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10 Questions with ... Michael Burnett
July 3, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Started as concert/club/party promoter in 1999 when I was 17 DJing locally in Los Angeles, and while working at the historical DMC Records on Melrose. Continued promotions while attending school in Santa Barbara, as well as in Los Angeles upon my return in 2005 (mostly at The Roxy). Began managing my friends Iration and other musicians in 2008. Then went to work for Silverback Artist Management/Controlled Substance Sound Labs in 2008 as a day-to-day manager, helping them adapt to a growing digital world through business development and many other misc label responsibilities. Returned to managing musicians independently in late-2010. Partnered with friend Xavier Ramirez as Social Sound System, a social media company and music blog, in early 2012.
1. What made you want to get into the music business? Who were your early mentors?
I've always loved music, especially hip-hop and alternative. I guess growing up around the entertainment industry had a natural effect on me too. My earliest mentor would definitely be my father, a born entrepreneur, also the late-Aaron Russo. Jon and Matt Philips (Silverback/CSSL) helped me to mature as a manager.
2. How did your management company get started?
Iration, who I always managed independently, opened the door for me to enter the management game. I've known this amazing group of guys since before they were professional musicians. I promoted their first "real" concert at Santa Barbara's Velvet Jones and was more of a natural progression than anything else.
3. Iration has a new record coming out this summer that is really going to surprise people. Tell us how the band hooked up with Cage The Elephant's guitarist Lincoln Parish?
Yes, we're shooting to release a single mid-summer; hopefully the album will immediately follow. I met Lincoln at last year's Lollapalooza when both Cage and Iration performed on the same day, we started talking because he had a cut couple tracks with my roster's most recent addition, San Diego-based Vokab Kompany. A few months later, after he and LA based producer and mutual friend King David had attended Iration's sold out show at House of Blues San Diego, he called to tell me he was interested in working with the band. Two months later he jumped on a plane to LA and began working with them at Rami Jaffee's Fonogenic Studios in the San Fernando Valley.
4. How did you get involved with Iration and why are you so passionate about the band?
I've known the guys since before they were Iration. Even in their earliest days when they used to play house parties on Del Playa in Isla Vista, I've always felt there was something especially alluring about their performances. After they played me the four songs they recorded for their Sample This EP (2008), I knew it was only a matter of time before they would find their way on to iPods everywhere. Not long after its' initial release, "Falling" went on to hit #1 on Santa Barbara's KJEE and #3 on Honolulu's KUCD. Eddie Gutierrez has been a huge supporter since day one.
5. What does alternative radio need to know about Iration?
They're coming for you! Songwriting has historically been where their greatest talents lie so they really stepped up the music composition on this record. Lincoln was a great addition.
6. What are the most important indicators to you when working a song to alternative radio?
It needs to catch my attention immediately and stick in my head the rest of day after the first few times I hear it. Usually that's inline with good song writing, a song with a strong hook.
7. What is your biggest challenge each day?
Ha! That's a tough one because everyday presents a new challenge in management.
8. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ___________?
Playing with my dog for at least a few hours each day.
9. What has been your biggest career highlight?
Probably watching Iration perform at the Santa Barbara Bowl for the first time.
10. What would surprise people most about you?
That I believe the greatest song of all time is, "I Just Called to Say I Love You," and that I believe Beverly Hills Cop 2 is the greatest movie of all time.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
Spinning records.
Last non-industry job?
Can't recall.
First record ever purchased?
Michael Jackson's Bad
First concert?
Hmmm, Raffi?
Favorite band of all-time?
Tie between Nirvana and The Roots.
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