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10 Questions with ... Duane Hobson
February 7, 2022
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
With more than two decades of experience with a variety of roles in the music world, Nashville native Duane Hobson was hired by Big Loud Records in August to take the role of Regional Director/Southeast Promotion, a region he shares with colleague Sarah Headley. Before that, he had most recently been working as A&R Collaborative Manager/Tour Manager at Edge Artist Management. Hobson’s other past roles include A&R with RCA Records, Sony/BMG and Sony Music Nashville, and A&R industry consultant duties with the University of Georgia’s Music Business Department and Kennesaw State University’s Joel A Katz Music and Entertainment Business program, along with consulting for Intercept Music.
1. Let’s start at the beginning. You’re a Nashville native and graduated from Nashville State, and then went on to multiple stints in various facets of the music business. Who/what was your inspiration at the beginning of your career? How did you know you wanted to get into the music industry?
My inspiration is my parents. My father played lead guitar for many Gospel talents in Nashville, and my mom convinced me to follow my dreams of being in the Country music. I knew I wanted to be a part of the music scene when I use to sneak into [Nashville’s Lower] Broadway bars and listen to live music. Country music has always been a part of me.
2. What’s your passion level like for Country music? Where did that love start?
I love Country music! The love for Country music came from my mother always playing it in the house. I was working at Opryland and fell in love with the instrumentation of Country music and the stories of the songs.
3. What appeals to you most about the Big Loud job now that you’re a couple of months in?
What appealed me most about Big Loud is how they operate as a team, plus there’s a lot of good people over there, too.
4. What artists on the Big Loud roster are you most excited to work with?
I’m excited to work with all of them. Each artist has such a unique sound and style about them and their music.
5. The label earned most added honors (with “Sand In My Boots”) in what I believe was your first week on the job. How did that feel?
It feels good, because I know I work with an unbelievable team and an unbelievable label that works really hard to accomplish these achievements.
6. When you were hired in August, Big Loud SVP/Promotion Stacy Blythe said she had been waiting a long time to find a spot on her team for you. How did you two know each other?
I’ve known Stacy from the days of her working at a different label, but her leadership is the true reason why I decided to be a part of Big Loud.
7. What drew you to your two university jobs? And what does an A&R industry consultant for a college do, exactly?
When I was at Sony, we started the A&R Southern Talent Expo. I wanted to work with college students beyond what you learn in books, but what you learn while doing the job. The Expo transformed music classes into a working label for 10 chosen acts. We then consulted the acts from promotions, to marketing to A&R and helped create a showcase for the artists to perform in front of top music executives in the music industry. We would give artists the chance to get their music heard, and the student got their chance to work within the record company
8. What is your favorite thing about working in A&R roles? What are some challenges that come with those positions?
My favorite thing about being in A&R was being creative with music, being able to find that special thing that will make artists great in their music career. The challenge was always trying to find the new sound that moves, touches and inspires people.
9. What was your experience like with Edge Artist Management? What artists did you work with there? Did you enjoy the roles of A&R Collaborate Manager and Tour Manager?
A&R Collaborative Manager and Tour Manager actually worked well together. I had the chance to work with artists like Jay Allen, Kelly Prescott, SMO and a few others. Tour managing was exciting, being on the road from city to city, but the biggest challenge was always making sure everything ran smooth for a great show.
10. Do you have any advice for those who are just getting started in the music industry that you wish you had heard at the beginning of your career? Anything you wish you could teach students if you were still working at the university level?
Continue to learn about the evolution of the music industry. Trust yourself and always believe in what you are trying to accomplish.
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