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10 Questions with ... Gabriella D'Agostino
July 7, 2009
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NAME:Gabriella D'AgostinoTITLE:Head Of Radio PromotionRECORD COMPANY:Glassnote RecordsBORN:Fresno, CARAISED:Murphys, CA
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
2003 - 2006 -- KMBY/Monterey, CA MD/middays; 2006-2007 - WHRL/Albany, NY APD/MD/middays; 2007-2008 -- Astralwerks Records Alt. Specialty And College Manager; and 2008-2009 EMI-Capitol Records -- Alt. Specialty and College Manager.
LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:
While doing radio in Monterey, I worked at a Chili's. I made mad tips in the bar and parents loved me when I took their baby around the restaurant so they could actually eat dinner.
FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:
My oldest brother is to blame; he bought me Mariah Carey "Music Box."
FIRST CONCERT:
Janet Jackson, thanks to the other brother.
FAVORITE BAND OF ALL: TIME:
Pearl Jam
1. What got you interested in the record business?
To be honest, it's in my blood. I come from a long line of musicians, vocalists (my Mother included) and music comes natural, as does cooking. My grandfather played with The Dorsey Brothers and Nat King Cole, my Mother sang opera. Among my two older brothers and me, music became what we could always turn to. She was always encouraging us to sing and dance and make music part of our passion.
Growing up in Gold Rush country of Northern California, options for concerts and festivals were limited... We had to travel outside the county! I often found myself in Sacramento and San Francisco searching for the next "big band." When I left for college I continued on my mission of helping/discovering and supporting bands. I became a staple at the legendary Catalyst Club in Santa Cruz and spent just about every weekend in SF at shows. I was fortunate enough to meet the staff of KMBY and quickly became part of their family. The first time I cracked a mic on my own air shift, I felt a rush, and excitement and passion I never knew existed. I was hooked on this industry for life.
2. Why did you decide to leave radio for the record side?
I felt I had done all I could for bands on the radio side. From my adventures (from the beginning ... eh hem!) with 30 Seconds To Mars to all of the bands I put on the air for a reason: The Matches, Circa Survive, Hot Hot Heat, Taproot, Chevelle, Sevendust, Incubus, Kasabian, Sparta, Sick Puppies, Rise Against, Mars Volta, Queens of the Stone Age, Athlete, The Bravery, Editors, Kings of Leon, Louis XIV, Atreyu, Muse, Pennywise, Strung Out, Dropping Daylight, We Are Scientists, Sigur Ros ... I could go on for days but, these are the bands that taught me, encouraged me and showed me what it could be about. The art of making music for the masses to hear. I felt it was time to become a part of the planning in a mission to break a band. Not just be there when they shipped me the single.
3. What led you to Glassnote?
You know, I've been asked this question a few times and truthfully the answer is timing, approach, and comfort. I knew I'd put as much blood, sweat, and tears into my job with the Capitol family and just let whatever was next come to me. Somehow, that's how it happens for me. I'm one of the lucky ones ...Things really do happen for a reason and as they should, they fall in my lap. Daniel Glass came to me, out of the blue and, the picture he painted was missing just one paint stroke ... Me.
4. What may surprise people the most about Glassnote Music?
It's an old school "we help and take care of each other" vibe. We aren't separated by offices, hallways or even cubicle walls. We are all in one office, blasting music and working together all day, everyday. And we don't spend our days in conference rooms.
5. Where do you get your greatest pleasure in doing record promotion?
The shine of music never loses its luster with me. There are two things that occur that let me know I'll always love what I do or get jaded:
1. I still get star struck and giddy when I meet someone "famous" or, at least "famous" to me. Ask Bill Burrs or Nik Rivers about the time I met Dave Grohl. I recall thanking him for being born.
2. When I hear one of "my bands" on the radio or on TV, I still do a little dance. No, it's not internal... I'll dance around the room, I don't care who's around.
6. What is the toughest part of your job?
I think sometimes, it's how much I take this all to heart. I'm a really tough, straight shooter, stubborn Italian but, I'm also a little sister and the type of woman that wants to take care of everyone. I'm your not-so-typical "band Mom." I'm the "Mom" that bands actually refer to as Mom and, expect to keep them sober, out of fights, clean, and fed. When a band I'm working with doesn't get all they've been dreaming about since a 4 year old banging on trash cans ... It hurts me too. I've shattered my elbow, taken a punch to the jaw, not slept, washed dozens of loads of laundry, cooked banquets of food and ran intervention on psycho girl stalkers for artists I work with. The bands are my kids and they are the hardest working people I know.
7. What is your favorite market you like to visit and why?
You're making me pick one!? That's not fair, Shawn. I'll pick three and for valid reasons!
Las Vegas because I can see my Mom then witness what a crazy life a rock star can have in "Sin City."
Philly because what other city has a The Liberty Bell, rad Cheese Steaks, Spike, Sottolano, Joey O., and Bacon all in one area code. It's insane!
And, last but totally not least Boston because, Fenway Park is my Heaven on earth and the Red Sox are better than your team.
8. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _____?
My brothers or boyfriend reminding me I can conquer the world. Oh and a Pearl Jam song while on the subway so I don't punch anyone... I hate mornings.
9. If you were to leave the record business today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?
A sea lion trainer at Sea World or Mayor of Munchkin Land.
10. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid? What do you remember the most?
Actually, it's kind of sad timing for me to answer this question. Growing up, it was KWOD. That station started my addiction to radio and discovering new music. RIP KWOD... I miss your face!
Also, Live 105 had a dramatic impact on my college years, thanks Aaron.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
What the hell are hobbies?! I don't have time for that, but if I'm not sleeping, babysitting a band or making my boyfriend entertain me, I like cooking, thinking of ideas for my next tattoo, throwing things at my brother (he's my roommate), and most of my time goes to sarcastic messages to Ray DiPietro, Dave Lombardi, Mase, Jon Landman, and Newman.
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