-
10 Questions with ... Abi Durham
May 18, 2009
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:Abi DurhamTITLE:Promotion CoordinatorLABEL:Curb RecordsBORN:Raleigh, NCRAISED:Raleigh and Mooresville, NC
Please outline your career so far:
January 2005 - February 2008: Curb/Asylum Coordinator
February 2008 - June 2008: Curb/Asylum and Curb Records Coordinator
June 2008 - Present: Promotions (Coordinator/Secondary/Regional)1) What/who influenced you to try a career in the music industry? Did you always know this was something you wanted to do?
The first job I ever wanted was to be a garbage 'woman' - who doesn't want to ride on the back of a truck? However, with some advice from my older sister, I decided that picking up trash might not be for me, so I moved on to wanting to be a fire 'woman'. I went through some other phases before I landed where I am today; I wanted to be an architect, marine biologist and even Mia Hamm. It was in my early teenage years that I discovered there was a business behind the music and sports that I loved. One of my biggest influences was Ken Weigand, my guitar teacher. He is an amazing musician and plays bass and guitar for a great band, Big Mama E and the Cool.
2) A love of music and instrumental talent seems to run in your family. You parents collect old 45s and restore jukeboxes. Is it true you tried playing about every instrument - which ones?
I did, I couldn't find an instrument that didn't require me to practice! I played piano, percussion, alto and tenor saxophone and finally, the guitar. I still play the guitar a little but I really wish I had stuck with piano. My uncle is a phenomenal pianist and organist; maybe the talent is hidden in me somewhere!
3) You settled on guitar as the instrument of choice and even played some coffee-shop gigs, is that right? Do you still play out? What kinds of stuff do you perform- and is that career still calling to ya?
I played a few times at a place in Raleigh called The Six String Café. It was then and there I realized performing was not for me. I love what I do now; I'm not in the spotlight but still very much with the music.
4) You are an athlete, too. What kinds of sports do you/did you play? Are you any good?
I played a couple different sports growing up, eventually settling in on soccer. I burnt myself out in high school, playing on multiple teams and backed out of playing in college. I still play soccer, on a co-ed team here in Nashville. I remember myself being a lot better and faster in high school! I also play sand volleyball; I'm not that great but you'd never know it with all the trash I talk!
5) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
It shocks people when they find out I was a paramedic. I graduated from high school with my NC EMT license but never worked in the field other than my training. It's since expired, but I have great stories!
6) Hey Abi, the one and only Bocephus is on your label - have you ever had the chance to hang with Hank? Maybe go hunting with him and his entourage? Ever been to that hunting lodge of his?
I have had the opportunity to hang with Hank a few times - the first was late night CRS a few years ago, on the infamous "Rolling Asylum." Some of the coolest promotional things I've been a part of have been with Hank, like planning a three city-a-day for two days private jet tour with acoustic performances in hangers. I haven't made it down to the hunting lodge yet; maybe one day!
7) What is your favorite part of your job? What do you like most about working with the Curb team?
I love traveling and promoting music that I'm passionate about. I have been very blessed to work with and learn from some of the best in the business. I have a great amount of respect for Curb Records, and I value working for a company that isn't afraid to break the mold of what a label is suppose to be or how it's suppose to be run.
8) What is the most challenging part of your job?
I've been lucky to be able to promote music that I'm passionate about and truly believe in. It's challenging when not every single that is released makes it as far up the chart as I think it's capable. I don't like letting go; it's always more fun to win.
9) What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of work? Describe your ideal day off.
That's easy - I'd be lying on the beach with a drink in hand. Actually, if I could make my mark on the music business, it would be to relocate "Nashville" to a coastal area. I'm thinking with Mel Gibson's divorce, we could probably get his island in Fiji for a steal. Who's in?
10) Here's your chance to plug some stuff for Curb. What are some upcoming projects that you guys are excited about right now?
There's a lot to be excited about at Curb. We are just coming off Rodney's 5th multi-week #1, our first #1 as a combined Curb/Asylum and Curb staff. Bomshel's "Fight Like A Girl" is getting great reaction and we've released a brand new Heidi Newfield single. We've got some great stuff coming this summer - stay tuned!
Bonus Questions
1) In your bio, you told us your parents dance a good 'shag'. What is shagging?
Carolina Shag Dancing is similar to the East Coast Swing. The premise of the dance is ingenious; you only move your lower body, as not to spill your drink. You shag to beach music, The Drifters, Temptations, The Supremes, etc.
2) What was the first concert you ever attended?
Hootie & The Blowfish at the G105 ShinDig in Raleigh.
3) First record you ever bought?
The first album I bought was Michael Jackson "Dangerous." I followed that up with The Little Mermaid soundtrack. I'm eclectic.
-
-