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10 Questions with ... Adrian Michaels
July 28, 2008
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NAME:Adrian MichaelsTITLE:VP/PromotionCOMPANY:Curb RecordsBORN:1963 in Pittsburgh, PA. Go Steelers!RAISED:Queens, NY and Texas. My childhood was inner city New York. However, I had an extensive second childhood while living in Texas. Technically a mid-life crisis but I call it my second childhood.
Please outline your radio career so far:
My Dad bought a drum set for himself when I was 10. He did not play it so I did. That was where it all went wrong. I became a Roadie. Then the Drummer. Then the Booking Agent. Then the Manager. Then other people's Booking Agent and Manager. Then an assistant to a well known Pop Promoter. Then got a band a deal with Jimmy Bowen. Then moved to town. Then I got a job with Skip Stevens. Then I started my own independent promotion company with Bart Allman. Then RCA hired me to be the Southwest Regional. Then I discovered an act for RCA and became the Manager (That is a whole other story). Then became the Southeast rep for Curb. Then the Southwest for Asylum. Then the National for Asylum. Then the Vice president of Asylum and now Vice President for Curb. How many "Then's" was that?
1) Congrats on your promotion at Curb- does this mean you are living in that mansion in Nashville that Mike Curb owns- seriously- you must be excited.
I am very excited. Curb Records has been in business for over 47 years with only one owner (Mike Curb). Although he did not give me the mansion in my employment compensation, He did invite me up to the house. It's a start. Once the dogs and security get used to me being around maybe I can try to move in.
2) If you weren't in the music industry what would you be doing?
Nothing! The trick to having a solid A game is to never make a Plan B.
3) Adrian, the Curb dynamic seems different from other business models in that you and the wonderful April Rider are co-VP's- can you give us a snapshot of how it all comes together?
We are a very lean company. Extremely efficient. Everybody that works here has many added responsibilities not defined in a standard job description. Although we are an independent company we carry a roster that can rival most major record labels (7 Platinum artists). We have divided our duties so we are each in control of different areas of promotion. April and I wear many hats at this company that effect our promotional world. There's promotions, marketing, accounting, new media, artist and manager relations, even shipping. The list goes on for days. We work very well as a team. We have been friends for 14 years. I got April her first job here in Nashville and she in turn got me my job at Curb and was responsible for me coming back to Nashville.
4) Currently what music are you excited about?
How can you not be excited about this Heidi Newfield single? I am so proud of her. Not only for performing, but also for being one of the writers. Miranda's "Gunpowder and Lead" and Jamey Johnson's "In Color" absolutely kick my butt as well. (I should receive extra Promo Karma for not using this space to just plug all my artists.)
5) As a record promoter you had the reputation for a very long time of being synonymous with the Southwest, especially Texas- what makes those stations different from the rest of the country?
They are especially stubborn. I have watched them play more records than any other region. I have watched them swing to the new cycle of being the tightest region in Country music. They are not afraid to be the only region to create their own chart and artists. I will also say that they are not afraid to BREAK a new Nashville artist when they feel compelled. Both Heidi Newfield and Lee Brice have had great support from the Southwest.
6) What is it like working for a major label that is owned by one person- you've been in corporate situations previously, so what's the difference?
We can turn this boat on a dime. Seven miles down the road lives the man who started this label and still owns it. Decisions that can take weeks if not months in corporate America can be made in hours here.
7) Playlists are tighter, consolidation continues to expand and technology grows every day it seems. It has to be an amazing challenge to get an artist to break through. Do you find that when you take a new artist to radio that you are better served to already have a 'story,' like with My Space, the concert scene etc.?
Nothing can take the place of great music and an even better sales pitch.
We look to those shows and stories too much. Just as many things launched that way fail. We are in an era where SONG is king. A great song has never had a better chance of being heard.
8) You have had some tremendous physical challenges this year, bouncing back from a horrific accident that could have killed you- how has it changed you- if at all- and how are you feeling?
The music is louder. The colors are brighter, and my smile is bigger.
9) Who were some of your mentors when you started working in the business?
Scott Borchetta helped me to get my first job in this town. Joe Galante educated me as to the business of music as well as how to be a "Leader." And now Mike Curb has shown me the trust to run with what I have learned. All three have truly effected who I am today.
10) Do you feel like the "American Idol" era has been good for music in the long run? Has it run its course?
American Idol? I watch "House" during that time slot. Hugh Laurie is a genius.
Bonus Questions
1. Is it true that you and Mike Rogers drive to the Jack Daniels Distillery once a week?
We are way too efficient to drive there once a week. Mike is wired there. I am going to test myself and ride my bicycle 150 miles on Clay Walker's bicycle team this fall (Get it- - "FALL") from Nashville to the Jack Daniels Distillery
2. Tell America what hot chicken is and what your favorite is these days- those places are not exactly located in the best places in town.
Come on. I grew up in Queens. There is no such thing as a scary neighborhood here in Nashville. When I need my Hot Chicken fix only 400 Degrees will do. Nothing hotter anywhere on earth. I have looked.
3. Name 5 of your favorite all-time albums and why.
Temple of The Dog- "Temple Of The Dog"
Nothing Like it! One of a kind album.Bill Withers - "Best of Bill Withers"
"Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone" is my favorite song ever.Billy Joe Shaver - Any Record by him
He stands for the underdog. Texas version of Hemingway to me.Gary Allen - "Smoke Rings In The Dark"
I felt like I was living those songs. Still do.Bob Marley - "Legend"
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