10 Questions with ... Eric Seigel

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I began as an intern at the legendary KC 101 in New Haven. Quickly got promoted to APD and weekend air personality. I then became an Account Director at a radio promotions agency called TMPG. I worked part-time at WTIC in Hartford, and when a full-time opening came about, I jumped at the chance. I became the National Sales Promotions Director for WTIC-A/F. I soon added the Promotions Dir. title for WTIC-A. After that, I moved to Boston to become the Promotions Dir. for WRKO-A. I got out of radio after that and got involved in non-profit, becoming an Event Manager for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Missing radio, I got a job as a weekend personality on WRKI (I-95) in Danbury, and eventually became the Dir./Marketing & Promotions.

I also have done on-air work at WQGN/Groton and WDAQ/Danbury

1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?

I try to stay busy. It's funny because I actually seem to have less time than when I was working full-time.

2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?

I work part-time at Starbucks. I also do a little bit of freelance work here and there and volunteer for the American Cancer Society as the Publicity Chairperson for a local "Relay For Life" event. I also do a lot of reading and try to stay up on the new trends in marketing, such as social media marketing. I also write a personal blog called "Blogged Down" and am a contributing writer to a radio blog called "Radio-Twit Bloggers" (see links above).

3) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?

I'd really like to either stay in radio or get into the record side of the business. But I have to look at other industries as well.

4) What's the longest stretch you've had on the beach?

The stretch I'm in now. Three years.

5) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?

Obviously, All Access has the best listings. I've also found several on Indeed.com

6) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)

About 50/50. I've applied to a few record companies and have at least gotten a personal e-mail back. I appreciate that. I haven't heard from any radio stations unless they've wanted to interview me.

7) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?

I think the fact that I have done promotions in many different formats. I've done Rock, Top 40, Modern AC and Talk. I also have programming side and client side experience, so I can come at promotions from all angles.

8) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?

I hate to say it, but I really haven't listened to the radio much since I've been out. It actually still hurts a little too much. My iPod has gotten a real workout, though.

9) If you were offered a similar position to what you were doing for considerably less money, would you seriously consider taking the job just to stay in the biz?

I would love to say yes ... but the simple fact is that I can't afford to. I'm three years in debt.

10) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?

If it's truly what you want to do and something that you truly love, then keep at it.

Uh oh ... now you're on your own for getting new music. If applicable, name your three most recent purchases since leaving the biz.

"The Whirlwind" by Transatlantic (a progressive rock group featuring members of Dream Theater, Spock's Beard, Marillion and the Flower Kings), "You Like It Clean" by Lynn Carey Saylor, which features a GREAT cover version of Pat Benetar's "We Belong" with Brian May on guitar, and the self-titled "Rodrigo Y Gabriela," an amazing guitar duo.