10 Questions with ... Brad Davidson

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Here is where I have worked and positions:

• Sony Music - Northeast College Rep
• Columbia Records - National Director of College Promotion
• Boston Regional - National Director of Pop & VP of Pop
• Reprise Records - VP of Pop
• TVT Records - Sr. VP Promotion
• S-Curve Records - Sr. VP Promotion

1) What is the biggest thrill about breaking new music to the masses?

Being behind the scenes and quietly knowing you were a part of something great and knowing that you were a part of making an artist or band's vision a reality. I love knowing that in whatever way, I contributed to something that is being enjoyed by so many.

2) If you were not in the music industry, what could you see yourself doing?

I would be either coaching College Basketball or back in radio as a Sports Broadcaster play-by-play guy. That was my first job doing color and play-by-play for college hoops.

3) What do you do to inspire your staff for success? How do they motivate you?

I try to set an example and give what I expect. Sounds cliché', but leading by example is the only way. I am constantly motivated by people I manage as well as S-Curve Owner Steve Greenberg. Their drive and left of center thinking constantly makes me find new ways to succeed.

4) Name a record person, not on your label, that you really admire?

Pete Cosenza. Having worked for Pete as a regional and also working with him on a national staff I really got to know him on a personal and business level. I think Pete is one of the best Hot AC guys in the game. He always balanced managing a staff while continuing to break and expose artists very effectively. I think the job he did on Train this year was phenomenal.

5) What was the most difficult project you've ever worked that finally broke through?

Diane Birch...she has just started to show signs of breaking. It is difficult because her music is a little left of the traditional songs you hear on the radio. On the flip side, I know she is a next level star for years to come.

6) Do you think that showcases, artist visits and conference room concerts are all viable in getting new acts introduced to radio? Are they worth the investment?

They are 100% worth the investment if you have the right artist. Between Diane Birch and We the Kings at S-Curve alone, I can't tell you how many people we made believers by performing live. There is nothing better than the up close live connection. Even if it doesn't convert to airplay, there is so much mileage you can get out of a visit.

7) What's the worst excuse you ever heard from a programmer?

"Her face doesn't match her voice, so I am not sure?"

8) With terrestrial radio tightening up their playlists these days, have you found that satellite radio and the Internet are more open to exposing new artists?

I think all radio is still open to exposing new artists. You just have to work your ass off at a much higher level to get it. I think Satellite Radio is just as tough in many cases because they have to make sure they are satisfying their audience, just like anyone else.

9) What do you like best about working in this format?

I like the challenge of Hot AC and I really like the passionate music lovers that I get a chance to work with. If there is no passion then it's just boring. Even though it's a tough format and getting tighter all the time, there are still a lot of amazingly interesting music freaks.

10) What's the longest road trip you've ever been on, and where did it take you?

At TVT Records, Dan Pearson and I did the "New Years Day I was Right Tour." We tried to hit all 50 states but didn't reach our goal because the company had to pull funding. We did hit close to 35 though in three weeks!

1) If you had the opportunity to work any act/artist from the past, present or future who would it be?

The Doors and The Beach Boys. Although it's funny to think about calling BMX in Boston to set up a Doors Lounge for them and ordering in Pizza.

2) You are the remaining survivor on a remote tropical island with no chance for rescue. You have a CD/DVD player with endless power. What five CD's are a "must" to have with you? What five movies?

CD'S:

• Pete Yorn - Music for the morning after
• Diane Birch - Bible Belt
• Beach Boys - Greatest Hits
• R.E.M - Fables of the Reconstruction
• We the Kings - They could live on the island with me and bring the girls and drinks and play live.

MOVIES:

• Amadeus
• Goodfellas
• The Natural
• Running Brave
• The Office (British Version TV series)

3) Do your remember the first record that you ever bought?

The Smiths, "The Queen is Dead." Its simply put, "a game changer."

4) Do you read.....everything? Books, Magazines, etc. Nothing? What's your favorite reading material?

Its tough to find time in this business, but I force myself. Besides grading papers from the classes I teach at NYU, I am currently reading Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Twice Told Tales."

5) What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Own the Boston Red Sox. Still saving up.