10 Questions with ... Lesley James

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Began my career in radio in 2005 at WWCD/Columbus. 13 years later, I joined East City Management (alt-J, Wolf Alice, Kodaline, Suzi Wu, Will Joseph Cook) where I covered radio and streaming promotion for two years. Now, I’m the co-director of radio and streaming at Hazel Street Records, a Sony Music Entertainment JV.

1. What got you interested in radio?

Music is my passion! In middle school I began to follow artists that continue to be all-time favorites of mine (Oasis, Joy Division, New Order, Depeche Mode, Radiohead) and would only hear them on my go-to local Alternative radio station WWCD in Columbus, OH. I spent a lot of time listening to radio and made a bunch of mixed tapes off WWCD’s playlist. After graduating from college, I guest DJ’ed in the fall of 2004 and handed my resume to PD Andyman. I began doing weekend air-shifts in January of ‘05 and before the end of the year had moved up to mid-days. In July of 2010, when Andyman passed away, I became PD and handled afternoon drive duties until I left the station in December 2017.

2. Tell us about that great run you had at WWCD in Columbus and your view of the station’s legacy.

It was a dream come true to work for one of the last standing independent, mom + pop alternative stations in the country. Andyman was my mentor, and I’m just thankful I had the chance to work directly with him for five years before his unexpected passing. If he was passionate about a record, he took the chance and played it. He helped to break and build artist stories across the country and was a huge advocate of the local music scene. When I became PD, I made it a point to take the risks that Andyman took.

As a result, I became one of the first programmers to give artists such as Fitz and the Tantrums, Walk The Moon, Tame Impala, alt-J, Wolf Alice, Glass Animals and Chvrches commercial radio airplay. It was 12+ years of blood, sweat and tears, but 100% worth it. We were a tight family and all about the local community. There’s no quitting at WWCD – if there was a roadblock, we never stopped, but rather, found a way to work together, stay focused and figure it out. Thirty years and three signal changes later, Randy Malloy, Tom Butler, Brian Phillips, Laura Lee, Andrea Marcus and the entire team are finding a way to continue serving the Columbus community as the heritage, locally owned, independent, Alternative radio station. I wish them continued success!

3. So now you are in promotion – how has that transition been for you.

Good so far – been doing it for four plus years now. Thankfully, I have the experience of being a PD, so I know where most are coming from and how to approach each programmer differently. No doubt, radio folks wear multiple hats -- more so than ever before -- and are limited on time to talk to every promo rep. I make it a point to respect their time and do my homework before making a call – know the station you’re calling on!

4. Where do you get your greatest pleasure in doing record promotion?

Let’s be honest, we are told “no” a lot, but the small victories are the best! Also, building new relationships with programmers across the country. I can’t wait to get on the road again and meet some of these wonderful folks in-person!

5. Tell us about Hazel Street Records?

It’s a start-up label launched under artist manager Bruce Kalmick in a joint label venture with global distributor The Orchard. The label focuses on finding new talent and do the hard work of building career artists. We have a great team – Bruce is the CEO, Laura Bender is the GM, MJ Marty is co-director of radio & streaming, and Andrew de Torres serves as Director of Digital and Artist Marketing. We all come in with a wealth of experience and are excited to really get going in 2021.

6. What formats will you focus on?

We’ll be working everything but country.

7. What are the first acts the label will be releasing?

Goldpark is the label’s first signing and is an alt rock trio based in Nashville. New single “Beautiful Desperation” is in your inbox now! We’re currently closing a few other deals, and always looking for new talent.

8. How are you liking living in L.A.?

Winter in Hollywood is the best – I love getting outdoors to hike with my pups or hit the beach for some vitamin D!

9. What would surprise people most about you?

I’m an identical twin!

10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without …

… coffee. Always coffee.

Last non-industry job:

Server at P.F. Chang’s in ‘03

First record ever purchased:

Fleetwood Mac ‘Rumours’

First concert:

R.E.M. and Luscious Jackson ‘95

Favorite band of all-time:

Three-way tie: Oasis, Depeche Mode and New Order

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?

Hanging out with my pups. Hiking. Cycling. Collecting vinyl records.