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10 Questions with ... MJ Marty
March 16, 2021
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. The one and only Laura Bender, started poking around to see if I was interested in joining the team. As I learned more about the label, listened to the artists they were signing and had the opportunity to talk with Bruce Kalmick and hear about his vision of artist development and where he and Laura wanted to take the label, it felt like something I wanted to be a part of.
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
It all started “From The Top Of The Empire State Building” at WHTZ (Z100)/New York. Working at the station in promotions, I worked closely with record label reps and it wasn’t long before I moved over to the record side of the business. Following successful tenures at Epic, Island Def Jam, and Columbia Records, I founded Realid Records signing Rock and Alternative bands to the WMG distributed label. In September 2020, I was named Co-Director Of Radio And Streaming at Hazel Street Records, a Sony Music Entertainment JV.
1. How did you become interested in the record business?
My father DJ'd parties while I was growing up. Every Friday, he'd take me to Tower Records, where we'd skim the charts in Billboard magazine and then head to the listening station to see which records would be great in the mix for that weekend.
2. What was your biggest takeaway from Realid Records?
Review your P&L statements.
3. What led you to Hazel Street Records?
The one and only Laura Bender, started poking around to see if I was interested in joining the team. As I learned more about the label, listened to the artists they were signing and had the opportunity to talk with Bruce Kalmick and hear about his vision of artist development and where he and Laura wanted to take the label, it felt like something I wanted to be a part of.
4. What would surprise people most about the label?
That we will promote and market repertoire at all the formats in the coming months.
5. Tell us about your role as Co-Director/Radio & Streaming and how you and Lesley James will work together.
We work together collaboratively and very communicatively, no egos here, as we realize and recognize the intelligent work, we have to do together to accomplish our goals and get results at radio and the DSPs.
6. Your first release is Goldpark Give us the 411 on the band.
For the members of Goldpark, the best music comes from true collaboration. The Nashville-based alternative rock trio, which formed in 2019, finds inspiration from bands like Coldplay, Kings of Leon and Death Cab For Cutie – groups known for thoughtful songwriting paired with lush soundscapes.
7. How would you describe your promotion style?
“There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” – Mr. Rogers
8. What is your favorite part of the job?
Interacting with radio programmers in person and listening and discussing new music and our business.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ___________?
My family.
10. What would surprise people most about you?
I have my motorcycle license.
Bonus Questions
What are your favorite restaurants?
Raoul's and Island Creek Oyster Bar.
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