. Athena joined All Access in May of this year and has hit the ground running.
1. Athena, you're the newest member of the All Access family. Welcome! You came to us from Belmont University, where you studied Music Business. Can you tell us about why you chose to move to Nashville to pursue the music industry?
Yay! Thank you. I randomly found Belmont at a college fair. I had no idea what I was looking for; I thought I would stay in Pittsburgh and study something I wasn't even interested in, like Psychology. But, Belmont was at the fair, and I found out that Music Business is a thing, so my family and I visited within the next couple months, and I was sold. Plus, Nashville reminded me so much of Pittsburgh, except with more Country music, which is the best thing ever.
2. As a Pittsburgh native, you have a rich selection of Country music stations in your hometown. Were you always a fan of the genre? What were some of your early favorite artists in the format?
I'm a 90s baby, so I grew up listening to Britney Spears, N*SYNC, and all of those artists. When I was in the car with my mom, we'd listen to that music. But, when I was in the car with my dad, we'd listen to Dixie Chicks, Faith Hill, and Kenny Chesney. I remember growing up as the only one out of my friends to like Country music. My dad bought every album for us, too. We had all the Kenny Chesney CDs, the Toby Keith albums, and the Faith Hill records. My family would go to the Kenny Chesney concert every summer, which, if you have ever been to Pittsburgh for that show, you know it's the Super Bowl of the summer for us. Now, everyone in Pittsburgh loves Country music. It's definitely evolved. I remember being like, "I told you so," to all my friends when they finally started listening to Country. And, when I left for Nashville, they knew I was going exactly where I belong.
3. Prior to joining us at All Access, you held several internships across radio, records, and even in the trade publication world. It seems you had a very well-rounded education, so what made All Access the most appealing option for you?
All Access is so well-connected within both the Nashville music industry and in the radio world. I felt like it was the perfect first position to accept out of college. And since it was only going to be me, RJ, and Monta, I knew it would be an amazing work environment. After almost two months of being here, I feel like I have made more connections and gained more knowledge about the music/radio industries than ever before. I know that my previous experience has absolutely helped me get here, but All Access was so appealing to an aspiring music promotions girl like me.
4. As someone who managed to secure a job in your chosen profession before even officially graduating from college, what advice would you give to students looking to follow in your footsteps? What advice would you offer potential employers who are interesting in hiring the next generation of music industry professionals like yourself?
WORK YOUR ASS OFF! It's so important for students to understand that it's okay to not know exactly what you want to do, but that doesn't mean you should sit back and wait to figure it out. I knew the best thing for me, personally, was to do as many internships that I possibly could throughout college. It's also important to not be so picky when it comes to figuring things out. Yes, you realize that you're not as passionate about some departments as you are others, but if you put yourself into a positive mindset, you will be willing to do what it takes to at least enjoy what internship/job you're doing at that moment. As for employers searching for new hires, I think a lot of industry professionals have this view of Millennials that convinces them we don't work our asses off. I know there are several kids of my generation that do fall under that, but I've surrounded myself with the exact opposite. Throughout college, I would reach out to several people I knew within the industry and ask them to get coffee. Most of the time, they didn't answer me, which I always understood, but it made me promise myself to always be the one who answers those students who might reach out to me in the future. In my opinion, the best way to find the great potential employees is to get to know them in a personal way. I've heard so many stories from people in the industry about how they never had to have a resume; they just got a drink with someone and were hired a few days later. If you are worried about someone, call up their references and ask for the lowdown. But, if you meet with them a couple times and they seem like a fit, give them a chance.
5. After being with All Access for just over a month, what excites you most about the opportunities here? What do you hope to gain from your experience with the company?
I absolutely love the fact that we are a place that connects everyone. It's great to constantly know what's going on within the music and radio industries and to meet new people each week. I love that we work with everyone in the Nashville music industry, so each day brings something different. I really look forward to getting to attend events revolved solely around Country music. It's so nice to be surrounded by those who love the format just as much as I do.
6. You are a Millennial - and with that comes a lot of assumptions about your age group. But, you still seem to believe in the power of radio. How do you listen to radio, and what makes it appealing to you?
