Sabaton tours the USA!!!

Metal Mark talked with Munsey Ricci of Skateboard Marketing to discuss his 20 years in the metal business!!! 

Q1) Congrats on your 20 year Anniversary- not too many people have made it this long in any industry, let alone the world of Rock and Metal- what has allowed you to sustain such a long and successful career with Skateboard?

A) It's really simple to do. All you really need are relationships and a head for business. Not everyone really has that. You don't have to be a rocket scientist either. Just a little common sense. But among other things, every business needs an infrastructure. You need a system that will allow you to do everything in-house. You can really sub out a lot of your work.  There will be a total mess. As the old saying goes, you can only rely on yourself. But in general, we've had a lot of artists and labels that really believe in the
work we do. At the end of the day, it's all about results. We have great bands  that are in demand at radio.

Q2)- Many artists complain that the music business is getting tougher and
changing- not all for the better. What do you feel has changed, and what
has stayed the same?

A) Change is always a necessary part of any business. But in a basic sense,
If it ain't broke? don't fix it. But in the case of the rise of the digital age.
It has actually made our job a little easier. With digital delivery to radio,
we eliminated physical mailings. That alone saved the music industry
millions yearly. As a fan, I still want a disc in the mail. Fans can still
buy them, that's what it's all about. But for radio, they are just getting
around the curve of downloading audio files into the system automation
for airplay. Other things, the whole industry did 180% turn as well. We
are seeing file sharing running ramped. It's but a big damper in how
labels and artists do business. We just made a few modest changes but kept the
promotion system somewhat the same. You use your relationships and
know-how to create an environment that fits the band your working.
Every band's record is different. So the set-up is different. You need a
little talent with a great record too.

Chili Palmer Photography

Q3) What are some of the moments that stand out in your long standing
career, any shows or radio appearances that you say are some of your best
memories?

A) Oh yeah, I came from the major label structure. So with that, we handled
Kiss, The Scorpions, Rush as well as Onslaught, Mortal Sin and Yngwie.
It's real easy with a bigger artist. That means bigger budget, bigger
party.  One of the best was in Connecticut after the Scorpions show. We rented
the entire Congiaire floor for an all nighter. I don't even want to think
what the tab was?? I can drink, but the amount of alcohol in suite was off the
hook.

Q4) What are your favorite bands to work with from the 80's and 90's

A) That list is huge!! But Exodus, Soilwork, Kiss and Ronnie James Dio
are way too much fun. The Sabbath guys are really cool. But almost
90% of the artists we have worked with. They are all a lot of fun. Many
know it's work and it needs to get done. So there's not a lot of
attitude. It seems you get twice as much more from some baby bands. With an
occasional whinny rock star. But who cares, you get the job done and
make it happen. But some of the best fun I had was with Nothingface.


Q5) What are you favorite new bands coming on to the scene?

A) I am a huge Soilwork fan. I also think the new System Divide on Metal
Blade is amazing too. Municipal Waste, Bonded By Blood and especially
Warbringer are all awesome. I love thrash, just bring it!


Q6) What are your thoughts on traditional radio Vs satellite radio and now
hi def radio?- what will win out in the future, will regular FM radio
always be with us?

A) We will always have FM stations. But satellite radio is huge. Once we
have affordable Internet access in cars. You'll see the surge in
airplay.  The problem you have with that is there's way too many of them. Only
a few really have the right chemistry in place. Sirius, Music Choice and
DMX are the 3 satellites. All have a kick ass metal channel. But once
you don't need a hotspot for your iPod to get Internet access. It will be a
total game changer. But FM radio will never really go away. There will always
be a need for it. Besides, looking at the market they are in. Local
business will always need the signal to advertise.


Q7) What do you want people to remember the most about Skateboard and your
history? What do you see in the future for Skateboard- can you give it a go
for another 20 years???

A) Well, I just want to keep going. At this point in my career, I am not
going to change. It's all about doing what I love to do. I live to get up in
the morning and call radio. So changing that would not be in the cards
right now. Skateboard Marketing Ltd. is an established company. So there's
not a need to change that by any means.


Q8) The metal world lost a true legend and one of the best vocalists of all
time not too long ago- Ronnie James Dio- what personal memories and reflections
do you have of Dio- how will you remember him?

A) I met Ronnie in 1986 at the CMJ Convention in New York. When I went to
work for PolyGram Records. The Label had Ronnie for Europe but not for
America. In 1993, Warner Bros. and Niji hired us for radio. Since then
we've done all of his radio. It was a professional's professional. He was the
one of the artists that you looked at when: "How should I do this came up" He was
also one of my personal friends. We would talk often and bitch when The
Yankees lost! If you want to look at a true person, it was Ronnie. I'm really
happy Wendy, Dean and Diana are keeping the legacy alive. 30 years from now, new
metal fans will need someone to tell them the story of how good a person he was.

http://www.skateboard-marketing.com/

http://www.myspace.com/skateboardmarketing

 Chili Palmer Photography