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10 Questions with ... Teddi Bonadies
May 25, 2009
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NAME:Teddi BonadiesTITLE:VP/National PromotionCOMPANY:Universal Records SouthBORN:Fairfax, VARAISED:Silver Spring, MD
Please outline your career so far:
I have been in the record business all my life! I started at Sony Distribution in the '80s then moved on to Country Radio Promotion in the '90s for Arista/Nashville. For the last two years have been in National Promotion for Universal Records South.
1) You have things going real well in that it seems like you have more songs on the chart than anytime previously- congrats on working the Eli Young Band song which is TOP 10 now. All of this must feel great?
Yes! Getting a new band to Top 10 on their second single is a BIG DEAL these days! Actually - URS didn't sign this band to our label until their first single at country radio, "When it Rains," was independently released and had actually been on the chart 20 weeks! SO- in essence this was our First full EYB single. This was a great week! EYB went Top 10, and another of our new acts RANDY HOUSER, his second single "Boots On" went Top 20 in 12 weeks. Another huge feat these days! Two new acts breaking the Top 10 and Top 20!
I am very proud of what our team has accomplished during such competitive times- and when play lists are shrinking all the time- as well as thankful that radio is embracing these two new acts.
2) You've made some staff adjustments- your old buddy Mike Wilson joined you recently as National Promo Dir. How important is the 'chemistry' of having the right team?
Mike Joined URS in the beginning of this year. We had worked together when I was at Arista and he for RCA. He broke acts such as Martina McBride, Alabama and Sara Evans. I love Mike's positive attitude and happy outlook. I can be intense (just ask my staff), so he is absolutely the "yen" for my "yang." He fits in perfectly to our URS Promotion Family.
3) You have always been an advocate of other women in the business. How is the industry doing in general, and is it easier for a smart woman to rise through the ranks than it was when you started?
I take such satisfaction in seeing women such as Renee Leymon of Lyric Street, Meg Stevens of Clear Channel and Renee Bell in A&R at Sony rise through the ranks.
I think smart people who work hard, for the most part, get rewarded and move up- whether they are male or female.
4) The Eli Young Band started out on the Texas scene- how much of a help is that when you want an act to break out nationally?
It definitely helped that Dallas, Austin and Houston mainstream Country radio supported EYB. However, non-Texas Country stations believed that EYB was valuable to the format as well. EYB had the early support of KYGO in Denver, as well as KBEQ Kansas City. URS still had to task of introducing EYB to other markets, just like any other act is introduced to the format. The interesting thing is, Country listeners in Texas for the most part are the same people in Albany, Atlanta or Seattle.
They love good music - they eat, sleep, work, have families, etc. With that said, EYB was thankfully embraced not only by Country radio and listeners, but music buyers, video watchers and concert goers all over the country.
5) You have a family- is it possible to shut it off when you go home or is that just impossible?
I do have a family, and I must confess, when my husband and I get home from work we BOTH are eating dinner while still on the Blackberry! But when you love what you do, you don't mind.
6) You have been at huge companies and smaller ones- are things more flexible when you are at a place like U-South? There also must be some challenges right?
Working for Fletcher Foster has been a true pleasure and honor, and I am not kissing booty here. He has allowed and taught me to do more than Radio Promotion.
He has taught me marketing, thinking out of the box and so much more to being a record executive rather than one-dimensional-only promotion. Since URS is smaller, we do have more flexibility but also have to pitch in and do more tasks as the body count is much smaller. I love growing and learning.
7) Bragging time- what music that's coming out are you fired up about?
Honestly? It's like a mama having to pick her favorite child. You can't! We have some awesome music already out and more coming out. Our latest release, Jonathan Singleton and the Grove, is the REAL DEAL! Ask anyone who has seen this band live! Jonathan wrote hits like "Watching Airplanes" by Gary Allan and "Don't " for Billy Currington. I am very pumped up about this act. Joe Nichols will be releasing a new album late this summer. Joe has an undeniable voice - it's classic. The songs are on this record will take him to a new level in our format.
And how about Phil Vassar? I have worked Phil's music since the beginning of his career when we both were at Arista. His new single "Bobbi with an I" is so fun- you can't help but smile when you hear it. URS will release his new album later this summer. I have heard the songs that made the record- it is STRONG!!!!
8) I know you have a spiritual side- that must be a huge help in putting things in perspective when everything comes unglued?
My faith is very important to me and is part of my every minute of every day, in everything I do. With the challenges we all have, knowing my purpose and who I am makes me able to cope and deal with stress. It also gives me the strength to not give up and to keep going - no matter what.
9) Speaking of that, how do you not take things so seriously, while still doing your absolute best everyday- it has to be a juggling act or at least a daily challenge?
I do take it seriously!!! That's why it's so cool that my staff lightens me up, makes me smile and laugh. It is a challenge to not to be so serious. Wine helps! :)
10) Who would you call first and what would you say if you hit Powerball?
My first call would be to my husband, Greg, and I would say "THANK YOU JESUS!"
Bonus Questions
1) When people come in from out of town what is your favorite restaurant to take people to, and why?
Park Café on Murphy Road. I love that cute little house turned restaurant with all the different rooms. My goal is to eat dinner in each of them two times.
2) What was your first concert?
My first concert was Linda Ronstadt - I wanted to BE her!
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