10 Questions with ... Scott Burton

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Jeff McClusky & Assoc., Elektra Records, Aware Records / A2 Management, Capitol Records, EMI Records, and Sony RED., RED MUSIC

1. Congrats on having the #1 song in Alternative in 2018 with lovelytheband "Broken." This is truly a remarkable story that began back in 2017 with a brand new band from L.A. Take us back to how you and your team broke lovelytheband at Alternative Radio

Our team was relentless from Day 1! The first time we heard it we knew we had something very good. We of course, did not know how big it would become but we knew we had something. A nice handful of programmers thought so too and gave an unknown song and artist a shot. There are still a lot of great ears out there. We had a lot of passion, we traveled and met with radio, and we had a band that worked their ass off. It was a perfect scenario that came together at the right time and had the right momentum build.

2. "Broken" has spent over a year on the Alternative chart. You've really set the bar high. How does it feel to have the #1 Alternative Song of the year?

It feels pretty f*cking good! Only one team gets to say they had the #1 song of the year, it's pretty wonderful that we're that team!

3. Incredibly lovelytheband's follow-up single "These Are My Friends" has already logged five months on the Alternative chart with "Broken" still entrenched inside the Top 10. How has lovelytheband grown in the past year?

As I said earlier, this band works their ass off. It makes our promo job so much easier. They have worked hard at every aspect of their craft. The live show, the song writing, everything has grown 4x's in a year. It's been pretty fun to watch!

4. In 2017, Sony RED rebranded to RED MUSIC Give us the 411 on the company's label services.

RED Distribution merged with Sony's worldwide distribution arm, The Orchard. RED MUSIC was born that day of the merger. We continue to be the promotion support team for any labels that The Orchard represents, like the Elven Seven team, we work with the Mom + Pop team, and now RED MUSIC is a separate label in the Sony system and operates as any label does.

5. Tell us about the RED Music team.

Our Executive team led by Bob Morelli, places a huge value on the Radio Promotion department. We know we're lucky to have that strong commitment. Senior VP Danny Buch leads the promo team. We have a wonderful mix of experienced veterans and young up and comers. I couldn't be more proud of what this team has accomplished this year!

6. What's it like working for Danny Buch?

Danny is one of the best promotion guys I have ever worked with. When Danny locks on to something, he doesn't let go. He's very passionate and driven to win. We work great together.

7. You've spent the past 6+ years at RED. I'm sure it will be tough to top your lovelytheband milestone. What are some of your other accomplishments that you're most proud of?

Working alongside David Jacobs and the Mom + Pop team to deliver a #1 on Alice Merton, the many success stories we've had working with Allen Kovac and the Eleven Seven team, getting Catfish And The Bottlemen started here in the states, and although we don't work together anymore, being a part of Nick Petropoulos' Glassnote team produced a lot of hits.

8. How would you describe your promotion style?

I'm a straight forward guy. Radio knows I'm not a bullshitter. I'm passionate and I work without any blinders on.

9. As we head into the holidays and put a wrap on 2018, give us your pitch on what we need to know about RED Music's Alternative priorities and what's on deck for 2019?

More Lovelytheband, more Sublime With Rome, a new Alice Merton, Tom Morello, Just Loud, The Moth & The Flame, and Keuning. I'm pretty excited about a cool new group called New Dialogue

10. What is your favorite part of your job?

Partnering with radio. I still love hearing one of my songs on the radio for the first time. From that first spin to hopefully witnessing that artist play on a radio stations show, in front of thousands of people, that's a cool feeling.

What are weekends like for you?

I have a hard time sitting still so I'm always doing stuff around the house, running errands, and cooking. In the Fall/Winter, it's a lot of watching football!

What are your hobbies?

Working in my yard, sports, cooking.

I know you're a sports fan. Rank your sports teams in order of passion.

My college football team NIU, the Bears, Cubs, Blackhawks, Bulls, White Sox

As we head into the New Year, what are you most excited about personally and professionally.

Personally I'm excited about my family, my wonderful amazing wife, and watching my kids grow up. Professionally, just watching this promotion team continue to excel!

Anything else you would like to add?

I just want to thank all of our radio partners for an amazing year! We had a lot of fun in the Alternative Department this year.