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10 Questions with ... Jackie Kajzer
July 17, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I started at WSOU (Seton Hall's Radio Station) while going to school there. After I graduated I had already fallen in love with radio, so I got a job doing weekends at WHTG (Which was Modern Rock at the Jersey Shore at that time). I went on to work at WDHA in North Jersey. During that time I had also worked at Concrete Marketing (where I first learned about promotion). I then moved to Los Angeles to work for The Firm (Artist Management) where I stayed for almost 10 years. During that time, I signed and helped break Five Finger Death Punch. I then went on to 10th Street Entertainment/Five Seven Music/Eleven Seven Music where I've been for over three years.
1. How did you become interested in the record business?
I've always loved music and wanted to get into the business since I was a kid. I started in college radio, and once I understood what went on behind the scenes -- I knew I had to be part of it.
2. What do you like best about your job?
I love being part of a music project from start to finish. Hearing demos in their early stages, working on marketing plans to set up the launch of albums, tours, books our artists release, clothing lines and more. Mostly I love seeing fans of the artists I work with showing passion for the music! My favorite thing is the live show. There is nothing better than a crowd full of people singing the lyrics to the songs I've been part of getting on the radio.
3. What may surprise people the most about 10th Street?
10th Street is the management company. We also have two labels here: Eleven Seven Music and Five Seven Music. Five Seven is our Alternative label which we recently released our Dirty Heads album, and we have a Shiny Toy Guns album and more coming. Eleven Seven Music is our Active Rock label, which has been around for about five years now. On Eleven Seven we've delivered bands like Motley Crue, Drowning Pool, Hellyeah, Sixx AM and others. Some bands like Papa Roach, Hellyeah, Sixx AM, Motley Crue we manage and they are on our label. There are a few acts that we have on our label that we don't manage.
4. Where do you get your greatest pleasure in doing record promotion?
Getting to talk about music all day. Plus, I've always loved radio so I still get to be part of it by doing what I do.
5. What is the toughest part of your job?
Getting someone to change their mind.
6. What is most important to you when working a song to radio?
To truly believe in the record. I usually listen to a song 20x (loud) before I start calling radio about it. It would be hard to convince someone to play one of my songs if I don't dig it myself.
7. Tell us about your radio show "Full Metal Jackie" and the success you are having with it?
I host a two hour syndicated hard rock/metal show which currently airs on over 55 commercial rock stations. I play a mix of classic metal and new stuff that matters from today in the genre. I LOVE doing my show and I think it comes through which is why I feel I've had success with it. I also make it a point to know the stations I'm on and add a local feel (local drops/promos/production). There are actually PDs that carry my show that tell me that listeners in their market come to their shows asking if Full Metal Jackie is there at the events.
8. How do you juggle your radio and record gigs?
No sleep! I love both jobs so I make it work. I have a studio in my home, so I'm able to do all the recording for my shows at home at night and on weekend.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ____________?
Blasting whatever song/album I'm obsessed with for the week on the way to and from work. Oh and also calling my mom (don't tell anyone.)
10. What would surprise people most about you?
I don't High five. And I never say goodbye.
Bonus Questions
Last non-industry job?
Project Manager/Consultant for a web site design firm.
First record ever purchased?
Black Sabbath (on cassette)
First concert?
Bon Jovi/Skid Row at Meadowlands Arena.
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