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10 Questions with ... Seth Necessary
March 16, 2009
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NAME:Seth NecessaryTITLE:Promotions ManagerLABEL:Country ThunderBORN:Bristol, TNRAISED:Bristol, TN
SPECIAL EDITOR'S NOTE:
Since the writing of 10 Questions, Country Thunder Records has closed. Reach out to Seth at sethnecessary@gmail.com or (615) 642-1854
Please outline your career so far:
2003-2005: Director of Radio Promotions & Marketing, Huntsman Entertainment
2005-2007: Director of Country Broadcasting, The Marketing Group/Impact Radio Networks
2008-Present: Promotions Coordinator/Promotions Manager, Country Thunder1) How did you get your start in the music industry? Did you always know this was something you wanted to do?
Music of all kinds was always playing around me when I was young - at home, in the vehicles, at family functions, at church, etc. My dad was a regional Southern Gospel quartet singer and bass player, who also taught me how to play. In seeing not only my love for music, but also my interest in the business aspects of how music is delivered to the public, my parents encouraged me to pursue the industry and to see what opportunities I could find.
I moved to Nashville after graduating high school in 1999, to attend Belmont University. While earning my degree, I interned at six different entities, volunteered for CRS and other events and made relationships with as many industry professionals as I could. It is no revelation to anyone that one's future in this business greatly depends on "who you know," and being a "people person" myself, making those connections was easy for me.
2) Your bio says you love to write and you claim that you are "an obsessive grammar nazi." Had you ever considered a career as a journalist before getting into the music biz? What kinds of grammar mistakes drive you bonkers?
Yes, I actually did consider journalism as a career. I won some small scholarships toward college for my various writings, and I was occasionally asked to write editorials for my high school newspaper. However, pursuing a career in the music business was my calling. I began a minor in journalism at Belmont, but I did not finish it because it would have delayed my graduation. I did promise my mom, though, that I would one day finish what I started, so I will get that minor (or even a full degree - who knows?) eventually.
The grammar mistakes that make me cringe are the basics, the "little things" that I believe everyone should remember from English class. I do not have a problem with conversational language, when appropriate; my Southern speaking dialect is evidence of that. But, for example - do not use contractions in formal letters and press releases; know the contextual differences between like-sounding words, such as "whose" and "who's", "its" and "it's", or "their" and "they're"; and the inability to find something is to "lose" it, not "loose" it. (I may have missed a calling as an English teacher.) Also, though it is not an official word, the correct spelling of the contraction of you all is "y'all", not "ya'll"; the country format should know this!
3) Growing up in Bristol, you must be a huge NASCAR fan. Who do you think will have a big season this year? Who are some of your favorite drivers?
I have been a fan of racing for as long as I can remember. My parents' house was, and still is, three miles from Bristol Motor Speedway, and my wife and I still attend each Bristol race. Before NASCAR was as popular of a national sport, its "stars" were all accessible if you had a connection to the pits and garage area. I met and talked with legendary drivers and owners, and with now legendary drivers when they were in the prime of their careers. Dale Earnhardt was my favorite - a shy, but friendly man whenever I met him, a competitive spirit, and the greatest ambassador in the history of the sport. He became my generation's Elvis when he passed, and I believe that NASCAR has suffered without him.
I am a fan of drivers who race with the attitude and ability to "mix it up" on the track, in the spirit of the sport's legends. My favorite driver is Tony Stewart - who, though he has tested the waters and potential distraction of team ownership, has proven at Daytona this past week that he is still the same skillful, competitive driver as always, and I look for him to challenge for the Cup this year. I also believe that Jimmie Johnson will contend for a fourth straight Cup, though I think that Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards and Mark Martin (and Tony, of course) will make that a very difficult task for him.
4) You seem very passionate about music. Tell us about your record collection, and what are some of the gems you possess?
I have thousands of CDs, 33 1/3s, 45s, 78s, cassettes, and yes - even 8-tracks. When others have needed a copy of a song or album, especially in the genres of Classic Country and Classic Rock, my musical library has been a valuable resource. The items of which I am proudest to own are several, late 1940s Hank Williams 78s; original Elvis Presley and Beatles vinyl albums and 45s; and an original, 33 1/3 LP of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's first "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" album, signed by each member of the band.
5) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
I am distantly related to the Carter Family. A.P. Carter's mother, Mollie Bays was my great aunt (I do not know how many greats, though) through my paternal grandmother's lineage. My dad went to family functions at the home of Joe Carter, A.P. and Sara's son, and Joe once let him play a guitar that Johnny Cash had given to him.
