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10 Questions with ... Michael Pearson-Adams (A.K.A. Gomez)
July 5, 2006
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NAME:Michael Pearson-Adams (A.K.A. Gomez)LAST WITH:Fairwest Loyalty SolutionsPHONE:(754) 234-3021WEBSITE:http://gomez.artistremix.com
Please begin by giving us a brief career history ...
I'm an Aussie now living in the States. 17 years in the radio industry producing and managing. Most recent history: 1993-1995 at Triple M/Sydney doing commercials and imaging; 1996-1998, Austereo MCM Entertainment producing syndicated radio shows; 1999-2000, building world class $4 million studio; 2000-2003, Network Production Manager and Imaging Director for 47 stations for RG Capital Radio; 2003-Dec 2005 Fairwest, International Creative Director. Now, freelancing.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I get up every morning at 7am, check All Access and Monster. Watch daytime television to remind me why I don't want to be at home. Seriously though, you need to stay disciplined and keep structure. Losing structure "just because you don't have to get up" is a good way of letting yourself go and losing an edge, and I like my edge.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
Building websites for some clients I have, freelance radio production here and there, and two Dance remix projects for a Dance label. Also, I'm editing a video production, and I've nearly finished writing my book on the audio industry. I also write for a magazine in Australia called Audio Technology. I'm featured in each issue as the specialist for radio and music. The last interview I did last week was BT (Brian Transeau) and that's on my website thebestradiomix.com. I like being busy!
3) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?
This is the longest stretch. 5 months. The main reason for it is simple: I'm new to this country as I was brought over for a specific company initially, so I've had to build and establish my network so people know who I am, and what I've done. It's frustrating sometimes but definitely not an impossible mission.
4) So far what has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
All Access without a doubt. Someone mentioned Monster to me a few months back, and I just check it now to humor myself. By the time most radio and audio gigs are posted on Monster they're gone before they're posted or near enough to it.
5) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
Having managed the imaging production and production departments of a large radio network, I'd like to do that again. I know I'm capable of at least 47 stations under my belt so bring it on. Imaging for a capital city cluster would be nice too. I'm a sucker for a challenge and I put in my all.
6) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, emails, rejection letters, etc.)
Mostly it sucks I have to say. You send out a resume or CD, and never hear anything at all. ABC Radio has been great, by sending out emails saying "we've got your stuff" but in most cases you don't hear anything. I believe it could be a lot better, but hey, you deal with it.
7) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?
I won't mention which network asked me this, but I was asked "so what language do you produce in on Australian radio?"
8) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
God yes, I believe you have to, or you don't know what people are doing around the world in regards to production ideas and techniques. A good mate of mine Dave Charles put me onto a website called vtuner.com and that helps me keep tabs on imaging and ad production worldwide.
9) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
I have two really as I have a foot in the music industry as well. My biggest accomplishment in radio so far is being network production manager of just under 50 stations. I loved that gig and was proud that I pulled it off as well as keeping the respect and friendship of all the producers working under me. As far as the other proud moment goes it's discovering two girls in North Queensland, turning them into a musical duo, nurturing them in the studio with my partners and seeing them head straight to number one with their first single and album. That felt good.
10) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?
You have to use what I call the dripping tap theory. Don't let up on people. If you're waiting to hear about a position, or trying to get in the door of a station to do work experience or be an intern, keep calling or emailing. Not every day as that's what we call stalking, but consistently. There are certain people I communicate with every week, and I have them all scheduled in my Outlook diary so I know when I last spoke to them. This way you manage to keep your name at top of mind, and in this industry that is all important. You have to be patient, and consistent as well as good at what you do.
Bonus Questions
Oprah or Dr. Phil?
They both suck. I recommend you set up a good surround system in the living room, buy an Xbox, and get some good DVDs. I love Colin McCrae Rally rumbling my sub woofer and have watched Tomb Raider, Highlander and Twister enough times to know their scripts by heart. There can be only one!
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