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10 Questions with ... Dontay Thompson
January 26, 2016
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Originally published on Top40/R 10 Questions 01-31-06
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- KWIN/KWNN 1995-1999 (Late Nights/MD)
- KXJM 1999-2002(Nights/MD)
- Radio & Records 2002-2005 (Rhythm Editor)
- RCA Music Group 2005-current (National Director Rhythm/Crossover Promotions)
1. What was your first job in the business (radio/records)?
I first got my start as a promotions intern at KWIN/KWNN/STOCKTON. At the time I was working three jobs. Monday through Friday, I worked at early mornings loading the brown trucks at UPS. Then I'd run to my other job working as a Service Advisor for a Toyota dealership. LOL! I did radio over the weekends.
2. Why record promotion at a major label group?
Promotion has be one of the most fulfilling positions to have at a major label group. Having a great product to promote to radio has to be the singular most important thing in giving an artist exposure. You work day in and day out to break these records and artists. Seeing an artist at their infant stages and going on to become superstars is very gratifying.
3. What was the biggest transition from R&R to doing promotion at J Records?
Honestly there are so many I couldn't put my finger on just one. Oops! I got it! I call people every cotton picking day to play my damn records whereas at R&R they called me so that I could give them press. Don't cha just love that?!
4. What stands out about your first meeting with CLIVE DAVIS as a member of his team?
The first thing that stands out is how he called me into his office and wanted to get my feedback on some new music. I absolutely loved it! CLIVE values the feedback his promotions executives have in terms of the music being worked at their respective formats.
5. What's the first job related thing you do in the morning?
Check BDS and Mediabase! Duh!
6. Where do you get your greatest pleasure in doing record promotion?
Like I mentioned earlier, seeing an artist develop from their infant stages going on to become STARS! As well as seeing stations take full advantage of what labels have to offer and executing great "one of a kind" promotions. I think that record companies and radio stations should be more active with coming with unique promotion ideas as oppose to just doing some of the typical stuff.
7. Who do you consider to be your mentor(s)?
Oh my god! There are so many! John "What A Guy" Christian, Michael "Hey Buddy" Newman, Mark "Spike" Adams, Doug Parker, Michael "MF" Williams and Richard "The Guru" Palmese. I also learn from some of the other great individuals at the RCA Music Group such as our entire field staff along with Joan "Compliance" Fallon, Adrian "A Dawg" Moriera and Mike "Hambergin" Bergin.
8. What do you do to relax and unwind?
Relax and unwind...What's that?
9. What artist(s) will radio still be playing in 5 or 10 years?
Every artist on the RCA Music Group! I bet you already knew the answer to that.
10. What's on the way from J Records and the RCA Label Group?
I'm so excited about this new artist that we have by the name of Emily King. She has the potential to be a HUGE superstar. Just think of a hybrid of Lauryn Hill and Alicia Keys! I can't wait until everyone gets to hear this incredible talent! I'm also excited about this new song that we have from Mario Vasquez called "Gallery". This record has the potential to be HUGE at both the Rhythm and Pop formats. For those of you who don't know who Mario Vasquez is he was the guy that dropped out of American Idol during last season! I'm also excited about the release of Pearl Jam's new album and cannot wait to hear new music from D' Angelo!
Bonus Questions
Name 3 programmers that you can see jumping into record promotion?
Ebro at WQHT, Orlando at WLLD and Chris Tyler at WJMN. I pick those guys because they have the personality and are some of the biggest s**t talkers in the biz. I'd also throw in Dennis Martinez, Dan Hunt and Bob Lewis.
Has KSFM's Tony Tecate shown you pictures of your VP/Crossover Michael Williams with his high-top fade?
OH MY GOODNESS! That picture is a classic! Not only did Michael look like a member of New Edition but Michael Martin was in the same picture looking like a member of New Kids On The Block. I got to find that picture and post it on All Access. It will have EVERYONE dying with laughter!
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