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10 Questions with ... Kevin "Inca" Valentini
November 22, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Born and raised in the Llower East Side, grew up listening to hip-hop, there will never be a dis record better than Ether, married with two boys, first label I worked at was J Records and I bleed Miami Dolphins...teal.
1. What was your first job in the business?
Lifestyle Marketing/Street Promotion at J.
2. Why record promotion at a major label?
I always knew I'd be in promotion. When I was a young kid, my best friend's mother worked in promotion at a label and we use to go to her job after school and help stuff jiffys. I was so intrigued by what she did and knew I'd follow in her footsteps.
3. What's your favorite aspect of going out on the road?
Aside from being able to do better business face to face, I love getting to know the different markets. Each city has its own history, music, food and culture. If you've never been to Jackie Chan's Sushi with Greg Williams I suggest you pack your bags.
4. You're based in New York and your counterpart, Lori G is based in Los Angeles. Ever wish you could swap places for a year?
Never thought about it...but absolutely not.
5. What's the first job related thing you do in the morning?
Pull up Real Time on my phone while still in bed and still half asleep...
6. I know that all of the artists on the RCA roster are something like your "babies" but is there an artist that you feel a special familial bond with?
I really enjoy working with all of them, but if I had to pick one...maybe Tinashe. Her work ethic is crazy, never complains, just shows up and delivers.
7. Who do you consider to be your mentor(s)?
There have been a lot of people that played significant roles in my career both past and present so to begin naming them and possibly leave someone out would be unfair. However, my counterpart Lori G drives me and makes me a better promo person. I wouldn't consider her a mentor but she's someone who I trust and can always go to for anything.
8. What new artist(s) do you think radio still be playing in 5 or 10 years?
Bryson Tiller and G-Eazy...although G may be doing movies or fashion or a million other things.
9. What has been the biggest change you've seen in record promotion since you started?
Record promotion continues to evolve, but I think one of the biggest changes would be how records break. We use to hit the clubs every night and lean on DJ's to play our records. Now with social media, steaming, Shazaming, and all the metrics we use that tell us what's a hit, the grassroot way of breaking records has changed...I'll always defer to my DJ's no matter what.
10 Hypothetical question: You've been picked to compete on CBS' The Amazing Race but you need a partner but your partner has to be a radio programmer. Who would you pick?
Definitely Beata.
Bonus Questions
What's your favorite romantic restaurant in New York?
I love Flex Muscle...romantic spots are a bit stuffy but this place has a great vibe and excellent food.
How long have you had that beard?
Haa! All my life.
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