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10 Questions with ... Marc Kordelos
August 16, 2022
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. I got a call from Wendy Rollins (who was working for Osiris Media platform at the time) last year and she convinced me that there seems to be a void out there with connecting radio, labels, management and artists. Sounded like an interesting idea for a Podcast, especially since Agent 0013, Dead Air Dave is a built in radio talent and force. Dave and I brainstormed and started pitching the idea to label reps. and we got amazing feedback. The idea is to infuse an artist that has a new single/LP and pair them up with a radio person that helped break them or has taken keen interest in them while bringing in a label person and or manager to top things off. It’s a good recipe and helps spread the artist, radio and the label into a realm for your average listener into be a music insider from this perspective.
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1. It is crazy to think we’ve been working together in the music business for about 30 years. Take us back to how you first became interested in the record label side of the business?
Well, I was working at WBEC ROCK 105 in Pittsfield, MA back in the mid-80’s and was on-air and MD. During those five years I had some great record reps that came to the station for music meetings. Guys like Merv Amols/Capitol and Don Masters/Mercury. Both are no longer with us, R.I.P. I came to realize they had the best gig in the world, and I wanted in on this. I had no idea this job even existed. I was determined to be a Record Promo person, so I sent out a ton of letters (back in the day I typed letters that had tons of “white out” on them) to all labels. I had worked with a friend back in my Boston University days at Strawberries Records named Ron Carter who was at CBS Records in Philly in merchandising, and he said there was an opening in Philly at CBS Records. I got the gig (my first in the biz) and kicked ass for over a year there and pushed to get my first real “promo” gig with Columbia. I moved to Denver to do local, and the rest is as they say… HISTORY.
2. What stands out the most from your days at Columbia Records?
Such a tough question. I was at Columbia for 8 years. I really felt there was such a bond with our team that was spearheaded by Burt Baumgartner. Burt had the gift of really bringing us all together as the BIG RED MACHINE. As I look back, I must have been out every night with radio peeps/label persons and going to shows. At Columbia we went to EVERY show, regardless of what format you worked. I don’t think I could or want to do this now, but it was so fun and amazing to feel the connectivity with our artists and co-workers. Stand out artists I got to really work with include Alice In Chains, Soul Asylum, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Daniel Ash, Suede, Alison Moyet, Harry Connick Jr., Leonard Cohen, and Jeff Buckley.
3. Let’s talk about your company U.N.C.L.E. (Underground Network Committed To A Lifeline of Entertainment), which you launched 27 years ago. Give us the 411 on U.N.C.L.E.
Really, it’s great. I still love what I do. 27 years of “Fighting Alternative Crime” …and counting. U.N.C.L.E. was born when I got handed my walking papers at Columbia Records. I thought what next? I could have gone back to a label, but after doing some homework and reaching out to radio and label reps, it was clear that I can and could do this on my own. I never imagined I would still be here, but the key is adapting to the current environment while keeping integrity and communication up with all those I talk with on both sides of the fence (radio/labels/managers). Balancing is an art and having great follow thru is key. That was something I learned at Columbia and have kept this with me ever since. The 411 is a Big 10-4. I couldn’t think of anything I’d rather be doing.
4. What is a typical workday like for you?
I kinda laugh, as I've based myself out of the home UNCLE HQ the entire 27 years. You have to Be sooooo disciplined to do this, not everyone is built this way. People are now catching up to what I’m doing by working out of their home during Covid and post Covid. You all found out...No Commute!! However, you have to have the work ethic to do this. I wake up every morning at 6am, grab coffee, hit the laptop immediately. Then by 7am, shower and get my official day going by 7:30 am. I’m in the UNCLE HQ Office most of the day and get to walk out of the office around 5. Promotion never sleeps really. So, it’s all about “routine” sounds boring, right? It can be for some, but not me. Also, my joy is back, which is…TRAVEL. I pride myself on radio and label visits. I have a great road trip coming up in September to the East Coast. I cannot wait to see my colleagues in Philly, DC, NYC, Albany, Syracuse and Buffalo.
5. How would you describe your promotion style?
Well, if you go to our website www.unclepromo.com You can see my description as “Business savvy yet very laid back, this agent disarms with an unexpectedly goofy wit. Regardless of cover, can always be spotted by Prada shoes. Collection of spy paraphernalia and comic books provides leverage, presents potential for blackmail/extortion. Nuff said.
