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10 Questions with ... Steve Nice
September 16, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- Sr. Director/Alternative, AAA Promotion for Capitol Records 8½ years.
- From 2005-2009 I joined indie rock label Dangerbird Records as a consultant overseeing all Radio Promotion and Licensing,
- Currently I run Nice Management and Consulting, as well as Nice Music Group.
1. What got you interested in the music business?
Mainly my Mom. She was from London and was always really into music. We had music playing at our house all the time. That was a big influence on me.
2. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
Probably CFNY in Toronto
3. You are multi-tasking as an artist manager, label owner, pitching song licensing and doing some indie promo. How do you balance all of that?
I didn't realize I was, ha ha ha! Basically I just try and stay disciplined and organized, so nothing falls through the cracks. My wife is a very big help. She works with me and handles a lot of the details that would normally get lost.
4. Where do you get your greatest pleasure in doing these?
There's nothing like seeing an audience respond to a band you're working with. In addition, the appreciation I get from the artists I work with is really gratifying. I'm lucky to be working with artists that I love. There's a mutual appreciation for the hard work that is being put in. Also, having my son hear a song that I'm working on the radio or seeing it in a commercial, TV show, video game or movie and he says, "Daddy you did this!"
5. What is the toughest part of your job?
Staying positive. We all tend to have such an emotional attachment to the music we're working with, and being told something you're involved with isn't is good as I think it is can be tough. It takes a unique perspective to look beyond that and stay focused on what you believe and don't waver from that. I think that's what it takes to be a successful artist as well. You can't take it personally; the person on the other end of the phone or e-mail has a hard job to do as well.
6. Biggest change that you'd like to see in the business?
I'd like to see performance royalties for artists finally be paid like almost every other territory in the world. I know my radio friends won't like this answer, but it's the right thing to do and is vital for the survival of artists
7. What is your best advice for up-and-coming promotion reps?
Always be passionate about what you're doing but don't be blinded by it. Make sure you have an understanding of the radio station and programmer you are communicating with so you can gain mutual respect for each other.
8. What would surprise people most about you?
I don't like every British band that puts out a record!
9. What has been your biggest career highlight?
There have been several things I'm very proud of: working with Coldplay and Radiohead, among many others, while at Capitol; launching Silversun Pickups at radio and in the licensing world; and on the management side having Scars on 45 get a #3 Triple A single. However, I still have so much more I want to do I hope my highlight hasn't happened yet, otherwise it's all downhill from here, right?
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ...
...seeing or speaking to my son Riley?
Bonus Questions
Last Non-Industry Job:
Production Assistant at a Production Company
First Record Ever Purchased:
Queen "Greatest Hits" and Police "Ghost of the Machine"
First Concert:
The Jacksons Victory Tour in 1984
Favorite Band Of All-Time:
The Beatles
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?
Spending time with our son Riley and playing ice hockey.
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