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10 Questions with ... Bob Catania
January 22, 2008
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NAME:Bob CataniaPOSITION:GMLABEL:Chime EntertainmentBIO:Find me on Linkedin!!!
1) What led you to a career in "reckidz," as they say in New York?
Love of music ... and a college roommate who had a friend who got me a mailroom job at a local distributor! One day in the mailroom and I never looked back ... going on 32 years!
2) What is your favorite part of the job?
The excitement that comes with the potential that on any given day you may come across an act that can change your life. I am actually working on a deal right now to sign an incredible act that came to me through my wife's boss. I went and saw them play and "that feeling" came over me of how much fun it would be to work with this band.
3) What's been the most significant change in the business since you've been in it?
Listen, I've been through almost every format except the 78, so it's a constant change. The key is to stay up on every change and adapt to the new ways. I think that this is a great time for those of us at independent labels. We have great artists and great talent to break those artists. Most important: We stay committed LONG TERM and will not leave you hanging.
4) What new ways are you coming up with to build stories on songs and artists?
I really think the social networks are telling great stories about fan reaction to music. Once we are able to quantify that information in a viable way, I think you will see a new process in breaking music. See "most frustrating" below.
5) What's been your most rewarding project to work?
No question, Melissa Etheridge. Stands the test of time and is timeless.
6) What's been the most frustrating?
Jupiter Rising. Every day I see hundreds of fan comments on how much they LOVE this record and yet we are still struggling to make the connection to radio. Without a big hit, we just passed ONE MILLION profile views. That's a lot of activity to be ignored.
7) What's the longest road trip you've ever been on, and where did it take you?
There are very few places I have not been, but I can't recall the longest trip. I do know that I still love those trips as the one-to-one contact is more important than ever.
8) Looking back, which years hold the best musical memories for you and who were your favorite acts at that time?
I have enjoyed every moment in this business, but I have to say my Island years were the greatest. We had AMAZING music and everything was a left-fielder, so the pressure was not crazy, and we broke incredible records.
9) What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod?
Petula Clark.
10) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
That I am a wild and crazy party animal! So I'm in N.Y. last year and it's Friday night after a long day. I am taking to Christine at my office and she asks what I am doing that night. I explain that it will be a wild night of girls and drinking. She says, "By that you mean, reading a book in your room and falling asleep early?" Sadly, that was the truth!
Bonus Questions
Which character on a current TV series most reflects your personality?
Mack from CSI NY. I am consistent; cover all the bases; support my staff always; and love my family.
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