10 Questions with ... Jenni Sperandeo

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

WDBM/East Lansing, Hollywood Records, Rhino Records, Jacknife Enterprises, Astralwerks Records, Virgin Records, Shout! Factory, Astralwerks (again), Razor & Tie, Shangri-La Music, and now Dangerbird Records.

1. What got you interested in the record business?

Doing college radio in the glorious early-90s sealed the deal for me. I had the rare opportunity to participate in the sign-on a new FM signal in my sophomore year, which was intoxicating and sealed my love of radio and the people who make it forever. I loved being on the air, but before I became music director I had no idea there was a job that entailed exposing people to great new music. It just so happened that I was looking for something interesting to do with my Advertising degree.

2. What led you to Dangerbird Records?

Dangerbird is a vibrant and growing young company with great bands, great people, and an infectious energy that was tough to resist!

3. Who are your mentors?

Among many: Jack Emerson, Ray Gmeiner, Michael Halloran, Brad Hunt, Dyana Kass, Errol Kolosine, Steve Leeds, and Michael Plen.

4. What do you like best about your job? Least?

Best: Hearing "Jenni you were right."

Least: Hearing "The best way to get in touch with me is by e-mail."

5. What may surprise people the most about Dangerbird Records?

The impressive pace at which we are growing, the devotion of everyone here to living their passion for vital culture, and the truly exciting new releases we will be unleashing on the world this year!

6. What was the first record you worked to radio and what has been the biggest change since you first began doing radio promotion?

Sacred Reich Independent at Hollywood Records. You simply can't beat METAL for learning the ropes while working with one of the most enthusiastic and supportive group of music programmers ever. As much as things have changed (internet, PPM, smaller staffs, shrinking playlists, blah blah ... many of the fundamentals of this job remain the same: suiting up every day CONVINCED something good will happen and then making it so, cultivating relationships, learning all you can about your stations and their markets and delivering for them, and being constantly on the prowl for opportunities for your artist to get a toehold and grow.

7. What is your favorite market to visit and why?

Oooh that is a tough one. I LOVE ALL OF AMERICA! Tops are probably Seattle, Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee, Portland, and San Diego. Florida scares me...I adore every nook and cranny of Texas.

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

My promo theme song "Work To Do" by the Average White Band.

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

WRIF, WLLZ, WDRQ, WORB, and CBC Brave New Waves.

10. If you decided to completely change careers today what would you do?

There are days when I think I'd be perfectly happy as a checker at a grocery store.

What are your hobbies?

Cooking, travel, and hanging out with my ancient dog.

Last non-industry job?

High-School Pizza Shack?

First record ever purchased?

Joan Jett "I Love Rock & Roll" (a 45).

First concert?

Prince/Purple Rain Tour at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.

Favorite band of all-time?

The Replacements.