10 Questions with ... Stan Marczewski

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Stan Marczewski has held positions in management, radio promotion and marketing during his career in the music industry. Most recently, Marczewski worked for Sony Music Nashville as Manager, Strategic Marketing where he created marketing opportunities for artists on Sony's four label imprints. Stan was involved in the early years of Little Big Town's career as their day to day manager as well as working with other artists on the RLM and Mission Management rosters. His current position at Nine North Records as Director of Promotions, Midwest and Northeast, realigns him with Larry Pareigis and Tom Moran who were his mentors in radio promotion when he started with Columbia Records/Nashville in 2005.

1) What first made you want to work in the music industry? Have you always been a Country music fan or what kind of music did you listen to growing up?

I guess I've always wanted to be involved in music. My father plays guitar and was in bands when I was young, so I think that's where it started. When I was in college I majored in music and had a band. I was the manager, booking agent, publicist, road manager, drum tech and drummer. I really fell in love with the business side and decided to pursue it as a career. I love playing, but I get just as big of a kick out of booking a gig or working a record at radio as I do playing.

As for my love of country music, that began when I moved to Nashville. I wasn't a big fan when I first started in it, but now there's no other place I'd rather be. I grew up on rock n' roll and the blues (dad was a blues guitarist). I think today's country music really has a lot of elements you find in classic rock and blues, which were my musical foundations.

2) How did you get your start in the music industry? Was there a specific mentor that helped you get you first job?

I got my start in the music business through an internship at Sony Music. My college got me what's called an "externship", which is essentially a weeklong internship. I worked hard that week and asked politely if there was an opening for interns in the summer and I got a spot. That's really where it all started. From there I worked with Rendy Lovelady and Tracy McGlocklin at RLM/Mission Management, then was hired by Larry Pareigis at Columbia Records and here I am now, working with Larry and Tom Moran again at Nine North Records!

3) You worked under Jimmy Rector (Columbia VP/Promotion), at Sony for a long time. What kinds of things did you take away from your experience?

Jimmy Rector is one of my best friends and a true mentor. He's a very honest and hard working person. He's the first person to let me call radio stations and help me cut my teeth with proper promotion. I've learned a lot about what to do and what not to do from him. He's had a big impact in my life and career.

4) Tell us about your role as Manager, Strategic Marketing. What did you handle in that role and how will that help you in your new promo position with Nine North?

I learned a TON from my experience in Strategic Marketing. I can't really tell you exactly what I did there, or I'd have to kill you. ;-) But what I can say is I learned a lot about honing relationships. I dealt with many sports teams while I was there and sports is very similar to radio in that they have the ability to expose your artist to a huge fan base. You have to develop your relationship with them, build trust and deliver on your promises. Over time you get more and more opportunities with them. There is a strong parallel between that experience and what I'm doing now and I feel it was instrumental in helping build my character for this roll.

5) Why did you decide to go back to the Promo world? And how are you liking your new position so far?

I guess I came back because I missed the direct connection you have with the artist and music. In promotion, you're the first person to take new music out into the world to be heard. You're usually the first person to take a new artist out to visit radio and launch that part of their career. And as we all know, in Country, radio is a HUGE part of an artist's success. It makes or breaks an artists career. I really love being part of that.

6) What music are you excited about working with at Nine North that is out currently or stuff still to be released this year?

I'm really excited about everything we have here at Nine North Records. We are very blessed because we have the best indie artists in town on our roster. We're hoping to make big waves in country music in 2010.

7) You have also worked in management with RLM and Mission Management. What was your favorite part about being involved in day to day management of artists? What was the hardest part?

I love management. I hope one day to own my own management company. Management is great because you have a hand in everything in an artist's career. You ARE the artists, on the business side. The most difficult part of management is dealing with the different personalities. You are getting phone calls at all hours of the night sometimes. When it's good, it's worth it though as you can see from the success of many of the great managers in the town.

8) One of your hobbies is playing drums. Have you ever performed live with any of the groups you managed? Are you playing in a band currently or you just play in your basement and drive your neighbors crazy?

As I mentioned, I was a music major in college and my concentration was percussion. I played in cover bands, blues bands and I played with the Chicago Chamber Orchestra in college. I've had a very rounded musical background. I think that's part of what has made me successful so far in the music business. It's been my ability to relate to musicians and music. Now I just play for fun with some friends when I can. At the end of the day, that's what playing music should be all about. Having fun with your friends.

9) Congratulations on completing the Country Music Half Marathon! How was the experience? This was not your first marathon, how many have you done?

Thanks! That was second half marathon. I've run two full marathons as well. I really enjoy running. It's a great way to stay in shape and keep your sanity. When you go on long runs, you have time to think about the issues you may be having or goals you're trying to achieve at work. It's the perfect time to reflect and clear your mind.

10) What race will you be doing next? Would you be able to train for something so intense while doing a job that can also be kind of intense?

I'm going to enjoy my summer. :) Maybe play some pick up basketball at the Y or go golfing. With my new job, I'm definitely busy enough as it is.

1) You list going to concerts among your hobbies. What is the first concert you have ever attended?

The first concert I ever attended was The Fabulous Thunderbirds with my dad. Jimmy Vaughn (Stevie Ray Vaughn's brother) was the lead guitar and was amazing. Good blues band. The first concert I ever attended by myself was Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson - quite a different crowd to say the least.

2) What are some great concerts you have seen more recently?

I'm a big Dave Matthews Band fan. The show at Vanderbilt's football stadium last year was a pretty good one. I saw Lady Antebellum at the Ryman and thought that was a good show. I was at the taping of Kenny Chesney and Steve Miller for CMT Crossroads. That was a cool moment too.

3) What would you fantasy job be outside of the music industry?

I'd like to be a sports agent. That would be a really fun gig I think. It's similar to music, but a different climate.