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10 Questions with ... Angelo Scrobe
January 26, 2021
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. Alternative programmers are currently looking to identify new artists for the format more than ever and are discovering them through various metrics or platforms. We’ve seen more artists with viral or streaming stories in the past 12 months, finally getting a shot on the airwaves and moving the needle.
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
National stints at Capitol, EMI, Universal, and worked at Artemis and S.I.N. at the start of my career for a few years.
1. What stands out the most from when you first started working at Concord six years ago?
It’s been amazing to watch Concord's growth and uniqueness in the recording music and publishing fronts in the last six years. There’s plenty of thought, effort, and analysis to ensure each partnership with an independent label or publisher is the right fit to succeed long-term and share similar culture and values. I anticipate more great music and ventures in the next few years, which is always exciting to wake up to and start the day running!
2. In 2020 you added SVP stripes. Of all the things you accomplished at Concord, what are you most proud of?
Being an early part of the department's growth when General Manager Jill Weindorf started building the team from the ground up. It’s been a privilege to work with this group over the last six years, work closely with them daily, guide them through the trenches, and see them grow professionally and personally. Nothing beats having a passionate team behind you. I feel we’ve accomplished many wins on different levels quickly, which has helped us compete with the best of them. Mentoring has always been an important thing throughout my career. I’m excited to continue to elevate the Alternative Department and achieve more accomplishment with our diverse repertoire.
3. How would you describe your promotion style?
My promotion style includes passion, persistence, strategy, honesty, and detail oriented. My friends at radio understand I’m about providing reliable, important information to them and delivering new music to collaborate and succeed. I’m grateful for the great partnerships and friendships built over the years, especially when we’re all multi-tasking at a stressful time.
4. Music consumption has become a big piece of the promotion puzzle. How has this changed how you work singles to radio?
These days it’s important to present a streaming/consumption story to programmers in the early phase of set-up, especially with no touring or sponsored driven radio events at the moment. Radio wants to be aware of DSPs' metrics, social following, and engagement happening. TikTok became a big component in 2020. These are tools for them to consider an artist reacting in the marketplace and already connecting with their listeners. Alternative programmers are currently looking to identify new artists for the format more than ever and are discovering them through various metrics or platforms. We’ve seen more artists with viral or streaming stories in the past 12 months, finally getting a shot on the airwaves and moving the needle. We’re definitely coming to radio prepared with consumption stories in the forefront these days.
5. Congrats on I DONT KNOW HOW BUT YOU FOUND ME “Leave Me Alone” going #1. I know you guys are pretty excited about the band’s first #1. Give us the 411 on IDKHOW and what’s on deck for Alternative Radio?
We thrive on artist development! iDKHOW started with “Choke’ at the beginning of 2019, and we spent that year introducing them to Alt radio and their listeners. We had immediate buy-in from a good number of programmers who helped us build a compelling radio story. The band has done a tremendous job building their fanbase through old fashion DIY (despite their association with popular bands). iDKHOW sold out New Music Discovery shows and drawing big crowds as openers at concerts, which immediately caught radio interests along with Dallon’s creativity and songwriting. In 2020, Dallon delivered a great body of work in the RAZMATTAZZ album, and we couldn’t wait to get the new music out to Alt radio, who in-turn couldn’t wait to get “Leave Me Alone” on the airwaves and champion the song. After six months, we debuted #1 at Alt, now heading Top 20 AAA, #1 position and cover on Apple’s ALT CTRL, over 2 Million Spotify Monthly Listeners, Jimmy Kimmel performance set for January 25th, and more TV appearances in the works. The 18-month hustle has paid off!
As we prepare for the follow-up to “Leave Me Alone,” we’re ramping up our first quarter with new music from Manchester Orchestra, Rise Against, and The Offspring.
6. What is your favorite part of the job?
Nothing beats working with each label’s roster of new artists and taking their music and story to radio, and patiently create a new level of success in their career over time. The team and I take pride in artist development, which does not happen too frequently in today's music business. We are dedicated and in it for the long-haul.
7. What do you like best about living in Los Angeles?
Being a former New Yorker, have to say the weather! I don’t miss the days of shoveling snow or trekking to work on a rainy day or stuck in a packed subway cart.
8. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Can’t get through the day without iced green tea from Starbucks or Coffee Bean. It’s been a good way to break up the day while working from home and getting some vitamin D outside.
9. What is a typical workday like for you?
A typical day through the week is a rollercoaster filled with high energy. Normally, it starts with reviewing airplay from our priorities and emails and then connecting with SVP, Tyson Haller, the national and field staff, label staff, and managers to plan our goals for the day and next few weeks. I enjoy getting up early to prepare for a full day of multi-tasking (via phone, zoom, email, text), sharing new and exciting development for our campaign, and adopting the changes during this pandemic experience. It’s always evolving!
10. What would surprise people most about you?
Originally set out to be an Art Major, but quickly moved onto the greener pastures of Marketing since it still involved being creative, and it allowed me to connect with different kinds of people.
Bonus Questions
Tell us about the weekends?
My weekends are spent hiking, walking the neighborhood, binge-watching shows, reading, and listening to new music. Keeping it simple and safe!
What are your favorite restaurants?
Angelino Trattoria, Kiwami, Din Tai Fung, Taylor’s Steakhouse come top of mind!
How often will you get back home, and what are your top priorities when you get back to New York?
Pre-Covid, I would make it out there four times a year but have been staying grounded since the pandemic. When I do make it out there, besides spending time with the Concord staff and programming friends, it’s all about quality hangs with my mom, connecting with family and long-time friends. Always feels good to be back home for a few days throughout the year.
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