10 Questions with ... Amanda Walk

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Started as an intern at 17 yrs old in Boston for Sony music in the promo department. Moved to NY after college, and worked at Sony in the classical publicity department. Moved to Epic Publicity, Assistant to the President of Miramax Soundtracks, Assistant in Epic Promotion, SF Epic Regional. L.A. Epic Regional. Columbia L.A. Regional, Columbia Pop National, and Columbia Alt/Rock National.

1. How big of an influence did your brother play in you getting into the record business?

Charlie Walk played a huge part. And yes, we are related. He's my brother. If my dad had it his way, we would have become cosmetic dentists and taken over his practice.

I have always loved music from a very young age. I loved pop music but also listened to The Who, Def Leppard, Van Halen, and Pink Floyd due to my older brother's influence. When I was eight, I watched my oldest brother, Charles work records to radio in Boston. He was the local when New Kids On The Block came onto the scene. I obviously fell in love with them and was the luckiest kid, because I got to meet them and go to every show. Watching him throughout the years made me want to do this job as well. Everyone told me I was crazy, but I went for it anyways and 10 years later, I'm still here.

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

Working with a new band and watching their growth and progression over time.

Currently Passion Pit and The Temper Trap have been a work in progress for the past year. Watching them play a radio show and seeing the crowd reaction to the song is the most rewarding. To know that I am a part of the band's success is very fulfilling.

3. What has been the biggest change with your job in the past year?

In the past two months, I have gained a new boss, Mike DePippa (he rocks) and gained a new record label that I worked for previously, Epic Records. So now I work for Columbia and Epic.

4. What may surprise people the most about Sony Alternative department?

We work on stilts.

5. What is the toughest part of your job?

Getting a station to believe in the artist the way I believe in them.

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

I love going to Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco. I used to be the local in San Fran, my first local job, so going back there makes it quite nostalgic for me. I loved it there.

7. What would surprise people most about you?

I am a classically trained violinist.

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

Blackberry Messenger.

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

Jammin 94.5 in Boston. It was a Pop station back then. I cried when it flipped.

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

Voice Overs. Especially a cartoon character.

What are your hobbies?

Surfing and skiing.

Last non-industry job?

Handing out pool balls at Jillians

First record ever purchased?

The Who

First concert?

Gloria Estefan with my dad

Favorite band of all-time?

Phish (don't judge me).