10 Questions with ... Edie Lundeen

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

• Alternative & College Promotion - Metal Blade Records
• L.A. Regional Promotion at Atlantic
• L.A. Regional Promotion a Virgin
• L.A. Regional Promotion at Lava
• L.A. Regional Promotion at Capitol
• L.A. Regional Promotion at Roadrunner
• VP/Alternative Promotion at RED Music
• Head Of Promotion Cult Records
• Started Black Dog Music Marketing
• Partner, The Gathering
• and now AMPLIFY

1. How did you become interested in the record business?

I have always been a music head my whole life! When I was a kid, I used to get grounded from watching MTV in the 80s because I didn't care about anything else. I remember reading a "Back To School" issue of Rolling Stone and there was a story about people that worked in the music business that got their start in college radio and knew that is what I wanted to do for a career! My second day on the U of A campus, I went to the college radio station and that is where is all began. I soon became a college rep for Atlantic Records and kept on going from there.

2. After working at several labels, what led you in 2015 to start up Black Dog Music Marketing and join The Gathering team?

After leaving Cult Records, I was approached to take on a couple indie projects. I loved the idea of being my own boss so I decided to be all in and started Black Dog. A few months later, Tracy Brown approached me about bringing Black Dog under her team's umbrella, in addition, to become a partner in The Gathering. I didn't even have to think about it.

3. Explain your new role in 2018 as National Director, Rock Formats at AMPLIFY.

It's great to be back in a National role similar to when I was at RED. The staff here at AMPLIFY is legendary and one big family. Colleen Taylor is my incredible partner and we work great together tackling the country coast to coast. When you add Drew Murray in the mix, with his promotion history, he's the glue that keeps us all together. Though, none of us would be here without the fearless Tracy Brown whose vision and direction is unparalleled and it's a pleasure to be on her team.

4. How would you describe your promotion style?

I am fortunate that I get to work records that I'm passionate about and that is half the battle. I have known some of these Alternative and Rock guys for years and call them my friends so my style tends to be no BS.

5. The Gathering is coming up next month. Give us your pitch about The Gathering's 3rd Annual Alternative Music Showcase in Louisville on June 13-15, 2018?

This is going to be THE BEST Gathering ever! We have more Alternative programmers registered so far than we had attend last year. In addition to that, we have more music supervisors, plus the most impressive list of press and bloggers that we have had in past years. The enthusiasm coming from the labels has been very exciting. The conference is really starting to feel like a fixture in the industry. The Gathering is THE place to in June!

6. What bands are confirmed? Tell us about the 2018 lineup and all the fun locations for Gathering Along This Whiskey Trail.

We are STOKED that Metric is our headliner this year! The band has a fabulous track record at radio and is one of the best live shows I have ever seen with a string of hits that won't disappoint. We will be hitting some of our marque locations like Churchill Downs, Brown Hotel, and Mercury Ballroom and we have some fun new locations too. One of the cool things about the bands this year is that there are several acts that people already know like - Albert Hammond Jr, Mondo Cosmo, Meg Meyers, and American Authors. And of course, we have a bunch of super cool developing artists that are going to be amazing. Again....The Gathering is THE place to be in June!

7. What is your favorite part of your job?

It has always been and will always be THE MUSIC! I can't believe that I get to do this for a living.

8. Where is your favorite market you like to visit and why?

New York: How can you not love NYC?? And now with Mike Kaplan there, it makes it super awesome!

Phoenix: Because my parents still live there and it's always great to go home.

Chicago: I have a bunch of friends there so I usually end up stretching a Midwest work road trip over a weekend with my pals.

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

My dogs! I have a black lab - Jett, black pug - Vader, and white pug - Dolly. They are my office mates. Sometimes their office banter can be a bit loud but most of the time they are sleeping on the job.

10. I'm sure people may be surprised to learn that you got your start at Metal Blade Records 25 years ago, what other fun fact may surprise people about you?

I recently retired from playing roller derby with the LA Derby Dolls after 11 ½ years. My skate name was Vodka Toxic so if I hear someone say Vodka, I will always answer. And look out if you don't play my records, you may just get a swift hip check...just ask Michelle Rutkowski at WLUM!

What are weekends like for you?

Currently, my weekends are all about prepping to move. We are putting our house up for sale so my free time has been filled with open houses, cleaning out closets and small fixes on the house.

What are your hobbies?

Now that I have retired from skating full-time with the LA Derby Dolls, I'm now one of the trainers in our Juniors program. The girls are incredible to work with!

First record ever purchased?

The Grease soundtrack. I was so excited that I brought it to show and tell at school. My mom wrote my name inside the cover so it wouldn't get lost. I still have that record in my collection.

First concert?

Oh, this is was a good one.... REO Speedwagon and Survivor.

Favorite band of all-time?

I can't just pick one! Some of the tops are - Peter Gabriel, Neil Finn and everything he has done, Queen, Jeff Buckley, Tori Amos, Radiohead, The Shins, AWOLNATION..... and on and on and on.