10 Questions with ... Chris Hauser

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

WYRD, WSIV-WOIV (1979-1987), Myrrh Records (1987-1990), Warner Alliance (1990-1998), indie promotion (2 years), managed Squint band Waterdeep (1999-2001), back to indie promotion ever since (10 years ago!)

1. Back in the day, what was your first job in the industry? Did you have any early mentors?

Part time and then full time at WYRD Radio in Syracuse, NY (which then became WSIV/WOIV). I went through 7 GMs in eight years. It was not my fault. I swear.

2. What projects are you working right now?

Aaron Shust, Downhere, Jason Gray, Me in Motion, Newsboys and Jaci Velasquez, Owl City, One Sonic Society, The City Harmonic, Rush of Fools and others.

3. And what artists or projects that you are NOT working are you excited about?

I discovered Hyland at CMB's Momentum in Orlando and was blown away by "Never." That song's amazing. Also, I am friends with the Gungor band. I would take a bullet for those guys and girls. They and John Mark McMillan have made the most arresting music in our industry in at least five years.

4. Some questions about your day-to-day work: What is your favorite part of your job?

I tell people I make a great living, talking to my friends, all day long, about music I love. I also love to get into the radio studios and offices: be where radio people are. Basically face time with radio people is a blast. Oh, and concerts too. I'll stop now.

5. And your least favorite part?

Preparing reports for clients gets to be mundane. If it's not great news I'm sharing, the reports are an even deeper slog to get through.

6. What does Christian radio need to do to break through to a mass audience?

I think it'll always be somewhat niche because the message is important and the message is not "mass." Still, radio has made HUGE strides the last 10 years. Been amazing to see.

7. Who inspires you personally, professionally and/or spiritually?

My friend Derek Watson is the trainer in a four-day intensive retreat called The Encounter. Those close to me know this retreat changed my life three years ago. I've gone on to be in leadership with this ministry. All the people there have shown me so much about love and life. A few people reading this have trusted me enough to take the plunge! So, the people (and process) of The Encounter weekend have profoundly influenced me personally, professionally and spiritually.

8. We were all recently together at CMB Momentum. What were your highlights from the event?

Hyland's "Never" performance. I had no clue who they were prior, but the song just simply reached me in a pure and profound way. Plus, being in that room with radio people, sitting in label showcases, seeing artists I've worked with, that's an amazing feeling. AND late night hangs with friends. Unforgettable.

9. Fill in the blank. I can't start the day without:

Coffee and devotional reading

10. If you could imagine having any other job outside the music industry, what would it be and why?

Sheesh, I was born for this. I've worked in the music industry (radio or records) since 1979. I don't know, sports agent?? Like in the "Jerry McGuire" movie?!

1. Do you read everything or nothing?

I read a lot. Magazines, newspapers, 4-5 books at a time, Huffingtonpost and Wonkette online. I grew up reading the comics in the New Yorker magazine. Now my dad sends it to me as a gift subscription. There are great articles in there! Who knew?!

2) Do you have any favorite magazines or books?

The writings of Emergent church leaders like Brian MacLaren, Chris Seay, Rob Bell have been a lifeline for 10 years. Also, British Rock magazines like MOJO, Classic Rock, Uncut, I can't walk past one of those with The Who, Zeppelin, Pink Floyd on the cover and not end up buying it!

3) Cat or dog person?

Dog, though people in our family are allergic. So we've never had pets.

4) Describe your favorite meal.

I've never met a pizza I didn't like.