10 Questions with ... Lynn McDonnell

NAME:Lynn McDonnell TITLE:VP/Alternative Promotion COMPANY:Reprise Records BORN:A long time ago in Buffalo NY RAISED:Buffalo, NY

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Radio & Records 1987-1990, Interscope Records 1990-98, Time Bomb Recordings 1998-2000, The Firm 2000-2002, Reprise Records 2002-present.

LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:

Mercy Hospital

FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:

Kiss Alive 2/Frampton Comes Alive (tied)

FIRST CONCERT:

Billy Joel

FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:

Metallica

1. What got you interested in the record business?

I got in the music business by luck and happenstance. I never had a clue the job that I have now ever existed. Music was an outlet for me. I remember spending hours combing through lyrics and album art, listening to my favorite songs with my speakers between my head. For business, I wanted to be the next Diane Sawyer. Thank God that didn't happen.

2. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

My parents always had on WKBW/Buffalo, and then I listened to WPHD. Neither was riveting, but that's all we had at the time.

3. What may surprise people the most about Reprise Records?

Anyone can contribute their ideas and feel like they aren't being judged. Interns, assistants, VPs, it doesn't matter. Tom Whalley is very open to smart thinking people who have their fingers on the pulse of popular culture.

4. Where do you get your greatest pleasure in doing record promotion?

CLOSING. I love the thrill of the chase and actually turning a NO into a YES. I also love to organize promotions involving creative ideas, executing them, and seeing a sales result in a marketplace.

5. Do you have a favorite market you like to visit and why?

That's a hard one...Seattle, SF, San Diego, West Palm Beach, and Tampa. The weather, shopping, and more importantly, the people involved.

6. What is the toughest part of your job?

Staying motivated when spins, sales, and the general feel of a record is in a downward spiral.

7. What would surprise people most about you?

I am a sap when it comes to movies. I like movies that make me cry.

8. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ___ _________?

Kissing the girls in the morning.

9. What has been your biggest career highlight?

I can't say there was one in particular...I think the best time was at Interscope in 1994-95 when we were rolling No Doubt, Bush, NIN, Marilyn Manson, and The Toadies. So much fun!

10. If you were to leave the record business today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?

I'd probably do some philanthropic work. I have been involved in a charity called "Friends & Helpers" for the last 15 years. It's very rewarding to give back when I have been so blessed.

When you are not taking care of your twins, what do you enjoying doing for fun?

The twins are fun! We like to go to hike Runyon Canyon with the dog early on a weekend morning. Pushing that double jogger up the hill is a kick-ass work out.