10 Questions with ... Lindsay Walleman

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

My first real gig was at Mercury Records, Universal Music Group Nashville, where I was the Promotion Coordinator for just under 3 years. I did well and discovered what I really wanted to do - work in the great music industry. I am now living in Chicago, working for a great company, CO5 Nashville, as Director of Promotion & Marketing, Midwest.

1) You're a small-town girl from Ubly, MI (population 900), and now you work in the music business. How did you get your start? Did you just hop in a car and head to Nashville one day?

After graduation, I still had no idea what my next step was, but I knew I loved music & Nashville. After enjoying my last college summer in Big Rapids, MI, I packed up my Jeep, a U-Haul, & was Nash-vegas bound! I didn't know anyone, didn't have a job, or a place to live; eventually the pieces came together. After a very long run of networking, I had the pleasure of meeting John Alexander, Music Marketing Director at GAC who began introducing me to the industry. At CRS '06, I met John Ettinger, former VP National Promotion for Mercury Records. He just so happened to be looking for a Promotion Coordinator and the story continues from there. I got lucky!

2) In college you majored in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Math, and so on. What did you actually get your degree in after it was all said and done? Would you ever consider a career in any of those fields after you get your fill of the music business?

Public Administration with a minor in Criminal Justice was my last stop at the end of 4 years. Sure, there are times when I think, "If I wasn't in this amazing industry, what would I do with my life?" To answer your question, yes; I could see myself succeeding in all of those fields, but right now, I simply cannot foresee getting my fill of the music business. A few weekends ago, as I was on the sidelines during the Colts v. Ravens AFC Championship game, humbled and taken back, I kept telling Bob Richards, PD at WLHK/Indianapolis, "Wow! Can you believe this is actually a part of our job?!"

3) You took a break from the business after leaving UMG/Nashville. What led you to coming back and why?

I love change. Change of pace. Change of scenery. Change of city. It was never my intention to take a break from the business, I just wanted a new place. I love Nashville, but who doesn't love Chicago? And guess what? I live here!! No, I didn't have another career in mind or a job lined up, so I kept in the music industry network hoping to hear about the next big break. With eyes & ears open, and the former UMG family's help, I landed a gig with an incredible team, CO5 Nashville. I couldn't be more excited and grateful.

4) You love living in Chicago, don't you? If we were up there for one day what are a couple must-sees?

Well first let's pretend it's spring and it's the longest day in history!

• Breakfast at Ann Sathers
• The Field Museum
• An "El" ride, cab ride, & bus ride
• Shopping - either Michigan Ave or State Street
• The observatory of the Hancock Building
• A hot fudge sundae from Ghirardelli's
• A walk through the FREE Lincoln Park Zoo
• Lunch at Lou Malnati's for some Chi-town style pie
• Murphy's Bleachers bar right before going to the game at Wrigley
• After the game, the German bar, Uberstein for HUGE German beers and the famous "shot skis"
• End the night at Kingston Mines. A fantastic blues bar that is open until 5 A!
• And fourth meal at The Golden Nugget

5) Who makes the best deep-dish pizza?

While I am still researching the answer to this question, so far - favorite local pizza joint, Lou Malnati's, favorite local pizza delivery, Ciao Pizza. You better believe, I will keep testing each location.

6) Who are a few of your mentors so far that have helped you grow?

My #1 is always my family. It's all thanks to them that I am the person I've become. They've instilled more values & insight than can ever be counted.

Every teacher, professor, or coach I have ever had has always made a contribution to my mind, discipline, and abilities.

And in comparison to most others in this industry, I'm very much a newbie. Everyone that I have ever met along the way in this business has plenty of knowledge, advice, and wisdom to share, so I try to take in as much of it as possible.

7) Tell us about some of the projects on the CO5 roster that y'all are excited about this year.

All of them!

• Gretchen Wilson, "Work Hard, Play Harder" - Always been a Gretchen fan myself, so couldn't be happier to work this project! Upbeat, uplifting single & the new album rocks!
• The McClymonts - 3 beautiful, talented, Australian sisters, who are already 3-time CMAA Group of the Year winners; they're fantastic! You'll agree. See them at CRS this year!
• Lynyrd Skynyrd, "That Ain't My America" - who wouldn't enjoy working a Skynyrd project? Add date: Monday, Feb 22.
• Lee Allen, "Settle Down" - New artist. He is a true blue country boy and I can't wait to introduce him to everyone! The record is sweet, fun and adds Monday, March 15.

8) You were a Promo Coordinator at UMG and you're now doing a regional position. What surprises have you had in the new job so far - anything you weren't expecting?

Honestly, no surprises ----YET, but they're coming. I always knew this job was NOT as easy as it looked & expected challenges along the way.

9) What is the best piece of advice you've been given? Worst advice?

Best - It took me a second to run through all of the words of wisdom my Grandpa has passed down over the years, but I guess one of my favorites: "Whether you believe you can or you can't, you're always right."

Worst - I know I've had it, I just can't say that I've retained it.

10) Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Honestly, as irresponsible as it sounds, I don't think that far ahead. I live for the now. I do know, no matter where I am and what I'm doing, I will be happy.

1) You were at UMG quite a while and they do have a reputation for being quite the little joke squad. Tell us one funny story from back there.

Great times!! There are so many day to day stories to tell, I don't even know where to begin. Gosh! Everything! Royce's "double-talking" people, Van wearing clothes that are far too small, Sally getting the boys back by hiding her own vacuum, fake parking violation notices, the list goes on and on. However, if I had to pick one as my favorite, it would have to be "the box" series. In fact, it was about a year ago today that people were being framed by the UMG staff. Innocent bystanders heading to Royce's office for a "meeting" were startled nearly to death as an unknown crazy man in a Mexican Wrestler mask jumped out at them. All was caught on tape for many a laughs to come, and all but one was a success; Jamey Johnson barely flinched. Priceless!

2) Who was the most entertaining? EJ, Damon, Van, Joe Putnam?

That's a tough one! I'd have to say on a consistent, almost non-intentional way, Joe Putnam. He's brilliant and has the profound ability to take five unrelated things and tie them into one fantastic one liner.

3) What five albums would you grab out of a burning building?

• Michael Jackson, #1s
• Sugarland, Love on the Inside
• Keith Urban, Golden Road
• What Women Want Soundtrack - Silly I know. :)
• Duffy, Rockferry