10 Questions with ... Chuck Swaney

NAME:Chuck Swaney TITLE:Director of Regional Promotion-Northeast/Midwest COMPANY:Universal Records South BORN:Detroit, MI RAISED:Detroit, MI

Please outline your radio career so far:

1983-1988 CEMA-Sales & Merchandising
1988-1993 Capitol Records
1993-1998 Mercury Records
1988-2001 Sony/Work Group
2001-2005 Capitol Pop (again!)
2006- present: Universal Records South

1. Go back in time. With the state of the industry today and knowing what you know now, would you still have chosen your same career path in the Music Industry? And, would you recommend a younger sibling to make a career in the Music Industry?

I definitely would have still chosen the Music Biz! To others, I would tell them to follow their heart but be cautiously aware of how small the playing field has gotten, perhaps encourage them to try a more technical aspect of this business.

2. You worked in the music industry in other formats before coming to Nashville. Why did you go Country?

Country is what I have listened to forever! Plus, have you ever tried to have a meaningful conversation with Snoop Dogg or Chingy? Ain't gonna happen!

3. What is the biggest difference so far between Country and the other formats?

The difference is HUGE! The Country format is a community. There is a respect between Radio, Labels and Artists. It takes all of us working together to make things happen. You get returned calls from radio, some of the Artists work as hard as you do, I could go on and on. I am a happy shit being on this side of things. I love what I do. How about that Michael Powers and his insight to rescue me from the Pop World???

4. You are the remaining survivor on a remote tropical island with no chance for rescue. You have a CD/DVD player with endless power. What five CD's are a "must" to have with you? What five movies?

CD'S:
Bob Marley "Legend"
Hank Williams Box Set
J. Geils Band "Blow Your Face Out"
Eagles Greatest Hits
Bob Seger Greatest Hits Vol.1

MOVIES:
Castaway-Makes sense, right?
Casino
Godfather Trilogy
Old School
Simpson's-any Season Compilation

5. What would you say is the toughest region in the country to work Country music today?

Texas seems to have its own vibe, but I would say there isn't anything easy anymore! The West Coast can be an early leader but I think the term 'easy' does not exist in Country promotion anymore. There is strong competition on the music, label and promotion side. I work the Northeast and Midwest-that keeps me hopping! It's tough all over.

6. Do you think that showcases, artist visits and conference room concerts are all viable in getting new acts introduced to radio?

I think it still works but may be near the point of saturation. You must have the right artist and enough time and budget to do it correctly. I remember last summer and it seems like every rep was juggling two or three acts criss-crossing the Northeast like crazy! I believe radio feels like that was too much. Stations like WKLB & WXTU were trying to limit label /act visits to one per day, that's how crazy it was. I'm a big fan of showcases because it allows the label to control things a bit more; sound, lighting, etc. But in our new 'Spitzer' era, I feel radio shies away from things of this nature unless it's connected to a convention. Even then, there is less and less of this. I mean who has the time for the paperwork and securing letters upon letters?

7. In your opinion, what do you think of so many stations putting too many songs in daypart only categories, some with no day-time spins at all? Any solutions?

Well here's where the labels & stations' worlds collide, isn't it? We know the lifeblood of any label is breaking new acts. Radio wants numbers, so they thrive for being familiar and somewhat safe. As a rep, yes I want a new music slot to start off a new project. For many stations (not all!), we know the dayparts blow. But what are you going to do? You take what you can get and work for that forward progress every week. The cream always rises to the top. Here in label-land, we just hope it's not too old and spoiled by the time it arrives (as per Joe Nichols 35 week run on "I'll Wait For You"). I can pontificate all I want here, but the fact is there is not enough space or time to tackle this here. I will say this. We, as labels, provide radio's content. Unless we are jointly successful in finding a 'happy place' for both parties in the future, Country Music suffers.

8. In your opinion, how has the slowness of the chart hurt the format, and what would you like to see done to speed it up, if in fact that's something that should happen?

It hurts new artists. When you have such a log jam on the charts, then add in a new superstar release from Chesney, McGraw, Toby, Urban, whomever, it takes forever to get things moving. These 'A' acts go directly into Medium or Power and just stifle the chart flow. Everyone has an idea on this but not many solutions. I say perhaps we could shift the chart to include more "current" ratios and play with the weighting.

9. In your opinion does syndication contribute in a positive or negative way to how he charts are compiled?

It contributes to overall spins and exposure, but the dayparts, aside from Weekend Countdown Shows, are less than desirable for pure audience.

10. What is the strangest request you've ever had to get an add?

Well it wasn't in Country, I will say that. But I used to get 'airplay innuendo' all the time! I guess I've seen it all: requests for diapers, used cars, washers & dryers, hip replacement surgery, etc. But the strangest involved a hotel room, $100.00, strawberries and whipped cream. You do the math!!

1. What did you think when you saw EJ Bernas' 10 Questions?

I thought you had hit the bottom of the barrel and forgotten about me! LOL! Love u EJ!

2. What is the first artist you ever worked to radio?

A Scottish band named Marillion while I was with Capitol Pop. The single was "Kayleigh." I loved that song so much; I named my first daughter Kayleigh.

3. If you could go on the road for six months with one artist, who would it be?

Katrina Elam! Smells good, looks great & sings her ass off! Would my wife have to know? I could just tell her it was Joe Nichols or Phil Vassar.

4. What is your favorite road meal?

This has to be Nashville! I absolutely love getting down there and hanging with our staff. We have a blast!! So it can be Morton's, Ruth's Chris, The Palm, Tin Roof, White Castle, wherever! It's all about the camaraderie we share as a team and the fun we have together! Although Del Frisco's in Vegas ain't bad either, baby!

5. Did Fletcher and Powers give you the day off Friday to go catch the Spiderman debut?

Is there a new Spiderman movie? LOL! Nope, I just returned from Des Moines, Minneapolis and Green Bay. I catch a deep breath and time to bang Radio about the great, new Phil Vassar song I just heard! Plus, the new Joe Nichols' single just hit. Too busy for my kids right now, let alone movies.