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10 Questions with ... Andrea Kleid
May 8, 2006
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NAME:Andrea KleidTITLE:Manager, National PromotionCOMPANY:EMI CMGFORMATS:AC, CHR, ROCKLOCATION:Nashville, TNBORN:Paducah, KY :)RAISED:Near Cincinnati (Florence, KY)
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
WSTR Cincinnati - Production Assistant
104.3 WNLT Cincinnati - Production Assistant
WB-11 New York City - Associate Producer
WAY-FM West Palm Beach - Promotions Director
WJIS/ The JOY FM Sarasota - Promotions Director
EMI CMG Nashville - Manager, National Promotions1) What made you want to get into the music business? Early mentors? First job?
My career began in Television, but I always had an incredible passion for music. Growing up, Casey Kasem's countdown was my bread and butter. My mentor in college encouraged me to land an internship in radio, so I tried it and loved the psychology behind it :). After working in promotions at a few radio stations, a label friend called me up and asked me if I'd be interested in "the other side"... I saw it as an opportunity to work with two of my passions, radio and music... and the rest is history.
2) What does Christian Radio need to do in order to break through to a mass audience on a more consistent basis?
Play hit songs and understand your audience. We should spend more time understanding our consumer, and less time trying to come up with funny show prep. We have the same opportunity that every media outlet has to connect with our listeners... we must meet them where they are everyday. Also, know your competition inside and out.
3) In our highly competitive music field, where it seems more and more that every artist needs something special to get paid attention too, how do you position your self, and your label, to get YOUR artists the shot they need?
Well as much as I'd like to share grand wisdom from the newest business book, the truth is that it comes down to the music. EMI has spent the past few years investing in an entire department that is solely devoted to the end consumer. We want to become experts in their likes and dislikes, and allow that to trickle all the way down to A&R. There are always ways to market artist stories or causes, but at the end of the day, the music must have an emotional connection with the consumer.
4) What are the most important tools/resources you use to stay on top of your formats growth and daily changes?
I think each and every programmer that I track with each week is my main tool. I'm constantly looking for information about 'what is working' in individual markets. I want to know the trends that are coming out of the Denver market for example, and how they may become the trend across our formats. Networking with other industry people... and streaming the stations that I work with also keep me up to date on 'what's next'.
5) What's your take on current music? Is it as good as say, six months ago? Better than it was? Same? Elaborate please!
I think our resources are opening up, and we are gaining access to extremely talented people (i.e. new producers, mixers, etc.) So in that respect, I think it's better. I would like to see more "CCM music" that is socially relevant / thinking music. Topically, Casting Crown's "If We Are the Body" was probably the more recent (and widely known) example of how this type of music can be embraced.
6) Who has had the biggest impact on these facets of your life: Personal, Professional and Spiritual? Why?
Personal: My mom has always been that one person that has encouraged me to do what I love.
Professional: Kat Davis, Jeff MacFarlane, Grant Hubbard, Dave St. John, Melissa Jackson
Spiritual: I have some of the most amazing, real friends here in Nashville that "get me" and understand my faith. We have these random nights that we call "Jesus talks" where we eat together, and just talk about what God is doing in our lives. Sounds super-spiritual, but it's quite transparent and good for our souls.
7) If you could have any job outside the music business, what would it be?
Well on the side, I'm organizing benefit concerts for a national organization that I work with called RAINN. If I could make a living and impact people's lives, I would travel and do this in every major city. You can check out RAINN at: http://rainn.org.
8) Which character in the Bible do you most relate to? Why?
Peter. I always have something to say, and sometimes put my foot in my mouth.
9) What is your favorite quote?
I have two.
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." - Mother Teresa
"You must do the things you think you cannot do." - Eleanor Roosevelt
10) What's in your CD player right now?
The Weepies, Stars, Rita Springer, Iron & Wine, Rilo Kiley, The Colour, Sarah Kelly, Josh Ritter, Rachael Sage.
Bonus Questions
1) Do you read everything? Books, Magazines, etc. Nothing? What is your favorite reading material?
I'm a magazine junkie... Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Spin, Relevant, and any trade.
2 ) Do you have Musical Guilty Pleasures?
Uh, yes. I love pretty much everything you hear on AAA radio. :)
3) If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you want with you?
My 80 lb puppy, an iPod, boneless chicken wings.
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