1-
Can you introduce yourself in a few words and explain us what's
your job at CMT ?
I work as the Director of Convergence for CMT's Digital Media
and Music group. I am part of the management team running CMT.com
(one of the USA's most popular music destinations on any type
on the web), CMT Mobile (CMT's foray into ringtones and streaming
video on 3G video phones on several of the USA's most popular
cellular telephone services), Shop.CMT.com (CMT's online e-commerce
operation), and CMT/URGE (our soon to launch commercial download
service similar to i-Tunes). Over the past six years since joining
the company, we have worked change CMT from a television channel
into a brand that lives on television, wireless, the web, and
more and more communications platforms. In fact, CMT Films just
completed filming our first theatrical release staring Toby
Keith, Willie Nelson and others.
2- What's the aim of CMT.com ?
Regardless
of the technology employed, CMT's goal is to be the authority
on country music and to celebrate American stories with pride
and passion. We strive to connect fans with the artists and
music they love.
3- Who are your favorites artists? (country music or not)
In my line of work I am exposed to a constant stream of music...most
of it country or something close. As I result I have a difficult
time selecting favorites since I am usually listening with an
audience segment in mind. Toby Keith's work makes me chuckle,
Shania Twain's makes me smile, and Big & Rich's makes me
exclaim "wow!". In my CD player you will usually find
my all time favs...Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, or some strange
New Age sound.
4- What do you think about country music evolution ?
Country
Music has for many years been a beautiful tapestry containing
two major threads: traditionalism and pop. We are now seeing
more influence from the bluegrass side and from hip hop. The
tapestry keeps growing and all the while picking up new strands
as it continues to grow and evolve as an art form.
5- What do you think about americans artists performing in
Europe and especially in France, as Hal Ketchum, David Lee Murphy,
Marty Stuart,etc...Do you think it's a great oportunity for
artists to come in Europe and try to have more fans, or do you
think country music is for USA only ?
Of
course artists should tour wherever they can. It is wonderful
that the artists you mentioned have opportunities in Europe
and elsewhere. In my view, country music is one of America's
cultural exports which is beneficial for all who have an interest.
6- How we must work in France to promote country music correctly
? Give us pieces of advices...
I
don't have the cultural background nor even language to be much
help but from my point of view one needs to allow consumers
to discover the music in their own manner. On CMT.com, for example,
we continuously bring to market new artists, new music videos,
new album listening parties, and more. This expanding content
is presented as an ever growing menu. But yesterday's or yesteryear's
content is also available with a click. As website publishers,
we make daily suggestions to visitors but between browsing and
searching, these consumers seek and find what is "good
music" to them.
7- Can you imagine that people in the world, and especially
in europe, and especially in France could listen country music...and
appreciate it ?
Of
course, Country Music is essentially storytelling that happens
to be considerably less vulgar than many other American musical
formats. Story telling is present in every culture...the process
itself is one of the determinants of "culture". The
more family-friendly nature of country music appeals to many
who want to avoid the violence and sexual content so prevalent
in other genres. Since the English language is so broadly used
or understood, this musical form can find receptive ears everywhere.
8- What's your best memory about country music ?and the baddest
?
Best...the
day CMT.com launched (as Country.com) 8 years ago. Worst...the
day Johnny Cash died.
9- What's the relations between CMT.COM, CMT (country music
television ), CMT radio, and CMT magazine (country music today
?). Are you working together, or separatly ?
As
I mentioned previously all of the brand platforms you list are
some the technologies upon which CMT (the brand) exists. Each
is a part of CMT: Country Music Television which is a division
of MTV Networks, which in turn is a part of publicly traded
parent company, Viacom.
CMT Magazine was for several years a licensing arrangement with
a third-party. That publication, though no longer working with
CMT, continues as "Country Music Today" without any
official connection to our company.
10- Why did you accept to participate to FACM web site (to
send us each month your Artist of the month) ?
Easy,
your site is wonderfully produced and one of the best country
music sites in the world. Besides, with any place on the globe
only a mouse click away, having friends like FACM is good business
for CMT.
11- Some words for FACM and Country music fans in France
?
I'm coming back! My wife and I enjoyed a vacation in Europe
this summer that included several days in and around Paris.
We can't wait to return and to visit more of your nation. And
when we do, you can bet that we will be seeking out live music
performances of French artists performing country music.
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