Kim Blake Interview

How did your interest in music arise?
Kim Blake: I have been a music fan since I can remember -- played piano as a child and picked up guitar as a teen. Loved to listen to records in my bedroom and wore out a couple of 8 track players growing up!

What interested you about the music business?
Mostly by how people that did something they loved [and were talented at] could make a really good living. Plus, the process has always intrigued me.

Do you believe that you still have the same passion that drove you when you first started out?
Yes I do, but I've learned where to focus it! I know it because I still get goose bumps when I hear a great song or a great singer [or preferably both together.]

What were some previous jobs you held before this?
Waitress, record store clerk, secretary, house painter, janitor and receptionist.

What personality traits must you have to be in this profession?
Infinite patience, a good sense of humor and the ability to function, at times, on very little sleep.

Technology has allowed talentless artists to make records that should never have been made.

As a publicist, what are your duties comprised of?
I work as an in-house publicist, so I work directly with the management and their artists. Items or interviews you hear on the radio, see on TV and read in newspapers or magazines have come through a publicist to inform the public on upcoming releases, tours and news. There is a lot of schedule planning and organization involved and basically I make sure the word gets out.

Are there truly methods or stepping stones to success?
Absolutely. I think that anyone that believes in themselves and dedicates their time and energy into making something happen will be successful. You have to start small and appreciate all the effort it takes to get further along the road. Celebrate every step.

Is there a genre of music that you prefer over others?
I love a great singer, therefore, rap doesn't make me very happy. I tend to lean towards female vocalists, but great songwriting rules.

What are your top albums, top bands and top singers?
Court & Spark -- Joni Mitchell; Captain Fantastic and The Brown Dirt Cowboys -- Elton John; Lyle Lovett, Al Green's Greatest Hits.
Top bands: AC/DC, The Eagles and U2.
Top singers: Al Green, Bobby Darin, Bryan Adams, Martina McBride, Lucinda Williams, Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole.

What is your definition of music?
Words and/or a tune that can transport you away from wherever you are in a moment.

What is your definition of talent?
A voice or a song that is completely moving and unique.

A lot of new artists emerging in the music industry do not write/compose their own songs or even play their own instruments. Do you think this could be taken as an advantage/disadvantage/both/neither?
I think, through history, many great artists only performed songs -- they never wrote/composed them [Elvis, Patsy Cline, Frank Sinatra, ect.] That didn't affect their appeal because they are/were truly talented. I don't think it's any different today. There's just more to choose from.

What are your thoughts about the music industry today?
I think that the technology that is driving our business to make it bigger and more accessible is also hurting it. Technology has allowed talentless artists to make records that should never have been made and saturated the market with a lot of crap -- it's tough to wade through and find the good stuff!

What does someone need to posses in order to achieve your status?
I don't necessarily look at my present situation as one that has status, but I think a positive attitude is an absolute essential.