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10 Questions with ... Dee Sonaram
September 8, 2009
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NAME:Dee SonaramPOSITION:VP/Crossover PromotionCOMPANY:E1 MusicBORN:Virgin IslandsRAISED:Antigua, St.Thomas, Indiana, and Brooklyn
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
After graduating from Syracuse University, I interned at Profile Records, then became an agent at Famous Artists Agency, went back to the record company side at Robbins Ent./BMG. I started a promotion company and label with my partner Shadow Stokes called Casino Ent., and started at KOCH Records with Alan Grunblatt about 10 years ago.
1. Why record promotion?
I love the music and being a part of seeing a record go from A to Z is the ultimate reward. I love getting involved in the whole process.
2. What was your first job in the business?
The first job was being an intern at Profile Records.
3. What's the biggest way that your job of record promotion has changed for you over the last 5 years?
It has allowed me to meet some great people in this country the United States and experience what a lot of cities have to offer culturally.
4. You've been at Koch, Now E1, for quite awhile and you've been very successful there. How intriguing is the possibilities of going to a major label group?
I love every opportunity that comes across the desk. Who knows maybe one day. But right now I am happy as hell and continue to work with one of the best teams at a label we have built and it's a family.
5. Which Rhy-Crossover PD or MD have you been working with the longest?
I think I go back a very long time with Cagle at WBTS he has broken a lot of artist for me especially in his days at KXHT.
6. What's the first job related thing you do in the morning?
I try and walk for about 30 minutes to clear my mind and get focused before I get the daily report card BDS sent to me.
7. Who do you consider to be your mentor(s)?
I have a few I learned a lot from Cary Vance early at Profile, I worked with Heidi Jo Spiegel at Robbins who was a great teacher, and in the Crossover world Geo Bivens taught me a lot about the game when he was at Loud Records.
8. What do you do to relax and unwind?
I like traveling and getting on a boat and being in the water. I have a captain's license so getting on the yacht is how I relax.
9. What new artist(s) will radio still be playing in 5 or 10 years?
I know Keri Hilson will have a great career. I feel she brings a lot to the game. I believe in Dorrough and his writing to take him to the next level, also his work ethic will keep him cranking out the hits and he can have a long career.
10. What's on the way from E1?
We have tons of great records coming including an album from Brian McKnight with tons of great records on it, a duet album with Jim Jones and Webstar that's full of club hits, new B.G., Slim Thug, and Juvenile projects. Also Dorrough will be coming with his follow up single.
Bonus Questions
Which programmer that you work with, could you clearly see having a successful career...in record promotion?
I think Mo Better in Memphis could have a great career at radio promotion. He knows how to sell Ice to and Eskimo.
Sushi & sake or Beer & pizza?
I like Sushi and love Pizza. I only like Patron but have been slowing it down so all water for right now.
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