10 Questions with ... Jon Sell

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Interned for a few non-profits including the YMCA Restore counseling ministries, Reconstruct and Coolpeoplecare.org and with Centricity in the management department. Now I work in the Centricity radio promotions department.

1. You came over from the management side of Centricity Music. Are there any similarities between the management side and the label side, other than the artists? What made you want to try radio?

Well, the management side is more hands-on, day-to-day things with the artist. Similarities come on promo trips when I am with the artists or when we set up interviews, phoners, etc. Also, managing and radio are both still business, so communication in both fields are key. In management you have to communicate with the artist, label, booking company, accountant, etc. In radio, communication is key with managers, artists, program directors and music directors, etc. I wanted to try radio because I new it would be challenging and I'm a people person.

2. As you settle into the promoter's chair, what's your favorite part of the job?

Sparking interesting and new conversations with people I'm getting to know every week. Also, I love to hear stories about how God used our artists' songs to impact listeners. I am competitive so I also like seeing the add counts go up. It is a sense of accomplishment and exciting to see. It's nice to know people are listening to me when I am bothering them on the phones. (Thanks to everyone who has added one of our songs.) [Smile]

3. Do you have any least favorite parts of the job yet?

I don't like when there are several weeks in a row without something new happening. It is a nice change of pace when I get to go on a promo trip, a new song goes for adds, or I get to go to a conference, etc.

4. Which artists/singles are you working with right now?

Currently, I'm working with Jason Gray "I Am New," Andrew Peterson "Dancing in the Minefields," Jaime Jamgochian "The Stand," Me In Motion "The God I Know," Sixteen Cities "Sing Along," Downhere "You're Not Alone" and Centricity's Christmas record "Bethlehem Skyline 2" featuring all of our artists!

5. You've been out on the road visiting stations, yeah? Any interesting or funny stories from your interaction with radio folks? Or do you have a favorite part about being on the road?

I went out on the road with Andrew Peterson in August and we got see the house that he grew up in, in Illinois, and then later we were in Springfield, MO, and we got to see the house that I first lived in when I was born. That was cool. I really enjoyed meeting the radio people we visited. It's nice to step into their world at the stations for little while. Oh, and one of the best things is all the great food we get to eat. Everyone always wants to go to the good local spots. I especially enjoyed visiting around Chicago so we could eat at Giordano's!

6. If you could have any other job outside radio or the music industry, what would it be?

My two greatest passions are sports and music, so if I wasn't in music I would like to do something in the sports world. It would be awesome to work for ESPN (they have the best commercials). Or I would like to do high-end custom remodeling/home building. That's if I was good at it.

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

My mom, dad and sister are awesome! They taught me the truth in Christ and how to have joy in all things. My grandfather who is 94-years-old and still kick'n it. My girlfriend Caitlin encourages me in all that I do and challenges me to be a better man. Ray McKelvy who is pastor of young adults at my church is teaching me to be a disciple. Professionally I look up to my boss Steve Ford and indie promoter Chris Hauser; I have a lot to learn from them.

8. What music currently has your ear? Any new artists that you can't get enough of?

Andrew Peterson (not just because he is one of our artists), Sara Groves, John Mark McMillan, Mumford & Sons, MuteMath (live show = amazing) and Jon Foreman

9. Best piece of advice you've ever received:

Psalm 1: "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers, but his delight is in the law of Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers."

My mom once told me, "Jonathan, everything in moderation" (with a few exceptions of course).

10. If Jason Gray and Andrew Peterson were to go head-to-head in an arm-wrestling match, who would win?

Jason Gray would win because of his height or he would make Andrew laugh and Andrew would lose all strength in his arm. Although Andrew might say something clever and make Jason hesitate with contemplation about whether or not to even arm wrestle. And while Jason is thinking Andrew will win. But ultimately I would win because I hold the ring that rules them all!