10 Questions with ... Doug LaGambina

1) Here we go again. Remind me why we do this to each other and the All Access readership at the end of every year?

It's my/our holiday gift to everyone. It's a chance to take a deep breath and unwind at the end of the year. It's also nice to talk to myself without my wife knocking on the bathroom door and asking, "Are you on the phone again?"

2) What was your first gig in the industry and how has the business changed since then?

My first gig was running my college radio station, WNHU/New Haven, CT. We were a 1700-watt non-comm that bled into Long Island. We had a lot of great bands come through as a result of being between Boston and New York. It really made you want to be in the music business. My first paid gig was at Imago Records and being barked at by Henry Rollins. Now Rollins is doing spoken word and on a bill with Carrie Fisher, so there's an evolution for ya!

3) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?

I think I would have ended up in the restaurant business. I love food and drunk people who talk with their mouths full. So it's a win-win.

4) How did 2010 fare as compared to 2009 in the seemingly always embattled music business?

We saw a continuation of downsizing, but on a smaller scale. I hope that means we have become a little wiser, as well as more optimistic as an industry. The general vibe at radio and with label people is an acceptance of the new process. There is no bigger sign that things are still changing than The Beatles on iTunes.

5) What artist have you enjoyed watching develop Rock radio this year and why?

Saving Abel is a great story. Here is an artist that radio loved right out of the bat, but was looked at as a novelty. Over time they have proven to be a core artist for 2010. My Darkest Days was a great success story that overcame underdog status. Stone Sour has proven once again that Corey Taylor is a prolific talent with no boundaries.

6) What would we find in heavy rotation in your car?

I have my iPod connected to the car stereo so the choices are endless. I've been rediscovering The Who lately but the current stuff? The Black Keys, The Dead Weather, Gaslight Anthem, and I will be cranking "A Charlie Brown Christmas" on the way home today.

7) What changes in the industry would you like to see going in to 2011?

I would like to see more music get a real shot at radio and in the marketplace. There are a lot of safe bets out there, but more dark horses getting in the race would be nice. It keeps us fresh and moving forward. Let's not underestimate our consumers.

8) What was the best concert you saw this year?

I got to see Ozzy at the House of Blues. I had not seen him in a very long time and sometimes you wonder if the reality holds up to the myth. Ozzy delivers even to this day.

9) As you finish up the year, is there anything you would have done differently or changed?

I wish I had seen the last episode of "Lost." I've never seen a single episode, so it would have been interesting to see the last one without any expectations and see if it held up on its own.

10) What are you looking forward to in 2011's calendar?

All Access has teamed up with Musexpo's Sat Bisla to bring the WorldWide Radio Summit to the W Hotel in Hollywood, CA April 29th-30th, 2011. This is not your father's convention. Check it out here: http://www.worldwideradiosummit.com