6) We hear you are pretty good at the bass guitar and you've even played for some famous faces here in Nashville. Tell us who all you've been up on stage with. Would you ever consider going back on the road as a musician?
I played for Julie Roberts and Josh Turner while we were all Belmont students, and before each of them had record deals. I also played for Chris Young, for two years before, during and a short time after he won Nashville Star. There are also many other young and talented, unsigned artists with whom I have played, and I hope that they also receive the chance to be heard. I was never a "road dog," on tour, though I have done a bit of traveling while playing music. And while I enjoy the sights and sounds of the road, I do not believe that my current priorities in life would allow for a devotion to that lifestyle. Though, I will not rule out the possibility of a temporary gig, if the time and opportunity is right.
7) Name three people, inside or outside of the industry that you admire and tell us why.
Thomas Jefferson: He was a significant cornerstone of American political philosophy and the ideals of liberty. We, as free Americans, and our elected officials should study and learn from his teachings and accomplishments, to recall what made us great and to prepare for a future that can be just as great.
Ken Nelson: This former Capitol Records executive and producer is my all-time music industry hero. He sought out true talent across this nation, finding and signing artists who had a vision for their music, and allowing them to freely express that vision with only guidance - not interference - on their records. I had the pleasure to meet Mr. Nelson once before he passed away, on the night that he was formally inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. I was honored and forever inspired.
My Dad: He was raised on a tobacco farm, became a decorated, 30-year police veteran, and was my musical inspiration. He is still a devoted Christian, light-hearted, caring, and a strong patriarch of our family. He is all that I aspire to be as a husband, father, and overall person - and more - and I love him so much.
8) We hear you are a pretty big history buff. Why do you like history so much and what are your favorite time-periods to read about?
I believe that in order to know where we must go in life, we must learn from what and where we came. Not only does that apply to general aspects of life, but I believe that nations and businesses must also learn from their pasts in order to stay true to their principles and not repeat their errors. My proud, Southern heritage piqued my interest in the Civil War and the politics of the Confederacy, and how that era tested the foundations of American government. The passion that I have for music and the historic events that have resulted from music's artistic growth in the 20th Century have inspired me to learn about the heritage of popular music, and what influences shape the various genres to which we listen and celebrate today.
9) What is the best piece of advice that anyone has ever given you?
It may be simple, country wisdom, but my Dad has always told me, "Don't forget where you came from." I already stated how I believe that applies to history, but it has far greater, personal importance. That statement challenges anyone to focus on the true priorities of life, no matter where a person's life may lead. You may leave the comforts of your hometown and achieve great things, but your roots - your family, friends, and lessons of life - still define you, personally.
10) Here's your chance to plug some Country Thunder stuff - what are some upcoming projects that you guys are excited about over there? The label just signed Keith Burns, formerly of Trick Pony, as part of a new duo, is that right?
Yes, Keith Burns and Michelle Poe are currently making the rounds of country radio as our latest duo, Burns & Poe, with their debut single scheduled to be released this spring. We are also very excited about the latest single from Bluefield, "Ready To Love You Now", which is currently impacting the airwaves. Shawn Hammonds is coming off a strong debut with "Everything", and we look forward to the next release from this country crooner.
Bonus Questions
1) What was the first concert you ever attended? First record you ever bought?
The first concert I ever attended was actually from my mother's womb - a Southern Gospel performance where Mom claims I kicked along with the music for the entire show. My first concert, after birth, was at the Grand Ole Opry, on a family trip to Opryland, when I was 3 years old. (Both of those experiences explain so much about me.) The first record that I bought, with my own money, was Alan Jackson's Don't Rock The Jukebox.
2) What are some artists that you are currently jamming out to on your iPod or CD player?
Would you believe that I do not even own an iPod? The small collection of CDs in my office, at this moment, include Hank Williams, Roy Orbison, The Allman Brothers Band, Led Zeppelin, The Who, The Hollies, The Lovin' Spoonful, Sam & Dave, Leon Russell, Tommy James & The Shondells, and The Kinks. Is that eclectic enough?
3) You're pretty passionate about sports as well - your favorite teams being the Alabama Crimson Tide (college football), Washington Redskins (NFL), Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL), and the St. Louis Cardinals (MLB). I don't see any Nashville teams listed there. Where's the love?
Yes, sports are nearly as important to me as music and politics, and they make great excuses to procrastinate house cleaning. I do enjoy the Predators, and I will cheer for them as long as they are not playing the Pens. And I was thrilled for Vanderbilt's showing this past football season, as a fan of the Southeastern Conference. But I have to admit - I am not that much of a Titans fan. As a matter of fact, I often cheer against them. Sorry, Nashville!
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