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10 Questions with ... Kai Elmer
July 16, 2007
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NAME:Kai ElmerTITLE:Manager/National PromotionsCOMPANY:INO RecordsFORMATS/GENRE: Christian AC, CHR, INSPO, ROCKLOCATION:Brentwood, TNBORN:San Francisco, CARAISED:Lynden, WA
Brief Career Synopsis:
My first experience in radio was in high school when I interned at KWPZ/Lynden, WA. Fully bitten by the radio bug, I headed off to the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago in Fall 2001. I was on staff at Moody Campus Radio until I graduated in May 2005, serving in a variety of roles including on-air jock, MD, PD and Station Manager. In August 2003, I started at WMBI/Chicago, serving in a variety of roles including announcer, producer, promotions assistant, writer and volunteer coordinator. In December 2004, I interned at mainstream WTMX/Chicago in the promotions department and ultimately was hired as a promotions assistant. In May 2005, I started as National Music Assistant for the Moody Broadcasting Network overseeing the music for Moody's 37 owned and operated stations. I started here at INO Records June 1.
1) What made you want to get into the music business?
Ever since I can remember, I've always been a huge fan of Christian music, going to concerts, listening to the radio, the whole nine yards. I was always the kid trying to get my friends to listen to the great new CD I'd just found down at the local Christian bookstore. I'm still a huge fan, and pinch myself whenever I have the chance to hang with artists and people in the industry.
2) So far, what's your favorite thing about INO Records?
Seriously, I consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to work with all the artists at INO, artists who have a unique message, excellent artistry, and spiritual maturity, and to also serve them well through partnering with radio stations all over the country.
3) What do you think is the most important topic facing the music business and radio right now?
With the advent of so many new technologies and options for music delivery, I really see radio making a renewed commitment to localized, life-changing, substantive and compelling content. It's the only way radio is going to survive. That's a tough question though, because I think there are number of topics right now that are on the forefront, including increased fees for Internet streaming, increased revenue streams through new media, the whole debate of "Christian" vs. "positive" music and most importantly, continuing to provide music that empowers listeners to unashamedly engage their faith in today's society.
4) Is it too soon to tell what you like the most about your job?
Not at all. Hands down, it's been connecting with folks at radio stations all over the country, beginning to build relationships and figuring out ways to best serve them.
5) What's the most exciting thing about coming to work for a label? Why the switch?
The Christian music fan in me seriously gets a kick out of doing things like going out to visit Phil Wickham in the studio, catching the CD release show for Mike Farris, previewing new tunes from The Afters, Sara Groves, Mark Harris, Caedmon's Call, Steve Fee and Laura Story, visiting radio stations with Chris Rice and Todd Agnew, and experiencing P.O.D. at Journey's Backyard BBQ, thinking of creative ways to push MercyMe closer and closer to #1, and that's just been the first few weeks!
6) What are the most important tools/resources you use to stay on top of the format's growth and daily changes?
I'm definitely still learning, but a few of the tools that have really helped me so far are R&R Tracking (super cool program for a radio geek like me), Mediabase, but honestly, I'm on the phone chatting with people most of my day, so probably the most important tool I use is good ol' conversation.
7) What book have you read that has touched you or taught you the most?
"Roaring Lambs" by Bob Briner
8) Who has had the biggest impact on your life spiritually, personally and/or professionally? Who were your early mentors?
I'm the kind of guy who is always trying to learn and grow, so I'm thankful for the relationships I've built and the challenging conversations I've had with guys like Johnathon Eltrevoog, Joe Buchanan, Denny Nugent, Rick Welke, Mark Giles, Mike Couchman, Wendell Gafford and Collin Lambert. But if I had to thank just one person, I'd probably go with Paul Butler, my communications professor at Moody. He instilled in me the value of always being ministry-minded and to always keep in mind the ultimate message behind what all forms of Christian media (radio, music, you name it) should be about.
9) If you can imagine your life outside the record label business, what would you be doing?
Quite honestly, I'd more than likely be back in radio as a PD or a MD.
10) Are you missing Chicagoland yet?
My iPod is on shuffle, and of course, "Chicago, City of Shoulders" by Andy Davis just came on right now. Why you gotta do that, Andy?!? Anyways, I lived downtown, so I do miss being able to walk around everywhere and being right in the middle of everything. I had a bunch of great friends and was involved in an amazing church, so yeah, there are things that I miss, but God made it pretty obvious Nashville is where he wants me right now. Just don't get me talking about that awesome Chicago style deep dish pizza.
Bonus Questions
1) Do you read everything or nothing? Books, magazines, newspapers?
It kinda comes in spurts, but right now I'm enjoying the latest issue of "Relevant" magazine and also "The Imitation of Christ" by Thomas a Kempis.
2) What's in your CD player right now?
In my stereo right now are Jon McLaughlin, Phil Wickham, Slowly We Survive, MuteMath, Hillsong United and Sleeping At Last.
3) Do you have any musical guilty pleasures?
Kelly Clarkson, Joss Stone, Mandy Moore, Kanye West
4) If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you want with you and why?
A satellite radio so I could listen to Seattle Mariner baseball games, an endless supply of black licorice, and a volleyball that I would name Wilson. Hey, if Tom Hanks can have one, so can I!
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