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10 Questions with ... Todd Cavanah & Erik Bradley
November 6, 2018
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. BRADLEY: We work well together for so many reasons, first and foremost because we're such strong opposites. Todd is the science and I'm the art. He loves the mechanics of programming, the "x's and o's," the research of it all. Not to say I don't enjoy those things, but I'm much more about the artistic process. I'm about the song, forging relationships and the entertainment aspect of the business. I'll always love striving to create the perfect music log
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
E-MAIL: Todd.Cavanah@entercom.com, Erik.Bradley@entercom.com
TC: KTRS /Casper, WY; KRXY /Denver; Elektra Records/Promotion; WBBM (B96)
EB: WCKZ (Kiss 102)/Charlotte, NC; KBEQ/Kansas City, MO; WBBM (B96)
1. First off, from all of us at All Access, congrats on an amazing 25 years! Here's to the next 25.
TC + EB: Thank you! It's been an awesome ride and we love our jobs as much as we did the first day we started. We love coming in to the Entercom/Chicago offices each day and we're beyond grateful to have the opportunity to lead these stations.
2. Todd, what's the biggest change you've seen in the industry in the past 25 years?
TC: The ways in which the public consumes music. Between radio listening and streaming, the age of digital delivery has been the biggest change with the public having access to everything at their fingertips or only a swipe away.
3. ... And what surprisingly has stayed the same in the past 25 years?
TC: The fact that radio is still the best way to break artists and for music discovery. Radio is the #1 reach medium in the U.S., touching over 270 million Americans weekly. Radio takes everything to the next level. The sense of excitement that an artist feels when they hear their song on the radio is as big a deal as it's always been. When an artist is finally on the radio, it's an affirmation that you're a hit. The number of promo calls we get on a weekly basis to play all of the label priorities is also something that has stayed the same!
4. Describe the day-to-day dynamic between the two of you.
EB: We work well together for so many reasons, first and foremost because we're such strong opposites. Todd is the science and I'm the art. He loves the mechanics of programming, the "x's and o's," the research of it all. Not to say I don't enjoy those things, but I'm much more about the artistic process. I'm about the song, forging relationships and the entertainment aspect of the business. I'll always love striving to create the perfect music log.
TC: The dynamic is that we each have our lanes and although we'll frequently ride in the other's lane, we always know what the other is thinking before we say it. This collaboration is a true smooth existence and we don't take for granted how truly special and rare that really is.
5. Todd, how do we make sure that Millennials and Generation Z behind them love radio?
TC: We have to give them live experiences and bigger than life moments. Also, we have to deliver exclusive content that can only be heard on our radio stations and on the Radio.com app, which is now the fastest growing digital audio app in the U.S.
6. And how does the DreX & Nina featuring Gabe Ramirez morning show set the table for the rest of the day at B96?
TC: The show is still in its infancy. With all new relationships, our mission is to develop a strong bond with our audience. It takes time, belief and commitment. Our main goal is to not get divorced! In all seriousness, our entire morning team is extremely coachable, they love radio and are each very hard workers.
7. Erik, other than Mr. Cavanah, shout-out to a couple of your mentors from over the years.
EB: Mariah Carey is definitely one of my mentors (although I've probably never told her that so this will surprise her if she's reading). Keith Naftaly is absolutely at the top of my list, as is Todd Cavanah. Justin Timberlake, too. All the folks who helped me early on as my career was developing (Mark Shands, Jerry Clifton, Don O'Neal, Colleen Cassidy, Dennis Reese and Mike Kennedy). On a personal note, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention my parents, who instilled the work ethic, passion for what you love and caring for others. Last but certainly not least, Matthew Bryan, who inspires me every minute of every single day. Matthew makes me want to be the best version of myself.
8. Was there someone who gave you memorable advice along the way? If so, who was it and what was it?
TC: The turning point for me was (former B96 PD) Dave Shakes. Dave is/was strategic, creative, and an incredible leader. He really taught me to keep the focus on the brand. In order to be successful in any business, your brand must be strong and Dave helped bring that philosophy to life. He gave me my first big break with the chance to grow at B96 and in return I taught him how to party!
EB: The aforementioned Keith Naftaly, who taught me "the minute you think you're somebody is when you become a nobody." That still rings true today. I've never forgotten those words of wisdom. This wasn't said directly to me but it resonated just the same. Ed Sheeran was on TV in 2012 and the caption below his name read "pretty much wears a hoodie every day." I've always believed that it's the person in the clothes, not the clothes on the person and I too enjoy wearing hoodies, so that spoke to me!
9. Erik, you've had a hand in helping to break numerous artists over the years. Who are some that you're most proud to have called early?
EB: I'd rather not try to take that type of credit, but I'd like to think we've been an integral piece of the pie for many along the way. We certainly weren't the first to "discover" these (and in all seriousness who cares - does that really even matter anyway?) but I'm absolutely thrilled beyond words to see artists/friends like Camila, Bazzi, Ariana, Why Don't We, 5SOS and several others become full-fledged superstars. Each has earned every bit of their success and I couldn't be happier or prouder for and of them.
10. And how about that Mariah Carey, Erik? Are you psyched that she's back in a big way? Are you able to still keep in touch with her?
EB: Yes, we chat regularly. She is winning on so many levels right now and that fact makes me smile. She's dropping A+ songs. The "Caution" album is exceptional. Her guest spot on "The Voice" has been excellent for her brand. This tour is going to be a moment (don't miss it when it comes to your city). Plus, it's almost Christmas season and we all know what that means!
Bonus Questions
Todd, what are Erik's best qualities? And Erik, what are Todd's best qualities?
TC: He's honest. His character. He's a HUGE pop music lover. He's my best friend and I'm lucky to get to work side by side with him. Plus, it's like having ESPN sitting in the chair right next to me. I can ask him any sports-related question and he always knows the real story.
EB: Hmm. Great question. Todd cares. He is an exceptional radio mind. He always knows how to keep the atmosphere fun and light. He's a strategic thinker in all facets. He's loyal and he adores his family more than anything else in the world.
Mike or LeBron? Why?
EB: Is this even a question? I have a UNC tattoo, so you know where my allegiances are yesterday, today and always. MJ for the win every single day. He's undefeated in the Finals; the Jordan brand is classic.He chose the best university of all-time and frankly his record is just superior. There's just no debate on this question.
TC: Yeah, what EB said!
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