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10 Questions with ... Bo Martinovich
November 19, 2007
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NAME:Bo MartinovichTITLE:Manager/RegionalLABEL:Columbia Nashville / Sony BMG Music EntertainmentREGION:MidwesternBORN:Bozidar M Martinovich in Atlanta, GA on 12/30/1976!RAISED:New Canaan, CT and the STL. (It's a Midwest thang)
Please outline your radio career so far:
Came to (then) Sony Music in the fall/winter of 1997 to intern in College Marketing. Got hired as Papa Jack Lameier's assistant in 1999 then I became the Secondary Promo at Lucky Dog then moved the Midwest for Epic in 2003. Finally, over to Columbia Nashville in 2005.
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?
Once I came to the realization that I wasn't going to be on the mound at Busch Stadium, unless it was as Grounds Crew, music was where my focus shifted in the 90s. I still love everything about sports, but the satisfaction of hearing a kick a** song and/or an amazing artist for the first time- is second to none. Not sure why someone wouldn't want their kids or friends to join them in the biz. I'm obsessed with the challenge of keeping up with the environment. You watch- that iPod is going to be HUGE!
2. 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:
Jack Ingram- "Hey You".
Dixie Chicks- "Taking The Long Way"
My Morning Jacket- "Okonokos"
Chris Knight- "Chris Knight"
Ryan Adams- "Gold"MOVIES:
Waiting For Guffman
Team America
Spaceballs
Shawshank Redemption
Flight of the Conchords DVD!3. What would you say is the toughest region in the country to work Country music today?
Other than the Midwest? :) Well, it would HAVE to be the Southwest (shout out for my homies: "Lenny" Mitchell, Jordan, EJ, Janese, Enzo, Alex, Mara, etc). After traveling through Texas back in '02-'03 with Jack, Charlie, Bruce, and company, I learned that that region is very loyal to their "local" acts. Don't get me wrong, it's AMAZING. But they LOVE their singer-songwriters. And it bleeds into Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, etc.
4. 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?
I would love to see the charts speed up. All the BIG ones get up and out of the way in 8-12 weeks. Being someone that purchases CDs all the time, I know that if I hear something on the radio for 40 weeks that I'm less likely to go drop the cheese on it. That being said, there's nothing like working a single for 30 some-odd weeks after being told it wouldn't happen. Everybody dies famous in a small town- eh? LOL. :)
5. Has the consolidation of radio made the job of promotion harder or easier? Explain why.
There was life before Clear Channel, Cumulus, CBS, Citadel, and Entercom? Might wanna ask someone else this one!
6. How do you handle it when a programmer tells you that your single is too country or too pop?
Touchy subject! I always try and have answers to that ready to fire back. And anyone that is serious about "too country" should go back into Pop.
7. In your opinion, does the use of callout research help to determine "real" records?
Has this ever been a topic at CRS? 'Cause it should be! Ha. This is probably THE most beaten to death topic between radio and labels. Ummm- sure! :) And SO should Soundscan, Award Show performances, Press, etc.
8. How do you handle stations that have to get a "Green Light" from an outside source before adding or converting a record? (i.e. Consultant, Brand Manager, Format Captain or Group Programmer)
It really is tough when we deal with these amazing programmers 24/7, to get to know them, their stations, and THEIR markets and then someone halfway across the country tells them what their audience wants to hear. It is what it is. We're ALL speed bumps in some way!
9. If you had the opportunity to work any act/artist from the past, present or future who would it be?
Past- Jeff Buckley. Present- the roster of Columbia Nashville (CHECK!). Future- The next ________ Ray Cyrus!
10. How do you go about building relationships in your region? How important are they in obtaining airplay?
The Great Jack Lameier would always preach how huge this was. You have to separate yourself from the 20 or so other reps you're competing against. Have a shtick. Be the one dishing out the ideas and always make it feel like you're in this together. Did I mention that it helps when the music kicks a** too?
Bonus Questions
1. What is the first artist you ever worked to radio?
As a Gavin Rep- Bruce Robison "Angry All The Time." As a Regional- Dixie Chicks "Travelin' Soldier." :(
2. Do your remember the first record that you ever bought?
The Boss- Live 1975-1985. Bought it because I lost the one my Dad got me and thought I was going to get in trouble! Bought it at the Gramophone Shop in New Canaan, CT in 1986.
3. What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Starting Pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals and/or Tommy Mottola.
4. Name a record person, not on your label, that you really admire?
Joe Putnam at MCA. If I could come up with 1/100th the stuff he thinks of. As Lee Brice (namedropper) said- "He ain't right." (Or was it "she"? Never mind!)
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