10 Questions with ... Jim Asker

NAME:Jim Asker TITLE:Country Editor COMPANY:All Access Music Group BORN:East Utica, NY RAISED:Utica

Please outline your career so far:

Education- Associates degree in Communications from Herkimer County Community College- Herkimer, NY, BA in Communications from SUNY Oswego, NY- and finally, currently wrapping up master's program in Communications from Austin Peay University, Clarksville, TN

Writing: Syracuse New Times, Fredericksburg Free Lance Star

Radio- I started at Country WSCP/Sandy Creek-Pulaski, NY, then on to AC WNDR/Syracuse, AC WHEN/Syracuse and Country WSEN/Syracuse. I became PD for the first time in 1982 at WSEN after the tragic death of my friend Annie Keough. I moved to Richmond in 1985 to WRNL, then a short stop in Norfolk at KIX-106 where the highlight was working with my long-time buddy Lisa Manning. Then on to WFLS/Fredericksburg, Triple A WRNX/Springfield, MA and then Barnstable Broadcasting WMJC/Long Island, where I worked for Suzanne Alexander or was it the other way around, I'm not sure.

Joined All Access in February 2001

1. Well we all know you are a Yankee (we mean that in the best way possible), so how does a boy from upstate New York start working in Country music?

That's an easy one- because there was an opening at the Country station! Seriously, I grew up not liking Country. In fact, I didn't even like southern rock at first, although I did grow to deeply appreciate a lot of it, especially the Allman Bros (I mean come on, if you don't think songs like 'Whipping Post,' or 'No One To Run With,' are classics, you better check your pulse). I think I started working in Country as a jock in the late '70s but only for a short time before I went back to AC and Top 40.

Then in 1982 I became a PD for the first time at WSEN (I started there as a jock). That was when I really became attached to the format, the industry and the music- by the way Country music is actually very, very popular in upstate NY and it has been for a very long time.

2. You have been at All Access right at eight years now, what initially attracted you to this job? Eight years is a lifetime these days, so what keeps you here?

Since high school I was always writing for some publication, and during my radio career I always kept my hand in journalism as a free-lance writer. When the station I was at on Long Island flipped from Country to one of the various 'cookie cutter' versions of AC in 2000, it was the perfect time to get out of the day-to-day grind. I think that I was ready for something new and radio wasn't my passion anymore- at least not on a programming level. When Joel offered me the job here it was perfect timing. On the 2nd part, why am I still here, good question. Joel hasn't been able to find a good replacement, so he hasn't been able to cut me loose just yet. Also my dream job of making popcorn at Target hasn't become available yet, so I I'm still here.

3. How have you seen All Access evolve in Nashville since the beginning? Tell us about some of the early challenges and the rewards.

All Access started as a 'pop' entity, especially when you consider that Joel Denver is the king of Top 40. When we opened the Nashville office no one in Music City knew who or what we were. So there was a huge challenge of educating the people in town of what we were about for one, but also growing the Country aspect of All Access to a point where it was worth coming to for the users. Lots of Country radio folks were already using All Access- we just needed to build the Country section of the site.

We found Kelly (Daniel) right away and then about a year later, (Matt) Hargis (now at Capitol Records). I think we were all a real good fit and we just started plugging away and working hard. Admittedly, there were some frustrations at first but over time it was quite gratifying to be accepted in town, having great people to work with made it possible. And the fact that Joel Denver was so patient and always positive of course. Kelly and Matt were major keys to building our foundation- we were sad to lose Hargis, but he had a great opportunity at Capitol.

4. Anyone who talks to you for more than five minutes knows that you are a huge Bruce Springsteen fan. Tell us what attracts you to his music. How many times have you seen him in concert? What is your all time favorite Springsteen song?

