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10 Questions with ... Amanda Alexandrakis
July 7, 2008
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NAME:Amanda AlexandrakisTITLE:VP (Co-Owner)MARKET:USA-AustraliaBORN:Missoula, MTRAISED:Missoula, MT & Gig Harbor, WA
1) Go back in time. With the state of the industry today and knowing what you know now, would you still have chosen your same career path in the Music Industry? And, would you recommend a younger sibling to make a career in the Music Industry?
Yes! I love my job! I am adventurous at heart and am not afraid of risk (I've been lucky.) I probably wouldn't recommend it to anyone unless they understood what they were getting themselves into!!! Did I mention that I LOVE MY JOB?
2) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?
When I started working for a label, I was already convinced that I was going to be a stuntwoman or a meteorologist (I even told my boss that I was leaving to pursue these things). I had practiced for months to learn to do a back flip in heals to audition for the Batman Stunt show at Six Flags where I could earn enough money to pay for the college that offered a major in meteorology...But, before the auditions, I broke my wrist and realized that I should probably stick to radio promotion. I ended up getting student loans and majoring in Marketing, later getting my masters in International Business.
3) With tighter budgets these days, what creative ideas have you used to bring visibility to your new artists?
SBMP recently launched radio promotion services in Australia. While we are successful with our U.S. campaigns, we are looking globally to see where else we can make an impact.
4) Many say that because of the Internet, we are now in a "singles business." Should musicians be writing and recording every song with the intention of getting radio play? Or is the public looking for more than three-minute uptempo songs with catchy hooks?
While I see how singles are becoming a norm (especially with iTunes, etc.), I still would like to think that people want access to the album. I might have to concede that it looks like it's going that way, but I think it is more of the industry forcing that change rather than the consumers asking for it.
5) The music field is very competitive - it seems as if every artist needs a gimmick just to get noticed. How do you position yourself, and your label, to get YOUR artists the shot they need?
I look at the big picture. I try to pick out an artist's competitive advantage and use those advantages to help propel a record. You'd be surprised what one can find out by investing in a short conversation with an artist!
6) What should radio be doing now to secure a role in the future of the ever-changing media landscape?
I'd like to see more radio stations accept digital files rather than keep physically pressing singles. I feel it's more efficient, cost effective for the labels, and better for the environment.
7) What is the biggest change that you'd like to see happen in the business?
I'd like to see a larger selection of major market stations take more risks on their playlists.
8) What do you like best about your job? Least?
I love talking to new people. I dislike doing reports and dealing with the rude people.
9) What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you? The worst?
(Best) "Your word is golden." (Worst) "Tell them what they want to hear."
10) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?
It's exhilarating to watch a project which I worked on elevate to the masses. I also enjoy the changing environment. Everyday is different and you never know what is going to happen!
Bonus Questions
1) What do you do in your spare time?
I rescue homeless animals.
2) What made you want to get into the music business? Who were your early mentors?
Frankie LaRocca. I met Frankie at a music conference when I first started in the business. He was so nice to me and always took an interest in my career from then on. (He even refused to do business with a company that tried to steal a client from me.) I will never forget his kindness.
3) Do you hate talking on the phone when you're not working?
Nope! All my friends who have known me since I was a teenager say I have the perfect job for me! I always liked to plot (a.k.a. marketing) and talk on the phone! Now I get paid to do both! :)
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