Question 1

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Joe Swank · Accepted Answer

“Work in radio, even if it is only for a half-a-year free internship, just so you know what you are dealing with. Interning or part-time jobs at any industry-related business are helpful. (Entertainment publications, recording studios, record pressing plants, record stores, etc.)”

Question 2

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Joe Swank · Accepted Answer

“Being overly aggressive. Radio people hear from a dozen or more people like me every week…and we all have to call them every week on different titles. If they tell me they aren’t into something, I have to accept that. 
“If I really feel strongly that they should be playing the record in question, I might ask them politely to check out one specific track for me (which I have to quickly evaluate based on what the station is playing at this time) and if they don’t dig it, no further questions about it. 
“But if you berate someone for not liking something, or are constantly telling them their opinion is wrong, they don’t want to take your call next week. Radio people complain to me about other Radio Promoters that have done that. Word gets around quickly and makes it more difficult to work with those people moving forward. More flies with sugar. Always be polite, even if you disagree.”

Question 3

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Joe Swank · Accepted Answer

“What should my goals be with a new record?
“Depending on what level an artist is at, they often have delusions of grandeur and assume if the tumblers all fall into place, they should see some obvious effect — a big step-up in quality of living. However, in this day and age, it is very much a building process. Two of the bigger artists I have worked with took several records to climb slowly and steadily to where they are today. 
The system isn’t designed for overnight stardom. There are still gatekeepers you have to impress by just hacking away at it. That’s why most of these TV stars on The Voice and American Idol don’t seem to last too long. They didn’t work the trenches and make all the friends that keep you moving forward.”

Question 4

What is one thing I should have asked which I didn’t?

Joe Swank · Accepted Answer

“Is it fun?
“Yes! If you have a good work ethic, it is a great job. Everyone who survives in this industry does so because they are willing to put in the hours. You have to believe that getting music out to people is worth doing and make every effort you can to make that happen. If you do believe that, it doesn’t seem like a job a lot of the time. 
“I go to at least one show a week (usually more) under the guise of work. I go to conferences and big events and spend a lot of time behind the scenes. People who I admire and respected long before I got into this business are now plugged into my cell phone and they answer my calls. 
“The more contacts you have, the more friends you make, the more information and knowledge you have, the wider that umbrella opens.”

Question 5

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Joe Swank · Accepted Answer

“Amiability. Be nice, even if you don’t want to. Be helpful, even if it doesn’t benefit you directly. It will someday.”

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