10 Questions with ... David Dyer

1) What led you to a career in "reckidz," as they say in New York?

"Wreckards" ... but who's counting?

2) What new ways are you coming up with to build stories on songs and artists?

Thanks to Josh Reich, we have the strongest promotion department Twitter account on the planet. We currently have over 6,700 followers. That's an incredible number and Josh is making sure it grows daily. We're also the only Top 40 promotion department with a dedicated weekly Tip Sheet. You have to be in radio to subscribe, but once you get past the velvet rope, you have access to not only artist profile information but incredible show prep including: TV and video links, press clippings, artist Twitter accounts, iPhone and iPad artist apps, reviews and high-def artwork. For those really in the know, it also provides PDFs of product order forms, compliance letters and all the paperwork you need to make the kids happy and the adults too.

3) What's been the most significant change in the business since you've been in it?

The devaluation of the song. Duh.

4) Brag on the artists that you work with. What's going on in their worlds right now?

We're so lucky that I think their names speak for themselves: Ke$ha, Mike Posner, Pitbull, Avril Lavigne ... you get the idea. I will say these few things: I'm happy that Avril proved so many people wrong. If you don't have a Dance beat in this environment, a lot of programmers just can't hear it. Guess what? The audience can. Avril delivered a top-10 record and I believe this next one will be even bigger ... and no Dance beat. Also, take note: I think Pitbull will be a core Top 40 artist before the end of the summer, and let me go bigger -- I think Pitbull will be THE worldwide artist of 2011.

5) What's been your most rewarding project to work?

Avril Lavigne: My first track with Avril was "Complicated" and it's been hard and rewarding work ever since. She consistently delivers and her fan base recognizes it.

6) What's been the most frustrating?

Avril Lavigne: She seems to be the act that, no matter how big her previous single may be, there are still those programmers who want to count her out. I haven't seen it really with any other artist, but for some reason, she can deliver top 10 after top 10 and there are still programmers who will tell themselves that she's not "Rhythmic" enough for them. She nails that 12-24 demo like no other artist, but it's always a fight ... and knock on wood -- Avril is #winning.

7) What's the longest road trip you've ever been on ... and where did it take you?

I went to see the good people at All Access once - that seemed to last forever.

8) What's the worst excuse you ever heard from a programmer?

"I didn't see any advertisements in All Access ... are you sure you're behind it?" Kidding -- no one ever said that. I don't hear excuses ... only opportunities.

9) Looking back, which years hold the best musical memories for you and who were your favorite acts at that time?

I'm a child of the '70s. I love all the '70s ballads and Rock songs. Boz Scaggs -- some people just don't know.

10) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?

I'm an Eagle Scout and I used to be a really nice guy ... oh, and I brew my own beer.

What music do you listen to when you're not working?

I'm a huge be-bop head and I love old soul music. I collect vinyl so my favorite time of the day is at 3a when I can be alone, put on the headphones and listen to wreckards.