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10 Questions with ... Mandy McCormack
September 25, 2006
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NAME:Mandy McCormackTITLE:Regional Promotion and MarketingCOMPANY: Big Machine Records
Please outline your radio career so far:
After MidNite- Promotions Director, Programming Assistant
Premiere Radio Networks - Assistant Program/Music Director / Country Division
KZLA Los Angeles - Assistant Program/Music Director
Artist Manager
Vivaton Records - Midwest Regional
BIG MACHINE RECORDS - Southwest/Central Regional Promotion and Marketing1. 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 would absolutely choose this career again. We are all so blessed to be able to do what we do for a living. Think about it, WE ALL have a hand in making dreams come true. How cool is that? Not to mention, I have met some of my very best friends in this industry.
I would - But most importantly, I would want my sibling to live their dream whatever that may be.
2. In our highly competitive music field, where it seems more and more that every artist needs something special to get paid attention too, how do you position your self, and your label, to get YOUR artists the shot they need?
As for that something special, I feel it still has to start with GREAT MUSIC from GREAT ARTISTS! Fortunately, I have the absolute privilege of working for a label (Big Machine Records) that puts BOTH of those things first. As for positioning, I also work with a team that has nothing but pure passion for this business and that can kind of power can move mountains!
3. What is the first thing you do when getting into the office every day? And the last thing before leaving?
The first thing I do is check our daily spins. I then check emails. After that I start with my music calls. The last thing I do is follow up on my emails and make sure I have my game plan for the next day.
4. What would you say is the toughest region in the country to work Country music today?
In my opinion, every region has its challenges.
5. Do you think that showcases, artist visits and conference room concerts are all viable in getting new acts introduced to radio?
I think the conference room tour is absolutely viable in introducing new acts to radio. When you can get the programmer and their staff in front of your artist not only to experience their talent but also to get to know them as a person, it is a great thing.
6. 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?
I understand that new records need a place to start and day-parting is that place. However, leaving those records in that day-part category for weeks and weeks does NOT do anyone any good. Since overnight listenership is small, the record isn't really getting heard, which means it will not test and won't sell records. Daytime airplay is crucial in knowing if a record is working or if its not.
7. If you had the opportunity to work any act/artist from the past, present or future who would it be?
Elvis, can you imagine?
8. How do you go about building relationships in your region? How important are they in obtaining airplay?
By listening. It is so important to listen to your region. Get to know the programmers and their challenges. That is key to being a great partner. As with any relationship, it's also important to gain the trust and respect of the station. That being said, the music needs to speak for itself. However in my opinion, a great relationship can break a tie any day.
9. In this the day of many labels releasing just one or two singles on an artist in order to see how it does before actually investing in a complete project ... what do you feel this practice does to your creditability with programmers?
How can we expect our stations to commit to the artist and the single if the label hasn't?
10. What do you do in preparation for making your weekly radio calls?
I study my stations play-list. I also like to stream my stations websites. It's a great opportunity to get into the market daily without leaving your office. I'm also news junkie, so I try to stay current on what's happening in my region as well as across the country and the world.
Bonus Questions
1. If you could go on the road for six months with one artist, who would it be?
Probably Trisha Yearwood. Not only can she sing, but she has the best sense of humor! It would be one big laugh.
2. Do you remember the first record that you ever bought?
Dolly Parton
3. What is your favorite road meal?
Fast Eddie's Bon-Air, it's right outside of St. Louis. I went there with Danny Montana, the MD at WIL and Jack Ingram. It was the coolest place. I highly recommend it!
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