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10 Questions with ... Nicole Sellers
May 29, 2007
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NAME:Nicole SellersTITLE:Sr. National Director Urban PromotionsMARKET:SoutheastCOMPANY:J Records
Please outline your radio career so far.
RCA Records '96-'00
J Records '00-Present1) What was your first job? Early influences?
I was the marketing coordinator for The LaVan Hawkins Franchise. Some of my early influences were Marie Sellers, Earl Sellers, Vernon Slaughter, Terri Rossi, Michael Johnson, Alberta Rhodes and Sheila Eldridge.
2) What led you to a career in music? Was there a defining moment, which made you realize "this is it"?
While in college I interned at So So Def and did street promotions for various labels. There was a natural progression into the business. When Tyrese's "Sweet Lady" caught on and he became a household name, I knew this was something I truly wanted to do.
3) What was the first record/cd you purchased?
New Edition's first album.
4) Where do you see the industry and yourself five years from now?
In five years music sales will have begun to stabilize and the industry will have adjusted to the trends and purchasing habits of the Web-2.0 generation. I will have the arduous task of deciding if want to vacation in the Caribbean or Southern Italy.
5) What is your favorite type of radio station or format and why?
One that entertains is informative and that I can listen to with my children in the car.
6) What format does not exist that should? Would it work?
Soul music. Will people listen? Yes. How profitable would it be? That's another question. There are formats that exist now that aren't extremely profitable but are viable because of their content.
7) What's your take on current music? Is it as good as six months ago, better, or about the same?
We are in need of more great songwriters. Many songs have great tracks but lyrically lack meaningful content.
8) What's the most frustrating part of your present position and why?
Budget cuts.
9) Tell us what music we would find on your car or home CD player.
Robin Thicke (The Evolution of Robin Thicke), Rihanna, John Mayer (Continuum), Alicia Keys (Diary of Alicia Keys), and of course the J Records Special.
10) How do you feel about Urban radio still wanting to wait for the results of callout research before they would be willing to add a record they already hear and like?
First and foremost I understand that this is a business first. Once you embrace that you understand that 15 years ago we were in the entertainment business, now it is the business of entertainment. I don't like that some stations have to test a record before they play it. I think that interferes with the creativity and gut instinct that so many stations were built on.
Bonus Questions
Is there such a thing as a "disposable artist"?
I don't believe there is a "disposable artist." There are career artists and those who are around for a trend.
How important are promotions, track dates and drops for radio?
These are important for us on both sides of the table.
How important do you feel videos are in the building a new act?
Videos are very important. They help build familiarity and can increase the passion that one has for a song.
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