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10 Questions with ... Nick Bedding
June 19, 2023
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1. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
My first active listening to a radio station was growing up in London - Capital Radio. That's where I heard the Specials for the first time - went immediately to a Record shop and bought the "Gangsters" single – true story. Here in Los Angeles, my friend's brother was a DJ at a local station – we'd give him our records and then call him and request them… there is something so cool about hearing your favorite songs on the radio.
2. What got you interested in the record business?
The love of music shaped my youth – fashion, and music, it defined who you were. But not being musically inclined, finding a way into the business was as close to being in a band as I would ever get. I never take it for granted that we are helping manifest someone's dream – proud and privileged to have that honor.
3. How did you get started at your first and current jobs?
My first job was as Promotion Assistant at Virgin Records in 1990 - I pretty much stalked HR for an interview... and being English, I set my sights on Virgin. It was a great job. Learned a lot. They were a passionate and committed team – ask Lenny Kravitz. I'm thrilled to be at Nettwerk – the people – culture – artists – it's an exciting global company – there's so much positive energy, transparency, and collaboration within this team. Our mission statement says it all Nettwerk partners with artists to elevate their careers by connecting them with music fans around the world, giving them the opportunity to make a living doing what they love.
And getting to work with Jeff Ballard and Max Datner every day is a bonus – quality people and professionals – I feel very fortunate.
4. Who were your mentors along the way and why?
Emotional hot button. Phil Costello, Tom Callahan, Claire West-Parr (RIP,) Justin Fontaine (RIP), and Scot Finck. All special people. Authentic people. Honest people. Driven people. Music People. The accolades go on, truly. I'm forever grateful to them for all their support, belief, and championing.
5. You spent 19 years at Hollywood Records on the Disney lot. What was it like working in that environment?
It's a special campus for sure – a lot of creativity, history, dare I say magic, working on that lot was a privilege and that was not lost on me. Some BIG culture-changing artists launched through Hollywood Records – Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Jonas Bros. I will always have fond memories of that time and team.
6. You recently transitioned to Triple A among other formats. What do you like most about working this format?
The transition for me is growing from Adult formats to overseeing the strategy and promotion across ALL formats. Nettwerk's roster is a collective of many genres – our A&R team signs a diverse and exciting array of artists from Vacations, MISSIO, Bayonne, Miya Folick, SYML, Abby Sage, NEIL FRANCES, Paris Paloma and a burgeoning stable of Lo-fi chill.
In AAA I love the diversity of music in the format – we have a community that thrives on music discovery, and there is so much great new music – it's motivating - Los Angeles is a great town to be an Adult Alternative listener.
7. What do you feel is the most important issue facing record labels and artists in the current business environment?
That's a big question. The only constant is change. We must continue to adapt and grow with the ever-fast-changing landscape of how and where people consume entertainment (e.g., social media, DSPs, and radio). We must strive to think differently, provide compelling work, and evolve with consumer habits. This is a WIP for sure.
8. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
There are no shortcuts and no substitutes for hard work.
9. If you were to leave the music business today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?
Lewis Hamilton's #2 driver on the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team…or I'd like to be a Men's fashion and lifestyle Editor or a Landscape Architect… something creative and fun that introduces you to inspiring places and people.
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ...
Music for sure… a good cup of coffee… a dose of grounding from Ryan Holiday's The Daily Stoic, connecting with a friend, and being thankful for my wife, children, and family.
Bonus Questions
What's one thing most people may not know about you?
I did hair on Top of the Pops in Eighties.… yup – I am a licensed cosmetologist.
Fun Fact:
The football team I support is Crystal Palace, who play in the Borough of Croydon, their stadium is where they shot Ted Lasso for AFC Richmond's home ground.
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