10 Questions with ... Rick Brewer

NAME:Rick Brewer TITLE:Head Of Promotion COMPANY:ATO Records & Red Light Management BORN:Northern VA RAISED:Northern VA

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

MD at WEND/Charlotte from 1996-1998; Regional Promotions Director at Sony 550 from 1998-2002; Regional Promotions Director at Epic 2002-2005; ATO & Red Light Management 2006-present.

LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:

Financial Planner at First Union (merged with Wachovia about 12 yrs ago) and did some real estate development in 2006. I had to clear my head for nine months.

FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:

Michael Jackson "Off the Wall"

FIRST CONCERT:

Flock Of Seagulls & The Go Go's. My mom and I rocked out on the lawn.

FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:

The Who

1. Why did you decide to cross from radio to the record business?

I hated being on the air. I just felt weird talking to myself. I also wanted to be closer to the artists/music. Certainly loved aspects of radio, but glad I made the jump.

2. Do you remember your first day on the job in the record business? What stands out about that day?

Yes, I was told by Dale O'Brien at WWZZ that they were so tight they would need a crowbar and a bottle of KY gel to get a record on his station. So I get in my car with my Eagle Eye Cherry single. Picked up a crowbar from the local hardware store and a tube of KY and went straight to the station with the package gift wrapped and left it for Dale. We got the Eagle Eye Cherry on the next day. It's been downhill ever since.

3. What do you like best about your job? Least?

Best: like working with and breaking artists. I still get geeked out when I hear one of our bands on the radio.

Least: Talking music with someone who just doesn't care. I know we're all busy, but we're all lucky to be doing what we're doing. I wish listening to and talking about music wasn't viewed as a choir.

4. What is your biggest challenge working for ATO Records and Red Light Management?

Time management will always be the biggest challenge. We have 15 artists on the ATO roster and close to 50 on the Red Light roster. It's incredibly important that every band gets the attention they deserve. That's the culture this company was founded on and continues to be our main goal.

5. Every promotion person has a record close to their heart that for one reason or another never broke through -- "The One That Got Away." What is your "One That Got Away," and what did you learn from that record?

Fortunately, we have realistic goals at ATO and breaking a band in our world has a different meaning then the majors. However, I still can't believe Ben Folds never crossed over to the mainstream. He's the modern day Elton John and has never got the credit he deserves.... You think Rocket Man would've gotten a shot at radio today ...No way!

I've learned that all the pieces have to be in place for a home run. It's much bigger than any individual. However making a career is more important than hitting one home run... and again that's the culture around these parts...

6. What would surprise people most about you?

I love to bowl. Yep I've said it... If this whole rock n roll boogie doesn't work out, I hope to make it on the PBA Tour.

7. Who are your mentors?

Jack Daniel (he gave me my first shot at radio) and Hilary Shaev (she gave me my first shot in records).

8. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

WHFS. It's such a shame it's gone.

9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ___________?

Water and my family.

10. What would it take for you to consider moving back to radio?

I'd have to take a serious refresher course on Selector.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies now are cleaning up infant vomit and 3am bottle feedings with an occasional round of golf. Parenthood is a blessing.