Okay, let me start off by saying that this is something I can talk about for hours, so I will try my best to condense. Keith Gale, a great friend and VP at RCA always kids me about this goofy little article I wrote in the 90s, called 'Diary of a Springsteen Fanatic.' Yes, that's right- hey I said it was goofy. FMQB actually published it and the kicker is that about a year later, when I got to see Bruce perform in New York at Trampps- he did one of those deals where another band was playing and he jumps onstage to play guitar and surprise the crowd- he does that a lot and it's one of the reasons I love him. Anyway, he has his SUV parked right in front of the place and I jammed a copy of the magazine under his windshield wipers, with a sincere but also probably goofy note, asking him to sign it the magazine and send it back- I even included an envelope, already addressed with stamps- like he can't afford them. I never heard back- but I'm still checking the mail- so Bruce if you still have it, sign the damn thing for God's sake.

I just realized I didn't really answer the question. I discovered Springsteen in 1974 (I was a baby), before Born To Run was released. My relationship with his music has out-lasted all other relationships in my life except my immediate family and the guys I grew up with, so it is genuinely very special to me personally. I've never met him and would rather not- some things are better left that way. I have seen him 60-65 times, which really isn't a lot. Just go to a show and ask some of these kooks, which I am of not one of, of course. But some people have literally seen him hundreds of times.

Favorite song? You're kidding right- I couldn't even narrow down a favorite concert. But I can tell you my least favorite song, 'Secret Garden,' from the Tom Cruise movie, Jerry Maguire. Bruce, what the hell was that?! Anyways, if I had to choose one song I could hear just before I went to my grave, I guess it would be, 'No Surrender.'

5. I am sure that you will agree that radio was a much different place when you started than it is today. If you were starting out today, would you still choose it for a career?

Absolutely I would choose something else, are you kidding? I got into radio for the emotional connection, the romance of someone on the radio talking to you, one on one. I didn't get involved so I could be a 'brand manager,' 'computer expert,' or oversee seven stations, with at least two of them broadcasting in a language I don't understand. I still respect a lot of the people doing it, God bless them. I am still a radio guy- you always are- when people get trampled on, fired, out-sourced or demoted I feel their pain. I really believe the whole 'de-regulation' thing was a horrible idea. And for people who say, 'hey things are different, so you can't go back.' Well let me say "bullshit!" as loud as possible.

6. If you could return to work as a PD at one of your previous radio stations which one would it be and why?

I like to look at life as chapters, some are a hell of a lot better than others- but when it's closed, it's closed. However, if things were exactly the same as when I left it- same people etc. Returning to WFLS would be fun, since we have been trying to get a reunion together for about 10-years now. Working in radio was somewhat surreal in that you would go to a station and build a staff of people you really liked- because I had to like the people I worked with. You would become like this little family- and then you leave and start a new family somewhere else. It's sad that you don't keep in touch with everyone but they are still lifetime friends. I just talked to someone that was a good friend in Richmond, Deborah Moffat, who was a sales manager there- we have not seen each other in well over 20 years- yet when you talk you have that instant connection again.

Anyway, not a week goes by where I don't think of one of the crazy stories from WFLS and laugh- and we had some doozies. For instance, when we shut down the Quantico Army base by accident, seriously. Literally everyone in the area listened to 'FLS when there was bad weather- every once in a while we'd read the wrong list- like calling a school delay by accident. Brian Strobel was an awesome morning guy, the mayor of Fredericksburg, however not the most organized of people, but what morning man is. There were mornings where I would take 50 calls from teachers screaming at me because they missed work- hey, it happens.

So, I'd love to have a couple of weeks with everyone- Caroline Taylor, my APD and a great jock, worked with me the longest of anyone in my career- about 11 years, because she was with me in Richmond too. After I left WFLS I never saw her again. So Caroline, if you are out there- what the hell- call someone. Also, Bill Poole, the GM, was the nicest guy I ever worked for (next to you of course Joel). Just like Joel, Bill rarely got mad, if ever. He taught me tremendous lessons of forgiveness- because believe me, there were days when I walked in to his office thinking it had to be over. He'd be as calm and forgiving as can be- of course it helped having 40-shares too. At any rate it's great to work somewhere where every day is fun. That was so special about that station- it carried over onto the air, making it a lot of fun to listen to. The staff knew how to push my buttons big time- and believe me, they enjoyed it.

