10 Questions with ... Gary Gorman

1. What made you want to get into the music business? Were there any early mentors?

I interned for Reprise Records back in college. Music always was a big part of my life, but it was at that moment I set my sights on turning passion into a vocation.

2. Can you give us a rundown of the record labels and positions you've held over the years?

My first gig was college promotion at Fort Apache in Boston. I segued to Atlantic in New York running college and metal promo. Regional in Pittsburgh and then back to New York. Moved to L.A. with Alt/Rock National stripes in '06. Started my own show here at Capitol in the Fall of 2015.

3. Before you came over to Capitol, you worked at Atlantic Records for years. Can you give us some of your proudest past achievements in breaking "new acts" with that label?

After 17+ years at Atlantic, there were a lot of proud moments. Kid Rock, Shinedown, Death Cab, Halestorm ... later Portugal. The Man, Alt-J, Meg Myers. All those campaigns still stand out.

4. Now let's talk about your move to Capitol Records. When did that happen and how has the transition from one major label to another been for you?

I started in the Fall of 2015 at the Tower and yeah, there certainly was a transition. You have to remember, when you work with the same people for so long ... you can't help but need some time to adjust. That being said, I had wanted to be back in a home office for about a half-decade and thrilled to have found such a great team in the tower.

5. Capitol Records has such a rich and storied music history. How does it feel to go to work in the iconic Capitol Records Tower in Hollywood every day?

It's hard to describe. The legacy of this building, the studios ... the roof still tagged by the Beasties back in '89. Plus, I've never been worked in a building that gives tours. Seriously. Come visit. We'll go to the roof.

Beck and Gary

6. Now let's talk about some of your Capitol Rock projects starting with Avenged Sevenfold. That was a huge signing for the label. How's it been working with this band?

Sure is. Rock royalty and couldn't be happier to be working with them. Super-creative, hard working guys that have tapped into something incredibly exciting.

7. Avenged's first single "The Stage" did very well at Rock radio. You released the second single, "God Damn," back on March 13th. How is it doing at Active Rock so far?

"The Stage" was a sprawling monster of a track, but "God Damn" will no doubt be one of the anthems of their U.S. tour this spring with Metallica. Fifty-plus stations now already on board and heading into the top 15!

8. What else does the label have coming down the pipeline for Rock in the future? Next up, our boys from the Windy City:

RISE AGAINST! Stay tuned.

9. Let's talk about the Rock format as a whole. Since you also work with the Alternative format, what's your take on the state of Rock radio today?

It would seem to me the formats are healthiest when they aren't as splintered. Hopefully, the next cycle of music brings us back closer to middle.

10. Finally, as a National promotion person, you travel a lot and see many live shows. What is the best live show you have seen this year on yours or another label and why?

Catfish & The Bottlemen has to be right up there. You can just feel the band is on the verge. Check them out this summer with Green Day. You won't be disappointed.