-
10 Questions with ... Bob Catania
January 26, 2009
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:Bob CataniaLABEL:Right Way Music Group
Please outline your radio career so far:
Island Records, Geffen Records, Elektra Records, Chime Entertainment, Rocket Science Promotion, Right Way Music Group, and several others.
1) What is your favorite part of the working in the music industry?
I would have to say working with my promotion peers. I have had the chance to mentor quite a few very successful executives over the years and their success gives me great joy.
2) What led you to a career in the music business?
A love of music ... and a college roommate who had a friend who got me a mailroom job at a local distributor! One day in the mailroom and I never looked back ... going on 32 years!
3) What was the first concert you ever attended?
Humble Pie in Asbury Park. Opening band was a local act..."The Bruce Springsteen Band."
4) What's been the most significant change in the business since you've been in it?
I think that this is a great time for those of us at independent labels. The key is to stay up on every change and adapt to the new ways. We have great artists and great talent to break those artists. Most important: We stay committed LONG TERM and will not leave you hanging.
5) What's the best concert you've been to so far this year and why?
Going to see the Beatles show "Love" in Las Vegas...that would be the best.
6) What new ways are you coming up with to build stories on songs and artists?
I really think the social networks are telling great stories about fan reaction to music. Once we are able to quantify that information in a viable way, I think you will see a new process in breaking music. See "most frustrating" below.
7) What's been your most rewarding project to work?
No question, Melissa Etheridge. She has stood the test of time and her music is timeless.
8) What's been the most frustrating project you've ever worked?
I have to say there has been a litany of frustrations over the years. When you are so close to a project and are "seeing" what others are not is what keeps me up at night. I think of Black Lab at Geffen as a no-brainer that just did not connect.
9) What's the longest road trip you've ever been on, and where did it take you?
There are very few places I have not been, but I can't recall the longest trip. I do know that I still love those trips as the one-to-one contact is more important than ever.
10) Looking back, which years hold the best musical memories for you and who were your favorite acts at that time?
I have enjoyed every moment in this business, but I have to say my Island years were the greatest. We had AMAZING music and everything was a left-fielder, so the pressure was not crazy, and we broke incredible records. Island is now celebrating 50 years! Congratulations Chris!
Bonus Questions
1) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
I am a voracious reader and have a massive book collection to go along with all the vinyl I still have.
2) What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod?
A few of the ABBA classics.
3) Which character on a current TV series most reflects your personality?
Mack from CSI NY. I am consistent; cover all the bases; support my staff always; and love my family.
4) As you look back over your career ... any regrets? Missed opportunities?
I had a chance to work for Clive Davis and I missed it. That would have been an incredible education.
-
-