7. You are an avid runner and have been for quite some time. Besides the obvious physical benefits, what is it about running that is attractive to you? How many marathons and half-marathons have you run?

I started running when I was in high school because I was involved in sports- at some point I started doing 10Ks. When I was at WRNX/Springfield, MA, my boss, Tom Davis told me that if I could run a 10K, that I could definitely run a marathon- which is 26.2 miles by the way. It was something I always thought about doing so I thought what the hell- we started training and I ran my first marathon in Washington, D.C, which is a great first-time marathon. It's called the Marine Corps' Marathon, and it's pretty flat. Also, the Marines that line the course are fantastic support. I think the satisfaction of crossing the finish-line that very first time was the greatest feeling ever

Plus I love to eat, so I have to run or I'd be 400 pounds. I've done nine full marathons and a bunch of half's, maybe 20 or 25. I've done Boston twice which was my favorite, and my claim to fame was kicking Oprah's ass when she ran that marathon about 10-years ago in D.C. She started up with the elite runners so she had a major head start. I finally got her at mile16. She ran a great marathon too, about 4 hours and 30 minutes, which I could never do now. Not that I was one of those skinny Kenyans or anything, but I was running a lot faster back then. Now I am super slow.

I just ran a half in San Antonio with Jimmy Rector and David Friedman of Columbia Records. Rector ran a great race and broke two hours. Friedman didn't train and still beat me by two minutes. I'm gonna smoke them both in April at the Music City marathon.

8. The music industry is an ever-changing place these days. Give us your thoughts on the future of the music industry as a whole and then the country music industry specifically.

You're kidding right- if Joe Galante says he doesn't know, you think I know? Seriously, I am feeling us change as a nation- I think slowly that superficial things are not mattering as much to people any more, and I feel music will become more popular than ever again. Country, especially, because it's so soulful. Country always does when times get tough- so I believe that the music will survive and thrive. Now, how the inner workings of the labels, radio, etc. are going to end up, I have no clue. Truly what worries me today is that there's so much great music coming out and a lot of it can't make it. You have all these songs trying to get through a hole the size of a thimble at radio. I can name some artists that I think are very talented but I am afraid will slip through the cracks, but I'd rather not. Because I am rooting for all of them.

9. Who are some of the people you have considered mentors as you have grown-up in this business? Who are some folks that you look up to now?

Dan Deeb was the GM at WSEN/Syracuse when I became PD the first time- I didn't apply- he came down one day and told me that he had just let the previous programmer go and that I was taking his place. If not for him I'm not sure if I would have ever gotten that chance. I worked for two great, yet tough women GM's who I really admired. Claire Shaffner in Richmond, VA, at what was then Capitol Broadcasting- she was a tough cookie, way ahead of her time and could put the fear of God into you by just showing up at a promotion. She taught me how to look at my own work in a more critical way, to be hard on yourself when you needed to be- to look in the mirror instead of placing the blame elsewhere. Jane Bartsh, who I worked for at Barnstable was also great- she is still running a cluster in Wilmington. She's a lot more fun to drink with now than she was to work for. Being a New Yorker, there was no doubt in your mind where you stood when you walked out of her office- I always appreciated that. As for people I look up to now- inside the industry how can you not admire Scott Borchetta- what he did over there at Big Machine/Valory is simply amazing. Also, even when I was in radio I always respected Joe Galante- he was really visible to programmers and I have always thought he was a very smart guy.

Outside of the industry, everything has changed. I had a lot of personal challenges the last couple of years, so I see everything differently now. I admire people for being everyday heroes and I admire people that give back. Lance Armstrong is a personal inspiration for obvious reasons. He ran the NY Marathon last year in under four hours- after surviving stage 4 cancer. He is amazing. And so is actress Christina Applegate. She survived breast cancer and now dedicates a lot of time to her foundation, raising money for cancer patients who can't afford treatments. Lance also has the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which does a lot of great work.

