Among the most passionate people about music are those who work in the music industry: at labels, as press relation people, as concert promoters, as booking agents, as managers, as music critics, and so on. RREVERB proposes a series of interviews with passionate music artisans. Today, we meet… ARLENE SLAVIN PRESENTATION What’s your name, what’s your role in the company you are presently working at, and since when are you working there? ARLENE SLAVIN / Director, Marketing & Media Relations @ Rubin Fogel Productions (Concert Production), Going on 11th year. When have you started to work in the music business? 40++ years ago (ouch!) At what age have you started to love music? I think when I hit adolescence, I started to “feel” the Motown vibes” 😉 When you were 20, what was your dream? To be a club DJ (which I was LOL) Have you ever been a musician? NO …. I took piano lessons as a kid, but nothing ever came of it…I was too interested in Motown, not classical music LOL Tell us about your career. Well….that’s 40 + years… Let’s say I’ve worked in virtually every aspect of the Music industry – Club DJ / Disco Import buyer / Exporter/ Licensing Mgr / A&R Director / Wholesale Distribution / Retail / Artist Management / Radio (Music Director) / Radio Promotion / Club Promotion / Publicist / Marketing …did I miss anything ??? ABOUT THE MUSIC BUSINESS Do you live from it (is it your main revenue provider)? YES – always… Is it still possible to make a living with music today? Of course – not easy – but absolutely yes Who did you meet in your musical path that was key to your development / success? All the wonderful people that took a chance on me in the very beginning… The first club DJ (Jane – THE ANNEX) / the first record store mgr that hired me (DUTCHYS RECORD CAVE), the first Radio guys (CFOX RADIO) and (FM96); they all played a major role in my career… What do you like about your current position? Everything LOL – it’s a sweet gig, not gonna lie What would you change about the music business today – THIS WOULD TAKE WAY TOO LONG – BUT, I would definitely start with RADIO …it is truly the bane of my existence today….too many people in management that have no clue about MUSIC – they only know about $$$$…. Which great personal goal have you not achieved yet? Hate to say this, but I really never had any specific goals, my career took on a life of its’ own….I went the organic route ……so far so good! ON ARTISTS AND MUSIC What are your preferred music genres? I’M AN R&B / Soul chick at heart… but I also love Reggae, Intelligent hip hop, Select country, and I still love my Dance music (old school – 70’s for the most part) Was it always the case through your life? YES On a desert island you bring those 5 albums (no more!) GREATEST HITS FOR ALL: Marvin Gaye / Al Green / Hall & Oates / Bob Marley / Barry White Playlist! Who is the friendliest artist/music celebrity you’ve met? Too many to try and figure out ….but off the top of my head DENNIS DEYOUNG The least? Why? I’m still in the business – sorry, no can do….LOL Which brilliant artist should have made it big, but didn’t (yet)? Garland Jeffreys Do you have some advice you’d like to share? What I would like to impart to anyone listening – DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS…to anyone and everyone having anything to do with the BUSINESS…. You are your “creative juices” – but it’s the BUSINESS that you must be smart about…. Remember, KNOWLEDGE IS POWER…. Thank you so much, Arlene! Check out Rubin Fogel Productions’ Facebook page to make sure you don’t miss any of the concerts Arlene is promoting. Réagissez à cet article / Comment this article commentaires / comments
