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10 Questions with ... Joseph Putnam
October 20, 2008
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NAME:Joseph PutnamTITLE:Promotions Director-NortheastCOMPANY:MCABORN:NashvilleRAISED:Nashville
Please outline your career so far:
I went from mowing grass to working at Sportsmen's Grill, a great Nashville pub, where I was the cook, believe it or not. I then moved up in the chef rankings and became the night cook at Sole Mio, a really good Italian restaurant- after that I got my first record job at Mercury in June of 2001. I did Gavin promotion- I then went to MCA in September of '02 to work at MCA for Royce Risser and that's all she wrote.
1) You were born in Nashville, actually a native, and you have been with MCA as the Northeast Rep for 7 years now. We hear that you worked your job in New York City this past summer, how did you get Royce Risser to approve that- and was it fun? What did you do?
It was absolutely awesome. I went up thinking that I would sort of tough it out and get the "experience." I ended up loving it. Wish I had gone up a few years ago and stayed a while. Royce was drunk the morning I asked him so it wasn't really that tough to convince him.
2) So we hear that you have creped into the 21st Century and bought yourself an iPod- are you loving it and running up debt on iTunes?
I am really slow to the draw on technology, so it took Moberly giving me his old POD to get me going. Once I got on iTunes and started shopping it was all she wrote. I've bought over 2000 songs since May on this thing!! I also had to buy another iPod because I ran out of space. Best thing EVER.
3) Speaking of your iPod, what kind of stuff is Joe Putnam jamming to lately?
My top ten right now is as follows:
Mr. Brightside- The Killers
Come on Get Higher-Matt Nathanson
Wordless Chorus-My Morning Jacket
I'm Amazed- My Morning Jacket
International Players Anthem-UGK
I Used to Love H.E.R.-Common
Drivin' Me Wild-Common
Can't Tell Me Nothin' -Kanye West
Rewind- Paolo Nutini
Ms. Fat Booty- Mos Def4) Congratulations on losing 30-pounds, you look great! Do you feel great? How did you do it and how do you plan on keeping it off? It must be difficult when we eat out so much.
It's 40 pounds Jim. And thanks. Laughing. I got really into running and eating right after a little talk with my doctor. I've been pretty good about eating decent on the road, which is certainly a chore. If I see a Trader Joe's or Whole Foods I'll stop and grab some healthy stuff for the trip. This helps a lot when I'm driving place to place. I haven't felt this good in 10 years.
5) Tell us about your love for Jamey Johnson's album, and is it true you found it? Did you get him the deal?
I don't know if I "found" it. I did hear it and became immediately obsessed. I really like the gritty traditional stuff. When I heard the record, it was like I found what I'd been looking for. Every song meant something. The way he sings/sang them was just so different. So, for about 4 or 5 months I played the record non-stop in my office and truck. I stopped anyone I could to have a listen. I also gave away about 15-20 copies. Sorry Jamey. You'll be fine, "Give It Away" was a large song. I definitely did not get him his deal. I championed the record and him to some people over here incessantly. Maybe it helped.
6) Okay it's hard to imagine this but we hear your quite an avid fisherman- deep sea or lake? Do you cook 'em up or throw them back in?
I love to fish deep sea. I take a billfishing trip to Mexico the first week of June every year and I try to make it to South Florida for a couple trips as well. I have a hard time sitting still so I'm better suited for trolling in the ocean where we can have the radio on and move around a lot more. I throw almost every fish back. I'd like 'em to be there when I come back next time! We usually keep a couple fish for table fare. Maybe a mahi-mahi or a grouper or something, but conservation is a big part of sportfishing.
7) What are some of your favorite cities to visit, and what kind of fun stuff (non-job related) do you like to do?
I love Pittsburgh, DC, Philly, and the whole run through New England (Providence, Boston, Dover-pending the season). If I have a little extra time I usually try and make it to the zoo. I have been obsessed with animals/wildlife forever. I'm lucky that two of the finer zoos in the country are in my region. Philadelphia's zoo is the nations oldest and has some really cool enclosures and also some rare primates. The National Zoo in DC is awesome as well. The best monkey house out there I think, also some very cool enclosures.
8) What new music from your label are you interested in and why?
I'm really loving Ashton Shepherd right now. Her music is soooo real, and so is she. Lee Ann Womack's new record is amazing as usual. She gets better every time.
9) After seven years, how do you make the job fun and interesting?
Can I give you a Palin and get back to you on that?
10) What is the project that you are most proud about since starting work there?
No doubt the whole Josh Turner thing. It was such a tough battle the first few times out with him, which made getting 'em through that much sweeter. It's still not exactly automatic, but I feel like he's become a core act and has a real niche in the format. This makes me proud everyday.
Bonus Questions
1) What Hollywood actors would play the following people in the Joe Putnam Story?
Royce Risser: Gene Hackman
EJ Bernas: Matt Pinfield
Damon Moberly: George Clooney
Bruce Shindler: Richard Lewis
Luke Lewis: Christopher Walken
Van Haze: Jack Black
Joe Putnam: Brad Pitt/Andy Garcia hybrid2) Chicken or steak- Morton's, The Palm, Ruth's Chris or Fleming's and why?
Steak for sure. Ruth's Chris has overtaken Morton's this year.
3) What three albums would you grab on your way out of a burning building?
Big Head Todd and the Monsters (LIVE)
Dave Matthews Band (Crash), Jamey Johnson (That Lonesome Song)
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