10. Most people tend to think that all of New York is like New York City and that is definitely not the case. If we were visiting Utica and you were our tour guide, where would you take us?

I can remember when I was a kid that there was actually a pretty large movement to make upstate a separate state. Upstate is very different from the 'city,' from its look to the people. If you visited Utica, first of all we'd go in the summer, because if I never see snow again it's fine with me.

I'd first show you that the bad rap the city always got was not deserving (there was a large mafia contingent there years ago). We'd go for a run first- my favorite jog is along the Parkway where we'd pass the city golf course, the zoo and the city's own ski-centre- then turn down Genessee Street, the main street in the city. There was a nice bustling downtown in the 60s- there's still a lot of beautiful old buildings and houses to see. They were built at the end of the 19th century and early 20th century.

After that we'd eat- first, my favorite pizza from O'Scugnizzo's on Bleeker Street, where they've been making the same crunchy rectangular pies since the early 1900s. They layer the sausage under the cheese- it puts Manhattan pizza to shame. Later we'd munch on wings and my favorite local beer, Saranac, which is brewed in the famed FX Matt Brewery, founded in 1888. At night we'd go have an espresso and a canoli and chat it up with locals- Utica people talk to everyone.

What I wouldn't show you is how a lot of the city looks like a de-militarized zone now. What was once a thriving textile mill-town, with vibrant neighborhoods, is now empty- lots of empty warehouses- and many of the nice little houses that families took a lot of pride in, and kept immaculate, now demolished. I can't even drive through my old neighborhood- it's too sad.

1. Besides running and Springsteen, what are some other hobbies/passions in your life?

Most people that know me also know that I'm pretty passionate about politics. I also love travel, great food, coffee shops, reading and tennis. I used to play tennis in leagues 3-4 days a week and intend to start playing again this year.

You would never know it today but I also used to be a sports fanatic. I was a baseball and football encyclopedia when I was a kid. To be honest, I really don't really watch much anymore- I think it's a combination of being older and too many things about professional sports. Tickets for the Superbowl this year are $1,000- please.

2. You work with two outstanding hell, exceptional, women. How does it feel to go to work every day with two modern day goddesses?

I knew this one was coming. I actually work with three fabulous women, when you count Jackie Chapman, our Christian Editor, who is currently working out of Malibu. I have always tried to hire people that are smart, honest, hard working, dependable, and yet not dramatic. Because when there's only three people in a small office, you had better be able to co-habitate well, or it's, well, hell. Anyway, all three of these people have all those traits- plus all three are also very likeable and great representatives of All Access when they are out in the community, except when they drink too much. Kelly has been with me 8-years now and is the 'organization queen,' and in all this time I have never seen her blow up, ever- which I really appreciate- and she is fantastic at her job. In just one year here Mary Lynne has also ramped up to be a great co-worker. She is excellent and tireless at her job. Both Kelly and ML can do five things at once and never get rattled. Like Kelly, aside from being great on the job, she's terrific attitude wise. As for Jackie, she's built our Christian section into something to be really proud of- she is a perfectionist and don't tell her I said this, but a much better writer than I am. Plus, she is the most sarcastic Christian I have ever known. I work with three women and I am sure that I am the moodiest by a long shot.

And that is all I am saying- I do NOT want to have them stolen and have to replace any of these nice people.

3. Again, besides Springsteen, what other music do you listen to?

I was way into music before Bruce- I had 3,000 albums by the time I was a Sr. in high school. I loved the guitar bands- Mott the Hoople, T.Rex, Humble Pie, The Faces, Todd Rundgren, Bowie, The Kinks, Nils Lofgren (who later joined the E-Street Band), Procul Harum, Savoy Brown, Rockpile, Elvis Costello, the Clash and plenty more. I bought my first album when I was 9 years old Glad All Over, by the Dave Clark Five, and they recently got inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame!

More than anything else I don't want to stay in the past, so I am always looking for new music and I love new artists, so I am always rooting for the new Country artists- I am really hoping they can break Sarah Johns, Whitney Duncan and Sarah Buxton this year.