10 Questions with ... Sujit Kundu

NAME:Sujit Kundu POSITION:VP/Promotion COMPANY:Universal Motown BORN:Quincy, MA RAISED:Fullerton, CA

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

It all started at the age of 16 when I began promoting clubs and producing concerts in Southern California. I then got into radio while attending UCSanta Barbara by starting a mix show and street promotion company.

After college, the mix-show promotions escalated into independent/retainer radio promotions. At the same time, myself, Damion Young and Emmis Communications created Baby Ree Productions, a joint venture production company which produced tracks for the likes of Mariah Carey, Ja Rule, Nate Dogg, Warren G, and Shade Sheist, among others.

When the joint venture dissolved, I was hired by the regional promotions department of MCA/Geffen. I proceeded to go on to Tour and Road Manage artists including Frankie J, Baby Bash, Nate Dogg, Warren G, and TQ. I was then hired by Universal Records to work National Crossover radio promotions. Nine months later I was promoted to VP of crossover radio promotions and am currently VP of Promotions for Universal Motown.

1. What was the biggest change in making the move into major label record promotion?

Paperwork and meetings. There's a ton of both J

2. What's the biggest way that your job of record promotion has changed over the last 3 years?

There is a lot of traffic out there.. There are a lot of major artists, so you really have to pick your battles on which records to stick with for the long haul, even if they don't create instant reaction or are quick to explode.

3. Which Rhy-Crossover PD or MD have you known the longest?

E-Man from Power 106

4. What's the first job related thing you do in the morning?

I pull Mediabase and look for any spin problems or any increases I wasn't aware of. Also, going over building numbers.

5. You made the move from Los Angeles to New York. What do you miss the most about living in Los Angeles?

Seeing my parents. They live in California. Now, it's not as easy to run home for a home cooked meal.

6. Who do you consider to be your mentor?

Universal Motown Sr. VP/Promotion Gary Marella. He took a chance on a relatively young person and gave me a shot to over see the crossover format.

7. After a long day in the office with Sr. VP Gary Marella and 30 PDs and MDs in your ear, what do you do to relax?

I watch TV. Thank God for a DVR recorder.

8. What new artist(s) will radio still be playing in 5?

No idea...I just hope they will be signed to Universal Motown.

9. What's on the way from Universal Motown?

We've got new albums from Nelly and Akon on the way. Also, we're setting up new artists Ryan Leslie, O'Neal McKnight, Glasses Malone, and Shawty Red.

10. Which programmer that you work with, could you clearly see having a successful career...in record promotion?

Orlando from WLLD Tampa

Let's play word association. What's the first thing that comes to mind when I say, "Lil Wayne"?

Superstar