10 Questions with ... Marisa Di Frisco

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Prior to Caroline, I worked at iHeartMedia for more than six years under Chief Programming Officer Tom Poleman of the National Programming Group, most recently as Alternative Rock Artist Relations Manager. In addition to being Tom's EA and project manager, I focused on alternative rock music strategy, content selection and national artist promotions and initiatives. I got my start in radio in 2007 working on the Z100 street team before taking a role at a digital marketing firm and eventually coming back to work for Tom.

1. How did you first become interested in the music business?

I was always extremely passionate about music growing up. As a little kid (maybe 5-6), I had a Fisher-Price tape recorder that I carried with me everywhere pretending to record my own radio show as I taped songs off the air. As I got older, I loved how specific songs or mixes defined different seasons or periods in my life, so I was thrilled when I landed my first music gig on the Z100 street team (a station I had grown up listening to). I knew immediately that I never wanted to work in any other field.

2. Congrats on joining the Caroline team! What led to you to this new opportunity?

Thank you! Both Jacqueline Saturn and Marni Halpern have known me since I first started in radio, and I've been incredibly lucky to have them as mentors for a while. When they had this position become available, they brought it to me as an opportunity to grow my career. I knew it was right from the start!

3. Your GM Jacqueline Saturn mentioned how impressed she was by your passion for music and that she has dreamed of hiring you for a long time. How did it feel hearing that and when did you know you really wanted to work at Caroline?

It felt awesome! It's always hard to leave a company where people feel like your family, but it's clear there's a similar environment at Caroline - plus, they're one of the most passionate and innovative teams I've encountered. Having that support from Jacqueline inspired me to take the jump and further solidified that I had chosen the right company to do it with.

4. What was your biggest takeaway from working for iHeartMedia the past six years?

The importance of collaboration. If you want a project to be successful, it's extremely important to both trust and work with your peers and your leadership to get the job done efficiently and successfully. I called iHeart's National Programming Group my family so long for a reason; when we put our heads together to collaborate, which was daily, there was nothing we couldn't accomplish.

5. What is your biggest challenge in your new role as National Director Of Alternative/Rock Promotion?

For the next few months I'll be spending a lot of time traveling around the country getting to know everyone I've never met before. Being on the road so frequently will be an adjustment, but I'm excited to travel to cities I've never seen and look forward to the opportunity to make new friends.

6. Give us a rundown of your Caroline priorities right now at Alternative and what's coming up?

On July 9th, we're impacting Donna Missal's "Keep Lying," and I'm very excited that she's the first artist I'm working. Donna is a powerhouse with pure passion and a 2018 Janis Joplin vibe. We can't wait for everyone to get to know her and fall in love. We also have perfect summer music on the way from Atlas Genius and awesome new Judah And The Lion coming in the fall.

7. What is a typical workday like for you?

Honestly, this is my fourth week at Caroline and no two days have been the same so far. I've spent a lot of time on the road so there's no daily routine yet. It's been exciting to just go with the flow and have new experiences each week.

8. What is your favorite part of your job?

Exposing talented artists to new fans. Music has always been a very important part of my life personally as a fan, and the idea that I get to help introduce a fan to their potential new favorite song or musician as my career is a dream come true.

9. What would surprise people the most about you?

I seriously considered a career as a hip hop dancer right after college.

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

My headphones.

What are your hobbies?

Going to shows and music festivals, adventuring/exploring outdoors, any summer activity involving a beach or a boat, long boarding (timidly at best), yoga.

What are weekends like for you?

Attempting to sleep in when at all possible, the occasional brunch and likely a concert

First record ever purchased?

Alanis Morrisette - Jagged Little Pill

First concert?

The Turtles and The Grass Roots when I was a year and a half old. The first concert I went to without adult supervision was New Found Glory with NOFX.