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10 Questions with ... Mark Giles
June 5, 2006
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NAME:Mark GilesTITLE:VP of National PromotionsCOMPANY:Provident Label GroupFORMATS:CCM AC, CHR, INSP, RockLOCATION:Nashville, TNBORN:Fredericksburg, VARAISED:Lynchburg, VA
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Worship Leader / Morning Show Host / PD / GM / Record Promoter
1) What made you want to get into the music business? Early mentors? First job?
I can remember standing in front of my church and singing at about 2-3 years old. I sang an old Bill Gaither tune, "He Touched Me". It seems like I've always had a deep love for anything musical. At 16 I was crazy enough to walk into the local Gospel FM radio station and ask them for a job as a DJ...they were subsequently crazy enough to hire me. It didn't take me long to catch the radio bug in a bad way, and I've never quite been able to shake it since. I went to college on a vocal scholarship, and got to travel around much of the USA as a result. So I guess you could just say I've had the music in me. If you're around me very much, you'll find me either humming or singing or thinking about what I'm going to hum or sing next.
2) What do you think is the most important topic facing the Music Business and Radio right now? Why?
Relevance. Radio stations should strive to be relevant to their listeners. Music companies need to be producing artists and music that assists radio in this effort. Music that relates to the listener and either encourages, entertains or draws them closer to God.
3) What do you do to inspire your staff for success in the field on a daily basis with the amount of material that recording companies are releasing in today's market place?
Our staff has one major goal in mind as we begin each day to create stronger, better relationships with PD's and MD's in the radio industry. We strive to be servants and partners with radio. If we can be passionate about the artists we believe in with PD's and MD's that we've developed strong relationships with, then our artists and ultimately our label group will win.
4) What are the most important tools/resources you use to stay on top of the formats growth and daily changes?
Conversations with gatekeepers...PD's, MD's, Air Talent that is in the trenches every day. Of course we refer to the trade sources and magazines to stay current, but it's vital to find out what's happening in specific markets. The station focus in Topeka may not be the same as in Tuscaloosa. As we become better listeners, we can find out more about the markets into which we are promoting.
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'm loving the current blend of music. I think it's better than it's ever been. And listeners would seem to agree, CCM radio ratings are climbing higher with each quarter's ratings. Sales of CCM music are strong in both the CBA and Mainstream markets. I believe it's a combination of better music and better radio....evidence of a partnership that is working.
6) What do you like best about your job? Least?
I love the challenge, and I love the people. The challenge? Hearing a song that you believe in your very core is a breakout song, and then working to see that song grow a strong listener base at radio. The people? The people that I work WITH....both at the label and in radio. Some of my dearest friends are in this industry.
What do I like least? That would have to be saying "no". I would like to be able to say "yes" to every station's promotional request. But some things are totally out of our control.
7) Who has had the biggest impact on these facets of your life: Personal, Professional and Spiritual? Why?
Personal? My wife. God has used her to mold and shape me in ways that only she would be able to do. She's my best friend in the world, the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, and the one person that I would least like to disappoint. At times when I would have turned my back on God, her Spirit kept me focused on peace, hope and love. I don't deserve her, but I'm ever so grateful for her.
Professional? That's a tough one, because I have so many people in this industry who have been used to guide and train me. Radio Leadership, Record Execs, Artists & Artist Managers...the list is long. The management team that I've been working for the past 5 months are simply amazing. Terry Hemmings and Dean Diehl are two men that I know are going to inspire me to grow in the years to come. But if I had to choose ONE that has been most instrumental in the past as a mentor, it would be the three years that Mark Campbell poured himself into me. He's a marketing genius, and I'm blessed to have worked with him.
Spiritual? Oh boy, again this is a multifaceted answer. But if I'm narrowed again to ONE, I'd say my family. My two boys have given me a glimpse into the pride and love that God the Father must feel as He looks as His Son. My wife has given me a better understanding of the love that Christ has for His bride, the church. And my father has taught me the unconditional love that My heavenly Father has for me.
8) If you could have any job outside the music business, what would it be?
That's a two-fold answer....Quarterback of the Rams, and Driver of the Black #3 Monte Carlo.
9) Which character in the Bible do you most relate to? Why?
Peter....because I'm most likely to be the first one to speak out passionately about something I believe in....and probably also the first one needing to say "I'm sorry". I might add that I've had a lot of practice in the "I'm sorry" department.
10) What is the most precious memory of your life so far?
Looking into the eyes of the precious lady that God created just for me, and realizing how amazingly blessed I am.
Bonus Questions
1) What is your favorite quote?
"Preach Christ at all times....if necessary, use words" St. Francis of Assisi
2 ) What's in your CD player right now?
I have a six disc changer in my car. ONE, The new Jars of Clay CD. Not yet ready for public consumption, but oh my goodness it is fresh....TWO, A new band called LEELAND that is absolutely amazing.....THREE, Brian Littrell's new project that is deeper and more excellent than I would have ever imagined.....FOUR, the latest S-Disc from CRW....and FIVE & SIX, MP3 compilations of my favorite 200+ songs.
3) Do you have Musical Guilty Pleasures?
Just a couple....if I'm anywhere that Prince "Kiss" or "You Got The Look" starts to play, I have to lock my feet to the floor to keep from doing my version of white-boy-with-rhythm-dance-Karaoke. And my affinity for a song that shall remain nameless by George Michael that I could only ever sing to my wife.
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