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10 Questions with ... Bobbi Silver
January 3, 2006
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NAME:Bobbi SilverPOSITION:Philadelphia Promotion RepCOMPANY:Interscope Records
1 Please outline your radio career so far:
I am entering my 37th year of promotion all out of the city of Philadelphia. I have been with 10 different labels and I'm proud to say I was never fired, but rather followed various national directors when they moved along and they asked me to come along. The order goes something like this: Jamie Records, United Artists, Chrysalis, Island, RSO, Casablanca, Polygram, RCA, Geffen and Interscope.
2 Your career has lasted longer than many on-air/programming folk. How do you keep things interesting?
The very nature of the job is fascinating, in that I have gotten to meet so many interesting and great people who have become true friends. The qualities of the music and of the artists I get to work keep it fascinating. The music can be inspiring in many cases and the artists themselves are great people. And I love the people I work with at Interscope (we are all supportive and have such strong bonds).
3 Favorite part of the job?
My stations will tell you I work them very hard to get adds, and push them constantly (in a nice way) if I truly believe, so that when it happens, it is and always has been a great feeling! And when you help break an act it is super-gratifying.
4 Favorite artist/group you've represented?
I particularly like BECK and ADAM DURITZ (both the men and their music) and I must say I've had great experiences this year with GWEN STEFANI, STING, TRENT REZNOR and several others.
5 How would you describe today's Top 40 compared to the format back when you entered the business?
When I started, there were no computers, no research, and the stations were individually owned, so it was all about the music, but today there are so many other factors that are a part of the equation. Big hits, or little ones, I hate to think of what wonderful music we would have missed, had songs back then been subjected to the same intense scrutiny as they are today. Whereas back in the day, people would meet at each others homes to listen to and talk about music, today's programmers and music directors are overwhelmed with many other duties, which makes it difficult, for far too many reps, to meet with them and spend quality time promoting their music.
6 Of the 12-24 year-olds surveyed in a recent Bridge Ratings study 85% report that, if given a choice, they would choose their MP3 player over traditional radio. Should radio be concerned?
Yes, to a certain extent, but I still love the stations I get to listen to; they make it fun, localized and add info you can't otherwise get from a MP3 player. Radio must continue to offer significant content to keep people tuned in.
7 In the same survey, only 31% of the total sample said they get exposed to new music on the radio. How big of a role should radio have in breaking new music?
Getting a new song on the radio is still the very best way to break a record and I fully believe people want great new music and not just the same old thing. So I feel it is very important that a station play new music, as it will keep them interesting.
8 Being on the road with an artist can result in some comedy. Without naming names (unless you don't mind) is there an amusing anecdote you'd like to share?
All I can say is that I started doing promotion in 1969 so I have a decade of amusing stories but I'll reserve the right to tell those stories at a later date.
9 I hear you use a unique method for sending out holiday cards. What's the secret?
Start early in the year and write from the heart (I enclose a personal message in each and every card).
10 Do you have a hobby you enjoy, outside of the business?
I love watching sports. I used to play tennis, but really haven't done that in years since I work pretty much 24/7.
Bonus Questions
It's been said that the character Bobbi Fleckman in the film This Is Spinal Tap is loosely based on you. Do tell.
All I can tell you is that when I was with Casablanca we signed "Lenny and Squiggy" and I went on a promo tour with them. The character "Lenny" was played by Michael McKean. It was shortly after that tour that the movie was written, and McKean was cast as band member "David St. Hubbins." Another character, played by Fran Drescher, was a record label rep named "Bobbi Fleckman." Her name was similar to mine, she had the same hair, mannerisms, and some of the same experiences ... you do the math.
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