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10 Questions with ... Rob Goldklang
August 6, 2019
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
KROQ/Los Angeles to Warner Bros. Records (now Warner Records).
1. Tell us about how you got started in the business.
Growing up I was obsessed with music and going to shows. I worked at a record store while carrying two internships and going to college. One of those internships turned into a job at KROQ. The experience working at radio taught me so much and eventually led to a college radio job at Warner Bros. From there I was able to grow within the company to where I am at today.
2. Can you tell us about the current management structure at Warner and how it has affected your growth with the company?
So much has changed and I've been lucky all these years to work for people who understand the music and the importance of radio. The team of Aaron Bay-Schuck, Tom Corson, and Mike Chester has helped lead us into the future with the best new signings, direction, and focus when it comes to popular culture and music. My right hand guy David Ravikoff is a beast when it comes to gathering information and calling radio. We have 9 locals that live and breathe what they do. Your success has to do with a team of people and I'm lucky to have an incredible team.
3. Last year, the label moved from the longtime Burbank offices to Downtown L.A. Tell us about your new location.
It's amazing. To be able to work in an open floor plan - it's always action packed. Every day we have multiple artists coming by, and it's just a great vibe. Norman Wonderly has an amazing vision and commissioned all of these insanely talented artists to create the art for the building. There are iconic images everywhere. The restaurants, culture, everything is right here. It feels like the way a label should look in 2019.
4. Give us the 411 on Warner Bros. rebrand to Warner Records earlier this year.
As someone that has been a big part of this company past, present, and future, it's been amazing to watch a complete rebrand. It's remarkable the amount of thought, effort, and sensitivity that goes into a new image for a company as important as Warner.
Part of our mission statement is: "It's a new day for Warner Records, an iconic label that was born in the California sun and is at home everywhere on Earth." The logo, the name - it all truly defines who we are and where we are headed.
5. Let's talk about your current Alternative priorities. The Head And The Heart just hit #1, The Black Keys follow-up to their #1 single, and several other developing artists buzzing at Alternative Radio. I'll let you take it from here and give the Warner sales pitch on what's happening now and what's coming up.
I feel we are in a great moment in music. We have artists like Hobo Johnson who has had a very hard life and just tells his story in a very honest, humorous way and fans relate and connect with him so deeply. He now has one of the most reactive songs on the radio and a career that is just getting started, headed towards great heights. Lydia from The Regrettes is a confident, strong role model and we've been developing that band for 5 years. Now they're selling out rooms 500+, just finished touring the UK with twenty one pilots, and have a song that major market stations are championing.
We signed PVRIS, a band that has always checked every box when it comes to touring. Lifestyle, streams, etc. has to come with a real hit record.
Also one of the biggest bands on the label will be releasing new music this fall. Get ready!
6. How would you describe your promotion style?
It's about a true understanding of the music as well as what's important to our clients at radio. I know when working radio the many different jobs and stresses everyone has. I really try to respect people's time, but also make it VERY clear when something is important to us, since it's truly a partnership.
7. In 2013 you said, "Radio is the most important aspect when launching a band." How has the addition music consumption data changed the way you work a record at Alternative Radio in 2019?
I feel it's been an amazing research tool for what we all do. To have data, metrics, engagement stats, etc. is a game changer when it comes to promoting radio. It's also all in real-time. You can have a record spun once and be able to report back information.
8. What is your favorite part of your job?
The feeling of knowing you've made a difference. I'll never forget when one SXSW we had all the key programmers in the room for a Royal Blood show and that band just blew the room away. Every single programmer added the single the next day. Knowing that what we do influences popular culture is the best feeling.
9. What are your thoughts on the state of Alternative Radio?
I feel very lucky to be working in an area that truly matters when it comes to breaking new artists. We all have seen what happens when a songs starts to rise up the charts. Merch, streams, sales, touring all increases. It is alive and well. The one area that needs improvement is continuing to take chances. Just because listeners call and email about a song they may feel is too polarizing it doesn't mean it shouldn't be played. I'd rather get hundreds of emails with an opinion than none at all.
10. How do you get your workday started and what is the first thing you do each day when you get to the office?
Wake up, walk the dogs, coffee and start a list of things I need to accomplish that day. Once in the office I first do a lap to check in with everyone. Then it's a day of calling radio, managers, agents, meetings, artist visits, etc. Then suddenly it's 7pm and my list is half checked!
Bonus Questions
What are weekends like for you?
Shows, spending as much time as possible with my two daughters Lily and Julie, hikes, boxing classes, restaurants, travel, or hanging out poolside with the dogs.
You've lived in L.A. your entire life. What are your favorite restaurants?
Sugarfish, Bestia, Redbird. And honestly there's nothing better than a street taco!
Favorite adult beverage?
Tequila
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