Although I am a Millennial, I still grew up listening to the radio. Seriously, when I was a little girl, I would prank call radio stations. I was so lame! I would call them and ask them to play an old song and think it was so funny. Now, I'm used to getting in my car and letting the radio play. It's just easy. I know a lot of Millennials will say that the radio overplays songs, which can be true, but most of them continue to listen. There's really nothing like it. Most of the time, I find myself actually laughing out loud at things on-air personalities say. I mean, I do have streaming services, but those come on when I don't have access to the radio, like while I'm getting ready in the morning or something. I'm also a lot more focused on radio, because it's something I eventually plan to work with, so I try to be intentional and learn all that I can about it.
7. As mentioned above, you're a bit younger than the rest of the All Access Nashville staff - and we really like that about you! What do you think radio and records staffs could learn from the younger generation of up-and-coming industry professionals? What do you hope to learn from those who have been in the business longer than you have been alive?
As annoying as my generation can seem, I think we all have creative ability. I could also be saying that because I graduated from Belmont, and everyone has a talent there. I think radio, especially, can learn a lot from my generation. I love that stations are interacting with us on social media, because that's been a great way to communicate. I believe that radio will always be "cool" as long as they are keeping up with the changing times. Keep doing giveaways, interacting online, and being present at local events. That's what will always keep listeners listening. During my internships, I really lucked out, because I had those above me willing to believe in me. And as an intern, I always loved feeling appreciated and contributing to new ideas. When it comes down to it, what generation you were born into is so irrelevant as long as you find your passion and create new concepts with others. I admire everyone in the business that's above me. There are several people in the music industry that I legit want to be like when I grow up.
8. Speaking of being young, you have a bright future ahead of you, having just completed college and making your first in-roads in the industry. What does your 10-year career path look like, in your mind?
Within the next 5 years, I hope to have experience in a label as a Promotions Coordinator, and eventually move up to a Regional. In 10 years or so, I would ideally love to be in National Promotion. I've been interested in music promotions since I was a sophomore in college, when I worked in a radio station and saw that people got to bring artists into the station, hang out backstage at concerts, travel, etc. for a living. The thought of being able to do something that fun is exciting for me. I know it's not all rainbows and butterflies, but I really look forward to chasing my dreams.
9. During the interview process, we were very impressed with your writing skills, and you've proven yourself to be a strong writer since coming on board. When did you first develop a love of writing, and how did you hone the craft?
When I was little, I always kept a journal. I still keep one! Journaling has been an essential part of my life. I love the idea of writing something down, keeping it in a safe place, and being able to look back and remember exactly how you were feeling on any given day. I am totally going to be like one of those Nicholas Sparks movies, where I leave a bunch of notes for my kids and grandchildren when I know my time is coming to an end. I also have always loved songwriting, which is much different than regular writing, but I think it's helped me to be creative and expressive. And, I always made As in English and Creative Writing, so that's a plus.
10. As a Country music fan, you've seen a lot of concerts over the years, I'm sure. Who has been your favorite artist to see live? Who are some of the artists still left on your bucket list to see that you've not yet seen live?
Oh my goodness, there are so many concerts I've loved. My most recent favorite was Maren Morris. I drove to Kentucky to see her live when her Nashville show sold out so quickly. But, when she added another Nashville show, I also went to that one. I'm not just saying this because she has her song, "My Church," but she can literally take you to church with her live performance. A few other favorites have been Kenny Chesney (of course), Brett Eldredge, Lady Antebellum - there are so many, but I won't bore you. I've also been to many Rap concerts, oddly enough. Seeing Drake live was definitely a highlight of my life. Someone I've been dying to see live is Sam Hunt. I don't know how I've gotten away with not seeing him live, but I need for it to happen! I look forward to seeing newcomers, too, like Jillian Jacqueline and Walker Hayes.
Bonus Questions
Since you are starting to call radio and meet more of the fine folks in our beloved industry, let's give them a little more insight in to the "real" Athena. Can you share five "fun facts" about yourself?
- I can probably eat a larger piece of prime rib than you.
- I'm "fun-sized," a.k.a. 5 feet tall.
- I'm a huge fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
- I made an Instagram for my dog but taught him how to run it himself.
- I was born out of Zeus' head.
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