6. What is your favorite part of the job?
Getting to work with people that “I want to work with.” Blessed to have outstanding friendships that have become relationships. I feel I’m dating 168 people (don’t tell my wife, ha). You all know who you are!
7. This year U.N.C.L.E. launched a new monthly podcast called "The Kiss Kiss Bang Bang New Music Files hosted by U.N.C.L.E. Agent 0013 a.k.a. Dead Air Dave. Tell us about why you launched a podcast.
I know what you are thinking, what the world needs is another Podcast? I got a call from Wendy Rollins (who was working for Osiris Media platform at the time) last year and she convinced me that there seems to be a void out there with connecting radio, labels, management and artists. Sounded like an interesting idea for a Podcast, especially since Agent 0013, Dead Air Dave is a built in radio talent and force. Dave and I brainstormed and started pitching the idea to label reps. and we got amazing feedback. The idea is to infuse an artist that has a new single/LP and pair them up with a radio person that helped break them or has taken keen interest in them while bringing in a label person and or manager to top things off. It’s a good recipe and helps spread the artist, radio and the label into a realm for your average listener into be a music insider from this perspective. You can find The Kiss Kiss Bang Bang New Music Files on Spotify, Apple, YouTube and Osiris https://www.osirispod.com
8. So why are you obsessed with all the Spy Stuff?
Can you tell? Ha. My father took me to see Ian Fleming’s "You Only Live Twice” when it came out back in the day and since then I was hooked ever since. I started collecting when I was 10 and for the good or bad, it never stopped. I love the whole 60’s 70’s spy shows/movies, music, fashion and travel. Some of you are too young to recall The Man From U.N.C.L.E, but it stuck with me, some don’t know his, but Ian Fleming actually helped with the show and treatment when it launched. When I started my own company, I really felt I needed to incorporate the whole spy thing into it. As opposed to President, I’m Agent 001. Dead Air Dave is Agent 0013. I have agents across the World, so be careful you could be under Surveillance. Check out our website if you dare, it’s very spy friendly…. I spy with my little eye
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _________?
Listening to KCSN 88.5! I love this station sooo much…Mookie, Nic Harcourt etc... really know how to make an UNCLE Agent feel good about what I do for a living!
10. What would surprise people most about you?
My wife and I have a super little Dog. Lady Petunia is a Chorkie mix that is only 4.5 pounds. Not exactly a dog you would think a Spy Promo person would own, right? Especially after having a 70 pound Weimariner (R.I.P. Countess von Blofeld). But she’s a cutie and don’t tell her she’s “Small,” ok?
Bonus Questions
You became a newlywed in 2022. How does it feel?
Feels like a Million Bucks!! My wife and I were dating for 10 years (6 years of long distance) and engaged for 4 out of the 10 years. We got thru the Covid too, so …it was a bit backwards but hey no JUDGING ha. My first time down that aisle …go figure!
What are your weekends like for you?
We are back supporting local restaurants, movies and if there is a show, let’s go. We also love Palm Springs, so any chance to go there we do! Very into Mid Century!!
What are your favorite restaurants in L.A. and Vegas?
In L.A., we love Sushi, Iroha is our fave. Ambiance sucks but most of the best sushi places have zero atmosphere. In Vegas we love Scotch 80 Prime at the Palms, just re-opened. So good!
Favorite food?
Sushi, Mexican and Prime Rib!!
Favorite drink?
The Classic Spy Cocktail, Shaken not Stirred.
Rank your sports teams in order of passion.
I left my Heart in San Francisco! Being from the Bay Area I love the 49ers, Warriors, Giants, and A’s in that order…Not a fan of any L.A. teams (maybe the Chargers?) Gott keep that rivalry going, right?
First record ever purchased?
Meet the Beatles
First concert?
My dad took my sister and I to the Oakland Coliseum to see, Cat Stevens.
Favorite band of all-time?
Iggy and the Stooges/ Iggy Pop in general.
Anything else you would like to add?
We are in this bubble together. My Motto is “as long as people care.” Let’s keep this bubble caring. Also, who do you think should be the next Bond? That is really what I care about, ha!
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