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10 Questions with ... Brien Terranova
February 24, 2020
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
- 1995 Started as an intern at Virgin Records (thank you to Thaddeus Rudd, who gave me my internship)
- Shortly after Michael Plen gave me a full-time job. (Thanks Attack Hamster)
- 2000 West Coast National for Astralwerks
- 2001 Seattle Local Virgin Records
- 2002 LA local Virgin/Capitol
- 2014 Joined Beggars Group as Senior Director Of Promotion
1. What got you interested in the record business?
In short, I love music, but have no musical talent. In college all my money was spent on shows and CDs. I got a fake ID at 17 so I could see shows.
2. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
My most early memory of radio was listening to KRLA with my mom – ‘50s oldies. The DJ that got me hooked on radio was Dr. Demento. My brother and I would listen every Sunday night. I got to meet him once as a kid and was so starstruck.
3. What may surprise people the most about The Beggars Group?
How much Martin Mills has done for independent music and continues to do so. Our industry is lucky to have him.
4. Within the past several years many of your acts have suddenly found themselves in the mainstream “groove” of Triple A radio. Do you think these bands’ sound shifted or did radio move toward them?
I would say mostly radio has moved towards them. I think Beggars does artist development well. We have bands that do very well on the road and as their footprint grows it may make radio more open to give it a shot on air.
5. What new Beggars acts are you most excited about?
This year is going to be an epic year for Beggars Group. The U.S Girls album is just amazing. Perfume Genius and Car Seat Headrest are going to put out career defining albums in May. Sounds like hype I know, but what till you hear them.
6. How does your label increase exposure of your artists outside of traditional radio promotion?
Mostly the label group has been consistent in putting out quality music. This helps create a trust with clients and consumers to check out what we put out.
7. What is the toughest part of your job?
Our clients at radio are all being asked to do so much. Music might not always be the most important thing they have to do on any given day.
8. What has been your biggest career highlight?
Being involved with 30 Seconds To Mars. Taking that band to radio on the first record and getting met with such resistance to having them headline radio shows, is something I will always be proud of.
While at Beggars getting Kurt Vile “Pretty Pimpin” to No. 1 at Triple A.
9. What is your best advice for up and coming promotion reps?
Man, could I use some advice now. I feel like radio as we know it is going to change so much in the next two years. Learn to be able to adapt, I guess.
Man, could I use some advice now. I feel like radio as we know it is going to change so much in the next two years. Learn to be able to adapt, I guess.
Man, could I use some advice now. I feel like radio as we know it is going to change so much in the next two years. Learn to be able to adapt, I guess.
Bonus Questions
If you were to leave the record business today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?
A pro wrestler of course … A man can dream.
Favorite artist of all-time:
Buck Owens
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?
UCLA football is definitely my favorite hobby. Thanks to some great tailgates and amazing buddies that I am blessed to share season tickets with, Warren Christensen, Danny Cooper and our buddy Lee Jay Berman.
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