10 Questions with ... Brian Thiele

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

With so much of the music industry's anatomy shaking up, twisting and turning by the day, some insiders would say it's the best time ever to take risks, try something different, and leap into the great uncharted waters of the unknown. Others? They're desperately trying to hold on for dear life.

It's all perspective. And neither side is necessarily wrong.

Brian Thiele certainly gets both sides of this. As an esteemed figure in CCM radio promotions for a decade-plus-a majority of that time spent at major labels-Thiele found himself in a unique and somewhat unexpected situation in late 2016: remain a part of the big machine at Word Entertainment, with A-listers like for King & Country, Skillet and Big Daddy Weave, or seize the opportunity to start something new with a roster of (at the time) exactly one artist.

1. What is the path of your music industry career leading to up to present day?

I started as a Radio Promotion intern at Sony Music Nashville with Epic Records and Lucky Dog Records. My first job in the industry was with the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) as the Registration Coordinator. From there, I was hired as the Promotion Assistant at Universal Music/MCA Nashville (Lee Ann Womack, George Strait, Gary Allan, and more) and was eventually promoted to Coordinator. While I was there, Universal Music started the Lost Highway imprint and I got the opportunity to work in radio promotions at that label. We worked with Johnny Cash, Ryan Adams, Lucinda Williams, The Jayhawks and more. After Lost Highway, I got a job as the Director of Promotion, Northeast for an independent label called Vivaton Records, working with country artists Mark Chesnutt and Chely Wright. I started my Christian music promotion career at EMI/CMG (now Capitol Christian), where I spent almost four years, before being hired at Word Entertainment. I spent almost eight years at Word as Sr. Director, National Promotion. A little over a year ago, I was hired as VP, National Promotion at Black River Christian.

2. Considering you've worked at different formats of the industry, what's kept you at the Christian side for so long?

Honestly, there are always a lot of factors that go into career moves. I've loved things about each and every label/format that I've been a part of. The people I've work with, the artists, the music, and the family-first mentality have kept me passionate about what I do.

3. You mentioned a significant career move a little over a year ago. Who were the people in your life who helped you walk out that decision the most?

My wife. She and I discussed and prayed about this opportunity. She is awesome.

4. You went from working at a major label to working at an indie label with just one artist on the roster at the time. What about that opportunity enticed you the most?

The thought of being a part of something from the ground up and being able to build a roster and staff is really exciting to me. Also, there's a spirit about Black River CEO Gordon Kerr and his leadership style that gave me a real peace about this opportunity.

5. After years of working at major labels and moving to a smaller, indie label, has your perspective on radio changed at all?

No. At least I don't think so! If anything, I think my approach has changed a little. Over the past year, I've had the opportunity to re-connect with radio stations that I hadn't been in regular contact with in my job at Word. I have felt like part of my mission this year was to tell the story of Black River and find new ways to partner with radio.

6) What is something most people likely wouldn't know about Black River Christian?

Our parent company, Pegula Sports and Entertainment, owns the NFL's Buffalo Bills, the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and several others sports teams and businesses in Buffalo, NY.

7) What has been the greatest joy about working at BRC the past year?

There are a few. I have loved watching Hannah Kerr's songs grow at radio. Each one has done better than the last and that's a trend I'm really excited about. Signing Josh Wilson was so awesome and surreal. I worked with Josh at EMI/CMG when his very first record came out and got the opportunity to take him on his first promo tour. It's very cool that he is a Black River Christian artist now and I'm so excited about his first single, "Dream Small." Finally, hiring Ali Matkosky. She's one of the best in the biz!

8) OK, and what about the greatest challenge?

Learning to have more patience has been a little challenging. I have to remember that we are growing a company and, with Hannah, we are in the process of breaking an artist. Both of these processes take time.

9) Is there anything coming up in 2018 pertaining to BRC that particularly excites you?

Hannah Kerr is currently in the studio working on new music that will be out to radio this year. I'll mention Josh Wilson's new single "Dream Small" again because I think it has the potential to be very impactful. It's a really important song that needs to be heard.

10) Of course you can't predict the future, but what is something you hope to be able to say you've accomplished--or been a part of-a year from now?

I would love to have a No.1 single for a Black River Christian artist!