10 Questions with ... Scott Burton

NAME:Scott Burton TITLE:VP/Promotion COMPANY:Capitol Records BORN:Chicago RAISED:Chicago

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Jeff McClusky & Assoc., Elektra Records, Aware Records, Capitol Records.

LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:

Splitting Firewood

FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:

That was a long time ago ...Three Dog Night? maybe?

FIRST CONCERT:

Rick Derringer

FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:

U2

1. What got you interested in the record business?

I was PD at my college radio station (WKDI/Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University) and back then the Chicago locals would call me just like they would call the commercial stations in the market. I knew my air-check was horrible and I got interested in the "other" side. It seems to have worked so far.

2. What made you want to leave Aware and come work for Capitol?

Leaving Aware for Capitol was one of the toughest things I ever did. Gregg Latterman and the peeps at Aware really get artist development and it was a pleasure to be involved with so many great acts, John Mayer, FFF, Mat Kearney, The Fray, Liz Phair, Mae, etc. Ed Green, Jason Flom, and Lee Trink came to me at the right time with an opportunity that was too good to let pass. I didn't want to leave Aware, I just couldn't pass up this chance to work with this great group of people.

3. What was the first record you worked to radio and what has been the biggest change since you began doing radio promotion?

Wow, not sure about that one. A-Ha's "Take On Me" comes to mind for some scary reason.

4. What do you like best about your job? Worst?

The best part of my job is helping a band or an artist achieve their goals of having a hit record. Being a part of the process from start to finish. That and helping radio accomplish their goals with regards to our artists. It's a great feeling when we both win.

The worst part of the job is not living up to my self implied expectations. I put a little pressure on myself.

5. What would surprise people most about you?

I don't know if there is really anything that would surprise people. I pretty much put everything on the table. People who've known me for a long time know that. Sometimes that kicks me in the ass...

6. What can Alternative radio expect the rest of the year from Capitol Records?

More Interpol, Yellowcard, Saosin, Beastie Boys, Mae, Hurt, and Coldplay at the end of the year.

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

Coffee, coffee, more coffee

8. What is your favorite radio station and why?

Any station that becomes a partner in helping us sell records. I can't play favorites! I will tell you I grew up at a time in Chicago were we had some unbelievable rock stations which made for some great, amazing radio -- WLUP, WMET, WKQX, and WXRT. I can't imagine any market had such a great thing going to a rock dude in his late teens.

9. Biggest career highlight?

Yet to come ...

10. What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?

I started out going to college to be a journalist but I think if this music thing didn't come together, I would have went in to teaching, following my father's footsteps.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies first and foremost are my three amazing kids. Hannah, Danny, and Michael put a smile on my face everyday. After that, playing softball (Chicago style, 16 inch, no gloves), soccer, drinking some good wine, eating some great food, and hanging with my friends.