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10 Questions with ... Amit Kumar
May 12, 2020
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Ryko-disc/Palm Pictures, Wind-up, Reprise, RCA, The Artist Cooperative, and BMG.
“The technology has changed exponentially but the job is the same. It is still about communication and collaboration, both with your stations and your company. That is how work gets done.”
1. How did you become interested in the record business?
I have loved music my entire life. I grew up on MTV and radio. While in college at Texas Tech, I started working at the campus radio station (KTXT). At some point, I became the station Music Director. That is when I realized there were people whose job it was to call radio and talk about their records. I was amazed and in awe of those people.
2. After 7 years at The Artist Cooperative, what led you to BMG?
While at The Artist Cooperative, one of our clients on multiple projects was Vagrant (which was later purchased by BMG) and Nick Attaway. I always liked our BMG projects and enjoyed working with Nick so when he reached out to me about an opportunity to join him at BMG, I was beyond thrilled.
3. We first met back in the early 2000s during your Wind-Up days. What stands out the most from your early promotion days?
The technology has changed exponentially but the job is the same. It is still about communication and collaboration, both with your stations and your company. That is how work gets done.
4. Music consumption has become a big piece of the promotion puzzle. How has this changed how you work singles to radio?
Metrics on consumption are a revealing snapshot of what is happening in a market in real time. They provide valuable insight into what is working and what might deserve more attention. While it is a big part of the picture, it isn’t the whole picture.
5. How would you describe your promotion style?
First and foremost, being genuine is who I am. It is a part of my every interaction and is the cornerstone of everything that I do. Beyond that I strive for organized, consistent, and informed. Everyone is so pressed for time that it is important to make every phone call, email, or video meeting count and to do so in a way that is meaningful.
6. Give us your pitch to Alternative Radio and what’s on deck.
I walked into BMG just as a number of great records are on deck for the format! We’ve got something for EVERYONE. Between new music from Run The Jewels, Angels & Airwaves, Moon Taxi, and Milky Chance & Jack Johnson track, we are LOADED.
7. What is your favorite part of the job?
I love to talk about music. I love to listen to people tell me about music. I love that I work for people who make music. In this job, everyone I come in contact has an affinity for music just like me. You are all my people.
8. What do you like best about living in Atlanta?
The traffic! No seriously, it’s the friends I’ve made here.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Several cups of coffee, a walk with my dog, and some family time. Music is on at pretty much all times.
10. What would surprise people the most about you?
In the past year, I have taught myself to cook about 10 amazing vegan/no oil dishes that anyone can enjoy. Seriously.
Bonus Questions
What were weekends like for you before the Coronavirus?
Family stuff, housework, and a trip to a record store. Atlanta is blessed with more than its fair share of wonderful record stores and I love visiting them all.
What are your favorite restaurants in Atlanta?
I love to sit at Majestic Diner with my family and have breakfast any time of day.
Favorite food?
Chips and salsa
Favorite drink?
Coffee
Rank your sports teams in order of passion:
Texas Tech Red Raiders. I’ll watch any football on TV [pro or otherwise] but I only root for the Red Raiders. It has been fun watching former Red Raider Patrick Mahomes take over the NFL.
First record ever purchased?
Joan Jet and the Blackhearts “I Love Rock & Roll”, I still have it.
First concert?
Olivia Newton John during the “Physical” Tour in 1982.
Favorite band of all-time?
Too many to list. Depends on the day and my mood
Anything else you would like to add?
I’m often amazed at my luck. The fact that I get to do this job and work in this industry. I don’t take any of it for granted. And I can’t thank Nick Attaway, Dan Gill, Thomas Sherer, and everyone at BMG enough for this amazing opportunity to keep doing what I love.
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