10 Questions with ... Larry Pareigis

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

15 years in Country radio (Nashville, Albuquerque, Sacramento, San Francisco), 15 years in Country music promotion & marketing (Almo Sounds, Sony Music Nashville, Nine North/Turnpike Music)

Secondary email: larry@turnpikemusic.com

1) Congratulations on your company expansion and the addition of Turnpike Music. Can you give us a 'snapshot' of your business model?

Turnpike is designed as a speedy onramp into the Indicator and Activator Country radio world. Turnpike builds a solid foundation then Nine North can come in and build the house (with reporting Country radio). You can't do one without the other.

2) Why is a company like yours so relevant in today's atmosphere?

With more established artists leaving their deals or not being renewed, there are viable brands there that need to be exploited to the fullest in this new environment. For new artists, why wait three or four years to see the light of day and take the chance that the people who signed you will even be there when you get your shot? Unlike the majors, we aren't staging a land grab for digital rights, merchandise and touring. We want to help artists - both new and established - fully exploit those rights and keep the proceeds from them.

3) You worked many years under the corporate umbrella at Sony and now have your own company? Why types of strategy did you bring with you, and what things would you pass on?

Like any place you learn a lot about what to do and what not to do, but I will be forever indebted to Allen Butler for taking a shot on a radio guy to run a promotion department for him and to John Grady for all the wisdom he passed along.

4) What was your proudest moment at Sony?

Both breaking and working with great artists like Dixie Chicks, Miranda Lambert, Gretchen Wilson, Patty Loveless, Van Zant, Buddy Jewell and many more; also working with so many talented promotion people that made the whole company look good.

5) Who have been a couple mentors of yours through the years, both inside or outside of the industry?

Jack Lameier, Steve Popovich and my late father.

6) Your lovely wife Katie was also in the industry. Is that a plus since she knows all about your world?

Absolutely, and her advice is always stellar.

7) What artists, songs are you excited about for 2010 from your company?

I'm bullish on 2010. We move with speed and precision derived from passion and that's why we work with the artists we work with and have the team we have. All of them have something unique to offer and I'm glad they've chosen us as their team.

8) Tell us about the new Dixie Chicks spinoff, the Court Yard Hounds. That has to be pretty exciting. Is there a track or two that they will work Country?

I certainly hope so! Mike Krinik is having a great deal of success rocking his bootleg version of "Ain't No Son" in San Francisco, so we'll see.

9) How difficult was that time when the Chicks were being exiled from Country radio?

All you have to do is bring it up and I still feel vertigo. It was horrible for all parties involved.

10) What books, movies, TV shows do you want to recommend that might not be on the normal person's radar yet?

Book: "Game Change" (terrific breakdown of the recent presidential contest). Movie: "Let The Right One In" (best genuine horror film I've seen in awhile - very spooky and perfect). TV show: "Damages" (Glenn Close deserves every Emmy she's won for this).

1) Favorite concert you saw in 2009?

Leonard Cohen at TPAC.

2) Favorite Nashville Restaurant?

Urban Flats.

3) What was the first album you ever bought?

"Band On The Run" by Wings.