10 Questions with ... Nancy Tunick

NAME:Nancy Tunick TITLE:V.P. Promotion LABEL:Warner Bros. Nashville BORN:January 24, 1966 - Philadelphia, PA RAISED:Broomall, PA (a suburb of Philadelphia)

Please outline your radio career so far:

The transition felt fairly seamless as I started my career in promotion at an independent label called Step One Records, but quickly moved to Asylum Records where I served as National Promotion Director for almost five years. So my foundation of experience in promotion was at a major label, though admittedly a smaller major as Asylum was really a boutique operation owned by Elektra (and actually part of the Warner family at the time!). I then went on to head up the promotion department at VFR Records where we had an exciting run with Mark McGuinn before joining GrassRoots Promotion as an owner/partner. I think the variety of experience I have had in promotion and marketing has led me to an ideal place at Warner Bros.

2. With fresh young talent like James Otto and Blake Shelton as well as Christian crossovers Point of Grace on the roster, it seems like some exciting things are happing over at WB. Can you tell what we can expect to see and hear in the near future?

We are extremely excited about our current success with James Otto, and we are looking forward to sharing more music from his amazing Warner Bros. Records debut, Sunset Man, during the coming year. Blake's new single "Home" is rapidly climbing the charts and is from a Deluxe version of Pure BS that will be released in early May. And there is nothing better than introducing a group like Point of Grace into the Country marketplace with a song as powerful as "How You Live." We are also extremely passionate about a new Country CD from Randy Travis. His first single from the project is called "Faith In You," and he is currently offering it to his fans as a free download at www.randytravis.com in thanks for their years of support. The CD, titled Around The Bend, will be in stores in July.

3. I think most people would be shocked to know that you are a cantorial soloist. First, can you explain what that is? Then tell us how long you have been doing that, where you do it and how it came to be a part of your life.

A cantorial soloist is the person who sings the prayers at a Jewish religious service. I have been a cantorial singer since I was 16 years old. Like many folks who grew up singing in church, I grew up singing in synagogue! I am currently the cantorial soloist for a congregation in Florence, AL.

4. You recently mentioned that you have a one woman play in the works, right? Please tell us more about that.

It's called "Songs For The Unsung" and focuses on Christian rescuers of Jews during the Holocaust. It's a one-woman multi-media musical that weaves cantorial music I've composed into the stories of seven heroes. The "World Premiere" is scheduled for May 3rd at a church in Florence, AL.

5. You are one busy lady, plus you have two small children at home! Being a VP/Promotion for a major label is more than most people can handle, how do you juggle that with motherhood, play writer, cantorial soloist and wife and somehow manage not to go nuts?

I don't go nuts because I love all of the elements of my life. Music is my passion, and I have a great job where I have the privilege of working with great music and inspiring artists while still having the opportunity to write and perform myself. My children, 3-year old Sarah and 2-year old Louis, provide the most joyful moments in every day (and sometimes the most challenging moments in every day!). And I have a terrific and extremely helpful husband!

6. You are one of several female executives on Music Row - are you surprised that it's 2008 and there's still not very many at the higher level?

I actually have been pleased lately with the number of women who have been recently promoted to executive positions. Here at Warner Bros. Nashville, the majority of our executive staff is female. There is a significant female executive talent pool on Music Row, and we are increasingly getting more recognition.

7. What are you currently listening to for pleasure, or do you even have any spare time to listen to music?

I am a lifelong Sinatra fan and a fan of the standards, so when I have some time to listen to something that is not work related, I can be found listening to Songs For Swinging Lovers.

8. Speaking of spare time, on that rare day when you're not working and can get a sitter, what do you and your husband do for a fun date?

My husband and I enjoy movies, so dinner and a movie at an actual movie theater is my favorite night out.

9. Outside of the industry what would be a fantasy job?

I think I'd enjoy a life as an author and motivational speaker.

10. What personal item would you never part with?

There isn't an item that I would never part with, but I would be unhappy to have to part with my piano. I worked for Steinway for a while, and one employment perk was an amazing deal on a Steinway grand that takes up half of my living room. My children play under it while I play on it!

1. Favorite junk food?

Chips and dip

2. Favorite TV show?

"Calliou" (If you are a parent, you will understand that I don't watch much grown-up TV anymore!)

3. What was the first concert that you ever attended?

Do I have to say? David Soul (Remember Hutch from Starsky and Hutch!). I was very young!!!