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10 Questions with ... Jamie Hartley
February 9, 2016
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1. What made you want to get into the music business? Early mentors?
I have several family members who work within the industry, so being around them and always going to concerts at a young age was all so fascinating to me. Working with my brother Nick and seeing him break artists from the street up was an inspiring learning process.
2. Can you give us a brief history of your record promotion background before you landed your current gig with UME?
In 2008, my brother and I founded a label called Eight O Five with Michael Papale. After a few releases, we flipped our 360 label model to a promotion and consulting configuration working with several management companies and labels. After learning various aspects of the business from the management side, I learned the craft of promotion from Michael and that part of our business started to grow.
3. What is your title and responsibilities with UME and how long have you been in this position?
I dove into the Dir./Promotion position this past June to spearhead all radio marketing and promotion efforts. Here we are in 2016 and the power of radio is still as important as it's ever been. To execute this position, I had to instill an entrepreneurial spirit and be cohesive between all our departments. We're the catalogue division of UMG so I've also had the opportunity to work projects for music's most iconic artists ranging from the Beatles to Bob Marley to the Rolling Stones. But we have some of the most exciting frontline releases right now, too. I am truly humbled to work with such amazing artists and people every day.
4. In your position you work with other formats beyond Rock. How do you like working with radio in other formats?
Growing up, I always listened to KROQ and KJEE, so I've naturally enjoyed working projects at Alternative. But I've always had a diverse taste in music therefore I love the challenge of juggling different formats beyond just Rock.
5. Now let's talk about some of your UME projects. Congrats on your recent success with the Chris Cornell single. What's the latest with that project?
Thanks Ken! It was an amazing team effort that led to success at three different formats. Ted and Karen at HITS are true promotion strategists who know how to break hit records and it was a pleasure to work alongside them as well as Darren Eggleston. "Nearly Forgot My Broken Heart" is still receiving airplay on over 120 radio stations. This is a song that will live through future generations.
6. Now let's talk about one of your major artists on UME ... Rob Zombie. What can you share with us about this project?
This is going to be a big break out for Zombie. This is one of Rob's best albums and we cannot wait to share it with the world. He has a new film coming in June, a U.S. tour with Disturbed, headlining nearly every major rock festival, and a hot new single that's starting to rattle the format.
7. Can you tell us what other bands (new or established) and projects your label has in store for Rock radio in the future?
Megadeth returned to original form with a groundbreaking album which just debuted at #3 on The Billboard 200 and second to a lady named Adele in album sales. Dystopia is the band's most radio-friendly single to date and it's making some noise on the chart. Wolfmother's "Victorious" is accessible for all avenues of rock fans and the song that Rock radio has been looking for. It's really a one-listen song. And Hollywood Vampires will premiere their new single, "As Bad As I Am," at The Grammys. It's a real in-your-face rock song with a big hook! A fully committed band with tour plans in the works. I couldn't be more proud to champion such a creative congregation of rock stars to the format.
8. Let's talk about the Active Rock format as a whole. What's your take on the music at the format today?
I'd like to see more programmers play more currents and so we can see more artists break through. There are a lot of great stations who take big chances. Currently, we have a nice balance of the big brand names as well as newcomers to the format.
9. As a Promotion person, what are the most important tools/resources you use to stay on top of the Rock formats' growth and constant daily changes?
It's always important to stay informed of changes within the industry through communication and constantly reading updates in the trades. Looking at record sales, ticket sales, and stream data is crucial especially to see what the completion is doing. And of course, Mediabase is always my go-to resource.
10. Finally, outside of your label, what are some artists/bands on other labels that you're digging as we start to get into 2016?
Well, it's still a bit early in 2016 to answer. We will have to cover that in our next 10 Questions ... so to be continued. Thanks for this opportunity Ken!
Bonus Questions
What was the first record you ever purchased?
At eight years old, Faith No More's 'The Real Thing' on cassette.
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