Brian Gray has spent his entire career at Interscope Geffen A&M Records where his passion for music has helped him become one the best promotion execs at the Rhythm Crossover format. No one works harder to break tomorrow’s hits today

3518355It’s rare nowadays that you find a label promotion exec in one place for too long a time. But fourteen years must mean you’re pretty good, if not exceptional at your job. Brian Gray has found a home at Interscope Geffen A&M Records where his passion for music drives his determination to break records for his artists. In 2008 Gray was recognized by his peers for being a leader in his field as he was named Rhythm Crossover’s Most Promising Record Executive.

eQB presents excerpts from the March FMQB magazine Rhythm Profile: Brian Gray Interscope/Geffen/A&M
What made you decide that the music business was a career destination for you?
I’m just a pure music fan and I always loved turning people on to new, different and exciting music.I think I ended up at the right place.

What was your first job in the business?
Does working in a record store count? If so, then Music Plus back in the day while I was in school.Otherwise, after interning at Hollywood Records, Interscope was my first official industry job.

What excites you about the art of record promotion?
Ditto to question #1…turning people on to new and exciting music. And I’ve been blessed to work with artist that I genuinely enjoy!

What’s been the biggest change in the industry you’ve experienced over the last five years?
The new technology that actually helps us do our jobs well. The integration of the cell phone (or mobile device) and music and Serato. Listening to, buying and storing music on your cell phone and then using it as your ringtone and ringback tones. And Serato…no more record crates for DJs at the club, just a laptop. All we have to do is bring our flash drive full of new music to give them to play! And if you have the music on your blackberry, you can give it to the DJ via Bluetooth technology. Amazing!

What is it like to work under a consummate pro like Nino Cuccinello for so many years?
It’s been great! We’ve worked together for fourteen years now, so there’s a lot of loyalty and trust between us. We know how each other thinks and we bounce ideas off of each other. So, I have no complaints…well, wait…there is one. He always comes into my office and steals my healthy snacks and water!

What new music is coming from Interscope that has you excited?
The Black Eye Peas “BOOM BOOM POW”! I love that track. And I’m determined to break LMFAO! I still think they are the next thing!

We have to ask…Is the Detox album from Dr. Dre on the schedule this year?
He’s in the lab, that’s all I know.

What new artists will radio still be playing in five years?
I’m going to pump up our own Lady Gaga. She’s gonna be a star!

Which programmers that you work with, could you clearly see having a successful career in record promotion?
Well we’ve already converted one…Steve Chavez. I would have to say Orlando, he would be good. Kevin Cruise has the promoter mentality, too. Oh, and Ed Ocanas.

Do you have any musical “guilty pleasures”?
I listen to chill out/lounge music a lot (the music you hear at W Hotels), and Brazillian music. It helps me relax. I listen to it a lot while I’m flying.

Who do you consider to be your mentors?
Brenda Romano, Chris Lopes, Nino and Step Johnson. They have all been influential in my career.

Best career moment?
While I was a regional in Houston, Dr. Dre and Snoop came out for KBXX’s car show in 2000. I believe Snoop was with No Limit at the time. But, Dre wanted to go out to the after party. So there I was sitting between Dr. Dre and Snoop, poppin’ champagne! But did I take a picture? NO! I never took pictures with artist, unless it was a trade shot with radio. I’m changing my ways now. I need to have stories to tell my kids and grand kids…if I ever have any.

** QB Content by Bob Burke **


Also in the March Issue:
Artist To Watch
Melanie Fiona