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10 Questions with ... Ken Pittman
February 3, 2009
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NAME:Ken PittmanTITLE:National Director PromotionRECORD COMPANY:DowntownBASED:Los AngelesBORN:2/10/69RAISED:Lincoln Nebraska
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
'89-'94 -- KKNB/Lincoln, NE PD/MD/ air talent; '95-'97 -- MCA Records Midwest Regional; '97-'00 -- Dreamworks Chicago Local; '01-'04 -- Elektra Los Angeles Local; '04-'08 -- Lava Los Angeles Local.
LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:
Movie Theater Asst. Manager
FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:
Foreigner - Four
FIRST CONCERT:
Elvis Presley - Pershing Auditorium Lincoln Nebraska
FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:
Impossible to narrow that down. The list includes: Radiohead, Neko Case, U2, The Who ...I could go on.
1. What got you interested in the record business?
I was always the kid in school listening to new music. I never actually got in to radio for radio; I just loved music and knew I wanted to be a part of it. When the opportunity came to go to a label it seemed like a natural fit.
2. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
I grew up listening to Sunny Valentine on KFRX in Lincoln, then wound up interning there and then I competed against her. And as fate and karma would have it I wound up having to work Sunny on music. The first time I came to play her something, a bird shat upon me in the station courtyard. I kid you not. I used to call Jon Therry at night on KFMQ and request The Cult "Sanctuary" He'd laugh, say "ok " then play another Ozzy tune. I never let him forget that. Years later I was fortunate to share an office with him.
3. Who are your mentors?
Tim Sheridan, Mike Easterlin, and Mark Gorlick -- who really is a walking lesson on how NOT to do things, what NOT to wear, basic grooming no-no's etc.
4. What do you like best about your job? Least?
Traveling and Traveling
5. What was the first record you worked to radio and what has been the biggest change since you first began doing radio promotion?
Mister Merengue on Way Cool Records! I'm stumped as to what's the SAME since I started doing promotion. Hell, nobody had cell phones back then, let alone a laptop or Mediabase. There were these places called RECORD STORES.
6. What is the toughest part of your job?
Being away from my son.
7. What would surprise people most about you?
I'm all natural.
8. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without __________?
Checking in on several bike racing websites.
9. What has been your biggest career highlight?
It'd be easy to mention a dozen artists that I've fought for with all my heart. But to be honest my career highlights are the dear friends that I have made on both sides of the fence -- radio/promo. It's those friendships that I have that I cherish the most, that get me through the day.
10. What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?
I would have probably followed in the old man's footsteps and been the Tire/Trailer King of Nebraska. However, I'd like to think that I'd keep the unruly nose and ear hair at bay-UNLIKE the old man.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
Well I am known to have a bit of a thang for motorbikes. I might have a weakness for shoes and I have a pet black widow named Franklin.
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