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10 Questions with ... Josh Birdsong
June 30, 2023
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1. What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
Growing up near Ann Arbor, my family would have 107one dialed-in, and Rob Reinhart's Acoustic Café is a particular show that sparked my interest in radio. Then I discovered stations far outside my radius, like KEXP and KCRW. I'd go down rabbit-holes of past sessions, listening to artists' live performances and interviews to hear insights behind their process, which hooked me in even further. I was drawn into radio as a true audio based medium to discover new music and build community, centered in listening.
2. What got you interested in the record business?
It's difficult to recall when music wasn't my main passion, it's been a pure constant. Whether as an avid listener, music creator, guitarist, working with audio technology… I always wanted to work and create a life in music. When I interned at Thirty Tigers, it solidified my passion for independent music and the communities and cultures that support it.
But at the core, I think it comes down to that unparalleled moment of discovering a song or artist whose creative vision absolutely resonates with you. I hope I'll always be seeking that moment of discovery and contributing to that moment of discovery for others.
3. How did you get started at Thirty Tigers?
I feel fortunate to have interned with Thirty Tigers in project management while at Belmont University in Nashville. I experienced firsthand how genuinely special Thirty Tigers is in its commitment to artists, creating a business model that provides and supports artists' ownership of their music and creative work. Thirty Tigers reached out when a position opened in promotions. I have true gratitude for working with Lindsay, Mike, and the whole team.
4. Thirty Tigers has an insane amount of product flow. How do you manage to stay on top of it all?
It can require some strategic time management and coordination. We have such an incredible span of music happening, both in terms of the volume of releases as well as ranging sonically. But I genuinely enjoy taking time with each release, getting to know the artist's vision and creative context behind their work, so I can create a cohesive narrative for when we share music with radio. I honestly just try to stay intentional and present as I'm working on each project.
5. What new releases are you most excited about?
I'm a longtime Corinne Bailey Rae fan. I remember The Sea was one of the first albums I discovered that made me want to pursue a career in music, so to be supporting her new record at radio is truly meaningful. Her new album and project Black Rainbows is absolutely profound. The first single "New York Transit Queen" is a real force of energy.
Another artist new to our roster I have on repeat is Yoke Lore. His single "Shake" is euphoric.
Of course, Jason Isbell's new album is incredible. The new single "When We Were Close" is powerful. You can't help but be moved by his songwriting
And it's an honor to be working on Lucinda Williams' new album. We've just sent her new track "Rock N Roll Heart" to radio. It's an anthem.
Too many to name!
6. What have been some highlights so far working on the radio team at Thirty Tigers?
A recent highlight was certainly attending my first Non-Comm. Everyone in the radio community was so welcoming and it was wonderful to meet so many people in person for the first time. Not to mention the outstanding sets of back-to-back live music. Our artists Josh Ritter and Melissa Carper performed. They both played the songs we worked at radio, and it was fantastic to see the response in person in the room. Another favorite experience is AmericanaFest, seeing so many of our artists perform in the course of a week, being immersed in nonstop industry events.
7. What are some favorite parts of your job?
Taking part and watching how an artist's project develops from initial plans to release. Diving into new music and contributing input on focus tracks. Digging into reports and feedback from radio. Anticipating adds and awaiting radio's response when the music finally lands. Having the opportunity to work with such an incredible team at Thirty Tigers and our artists every day. It's such a gratifying feeling to support the musicians and artists you're a true fan of and help bring forth their music to the world.
8. What's the best advice that's held true for you?
Cultivate reciprocity. I was recently listening to a favorite interview of mine with Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass. She talks about shifting from a language beyond sustainability to a language of reciprocity, reflecting on the gifts we have as humans that we can give in return for all that is given to us. Whether simply in my day-to-day experiences, relationships, or in my work- an outlook of trying to act with reciprocity in each moment has been such a guiding framework for me.
9. If you were to leave the music business today and you could choose any other occupation, what would it be?
If I absolutely had to pursue a path completely non-music or audio related, it'd most likely be some form of research… Probably connecting dots between sociology, ecology, and social work.
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without
Always coffee... Never not coffee!
Meditation.
Time spent in nature.
All things sound and music of course.
Bonus Questions
First record ever purchased:
The first CD I recall avidly tracking down is Details by Frou Frou (Imogen Heap and Guy Sigsworth's duo.)
First concert:
Coldplay's Viva La Vida tour
Favorite band of all-time:
An impossible question! If I were to answer this fully, I feel like it might never end... But one artist I'll name is Bibio. His approach to the guitar and production feels archetypal. His music carries sonic influences from other favorite artists of mine: Nick Drake, Boards of Canada, Cocteau Twins, Steve Reich… His work continually inspires and surprises me.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time away from work?
Spending quality moments with my family and hanging out with my pup. Exploring guitar tones and synth sounds. Frequent local coffee shops. If I'm in Northern Michigan, where my family's based, you'll probably find me climbing the Sleeping Bear Dunes or at the water by Lake Michigan (yes, even when braving the deep of winter!).
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