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10 Questions with ... Manny Simon
August 18, 2009
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NAME:Manny SimonPOSITION:Regional Promotion Manager (TX, OK, LA, TN, AR, MS)LABEL:Island Def Jam Music Group
Please outline your radio career so far:
1998-1999 - Glassnote Records
1999-2003 - Artemis Records
2003-2004 - Worldwide Entertainment Group
2004-2006 - Artemis Records
2006-present - Island Def Jam Music Group1) What led you to a career in "reckidz," as they say in New York?
I've always been so passionate about music and finally, after college, when I was working for Nextel Communications, I said enough is enough, I better get moving here with my dream of being in "reckidz." I sent out resumes to every label person and entertainment company I could think of. I then walked into Glassnote Records and met Daniel Glass. He gave me my first shot and moved me to San Francisco a year or so later at Artemis Records and told me to get Khia "My Neck My Back" on the radio ... good thing there was a major edit.
2) What is your favorite part of the job?
I have two favorite parts to this job: 1) To stand in the back of an arena or small club and watch the band that I have been busting my ass on play live for their fans. It makes everything all worth it; 2) Hearing a song by a new artist that I've been working on the radio for the first time. I'll never forget hearing "One Time" by Justin Bieber, "Wanted" by Jessie James and "She Is Love" by Parachute for the first time on-air.
3) What's been the most significant change in the business since you've been in it?
I'm sure we can all agree that it's the decline in CD sales and record stores closing down. Growing up, it was a blast to hit Record World, Tower Records, Virgin Records, etc. and go through CDs A to Z ... and the import section was a bonus! It's still fun to shop for music digitally (and easier), but not the same experience.
4) What's the longest road trip you've ever been on, and where did it take you?
When I worked for Worldwide Entertainment Group (mgmt company), our main client was Courtney Love. I flew from NY to LA, to London, to Paris, then to the South of France with Courtney to record her first solo album about five years ago. I was with her day and night for about five weeks. I still wake up with nightmares.
5) What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod?
My father is a Doo-Wop collector, so I grew up listening to some of the rarest Doo-Wop songs from the '50s. I have groups like the Jive Five, The Ideals, The Cadillacs, etc. on my iPod. That's where it all started from.
6) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
I grew up in Jericho, Long Island -- many great stations to choose from, but Z100 would have to be #1. I also remember when WKTU signed on ... that was pretty exciting and different. Those Long Island girls loved it!
7) Looking back, which years hold the best musical memories for you and who were your favorite acts at that time?
I miss the late '80s and early '90s music. All that fun Dance music! Blackbox, TKA, C+C Music Factory, Bell Biv DeVoe, Stevie B, I can go on and on ... reminds me of high school on Long Island.
8) What music do you listen to when you're not working?
Most people who know me, know that I'm a HUGE Hall & Oates fan. My first concert was the H2O tour in 1983 and I've been following them ever since. I just got to hang with Daryl a few weeks ago at his house with my band Parachute for a taping of Live From Daryl's House. Career highlight!
9) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?
I love that every day is different in this business. Songs and artists change, charts and radio stations change, audience changes, etc. This industry keeps you on your feet and makes every day a new challenge. I don't think anyone can ever say "this job is boring" ... well, actually, maybe that drive from Houston to El Paso was a little boring!
10) What advice you would give people new to the business?
Just show up to work every day and work hard. This business runs on passion and knowing how to get things done. Also, read "Hit Men"!
Bonus Questions
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I always wanted to be involved with music. I went from wanting to be a radio DJ, to a guitarist in a band, to a songwriter. Then reality kicked in ... and a music executive seemed to fit.
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