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10 Questions with ... Tom Cunningham
October 22, 2018
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
In the past 40 years, notable stops at WVUD/Dayton, WPST/Trenton and 1 (one) airshift at WSTW/Wilmington (but it was a darn good one). Reprise Records, Jive Records, Universal Records, Vanguard Records and The Artist Cooperative. FMQB too (thank you, Killer Kal Rudman)
1. Six months in at All Access-how's the job?
After six minutes, you understand why everyone on the staff here has been on the same team for numerous years. Not surprisingly, everything begins and ends with Joel (Denver). His work ethic is unparalleled and so far he continues to answer all of my numerous (albeit dopey) questions.
2. As All Access' Hot AC Editor, what is your take on the state of the format?
I think especially strong. The format is delivering ratings successes in all size markets. It's been a lynch pin in helping to further careers of established artists, and has in some cases helped to break an artist or two along the way. We've seen songs bounce from Hot AC to Top 40 this year, which hadn't been happening lately. And there been some really solid "consensus records" at the format, which makes a big difference.
3. Rolling Stone just published a huge article about the Adult formats. Is that a true sign of the times?
It's perceptive and smart on their part. The mother/daughter combo has always been a bona fide winning strategy. That Hot AC has embraced the Pop side of the street has certainly been key. And that the door is always left open for some "format only" records is a sound formula.
4. Pick 3 artist to watch at the format.
Brynn Elliott for sure. I feel like the format is really pulling for "Might Not Like Me" to come home all the way. She's been everywhere and everywhere she goes the reviews are raves. Lauren Daigle "You Say" feels like it's on the verge of blowing up. And, I'm biased, but Leon Bridges. While "Beyond" was never a "text book" hit song for the format, it is one of those songs that marinates very well. When I saw him at Radio City Music Hall (two sold out shows), when he did that song the crowd all stood up and engaged immediately. You could feel the love for the song.
5. What's something that you know now that you didn't know six months ago?
There's not enough room on the internet... From the outside, you realize that there has to be a million or so moving parts behind the screen that makes All Access hum. That's an understatement. Learning the various systems and the personalities has been fascinating and educational. I'm lucky to have been made to feel so very welcome.
6. Who were your key mentors along the way?
Speaking of lucky. I've learned from some of the best in the business. When I was at the University of Dayton our PD at WVUD/Dayton was Geoff Vargo. He's about to retire after an amazing run Sarkes Tarzian. Scary to think about how many careers that he had a hand in. Tom Taylor at WPST/Trenton for sure. He always gave me plenty of rope, and even pulled me back from the precipice a couple of times. I always think of Tom as the Godfather of the Hot AC format. And on the records side, both Rich Fitzgerald and Joe Riccitelli. Two guys with very different approaches to the head of promotion job, but both guys who if you were smart enough to pay attention to, there was plenty to be absorbed. Last but not least, Jimmy Steal from KPWR/Los Angeles. He's always ahead of the curve and one of the great minds in our business.
7. Pick 3 all time favorite jocks.
Not fair.
- George Michael when he was on WFIL/Philadelphia.
- Dan Ingram on WABC/New York.
- Race Taylor on WPLJ/New York.
8. Speaking of, your all-Springsteen Bruce Brunch Sunday morning show on 105.7 The Hawk at the Jersey Shore is turning 15 in a couple of weeks. How's that going these days?
I'm lucky to be a part of the great team that Townsquare Media has assembled at the Jersey Shore. It's still the best 2 hours of my week each and every week. I've done 770 shows at this point, and bet I've voicetracked less than ten. We just did the show live from the brand new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, and I'm hoping to be back there again soon. Asbury Park has achieved true renaissance status, and the local music scene has had a lot to do with that. I'm fortunate to have had a front row seat for all of it.
9. Got a prediction about what comes next for Bruce after Broadway?
Not fair.
One would think that he's got at least an album or two (or three??) worth of songs in some sort of status. The show ends in mid-December and then hits Netflix. I'll play it safe and say some time off, and then a "solo" album in the spring.
10. Pick 3 favorite albums from 2018.
Not fair.
- Leon Bridges "Good Thing"
- Kacey Musgraves "Golden Hour"
- Elvis Costello "Look Now"
Bonus Questions
Who have you never met and still hope to?
Paul or Ringo. Or Paul and Ringo. Or Ringo and Paul.
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