10 Questions with ... Billy Burrs

1. Take us back to your early days in the record biz. What stands out the most from when you were at Zoo and Geffen Records?

Back when things were super fun, the music was insane, Beck, Garbage, Veruca Salt, Counting Crows, EELS, Cowboy Junkies, Weezer, White Zombie/Rob Zombie, Days Of The New to name a few.  It was a great time for music

2. You've been at The Syndicate now for 3 years as SVP/Artist Development & Global Commerce. How different is your role from working at a label?

The main difference is no field staff or the label infrastructure. Quarterbacking projects for Indie labels and small majors is really fun...Applying 25 years of experience to those projects. I can work with who I want to, and also bring in business not related to Radio because I've been around so long… Like an old piece of wood. 

3. The Syndicate is about to celebrate 25 years. The company offers a wide range of services. Give us the 411.

The Syndicate has really grown over the years, and I had always admired the passion and focus of the company. It's a tight run ship, but we are always having as much fun as possible. 

4. Tell us about how you have help expand The Syndicate's international opportunities.

It started from my time at 300. I was dealing with the BBC and Bauer Media and Global, helping to expose our artists early in foreign territories. Also helping U.K. labels test waters in the U.S. market before making the full commitment for a full roll out in the U.S. 

5. What's it like working with Jon Landman?

Jon has been a good friend for over 20 years, I used The Syn exclusively when I was running RCA and 300. Jon always had a great vision as to how to grow the company with the other partners into many non-music related entities.... HBO, Vans, Taco Bell, our comedy channel/label, The Laugh Button...to name a few.  We have our hands in all kinds of action. 

6. Give us a rundown of The Syndicate team.

I head up Commercial Radio along with Marco Rojas who does Metal, Active and Alt... (EDM, some Rhythm as well).  My partner Joe McGinnis runs all things AAA/Non Comm, oversees. Araina Quiroz in AAA dept. along w Maddie Schwappach in college promo along w Kayla Booker. Meg Lane is our promo coordinator who keeps things tight and on game. 

7. How would you describe your promotion style?

My promo style has remained the same...I take the job very seriously, but also understand I am not a brain surgeon and keep a realistic outlook on the projects I'm involved with. 

8. What is a typical workday like for you?

Chart #'s/spins, phones, analytics, and keeping client relationships healthy while always looking for new business. 

9. What is your favorite part of your job?

THE MUSIC....and all friends out there in the music world.... BREAKING A NEW ARTIST is truly the best.....anyone doing this job shares the sentiment. 

10.  Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _______?

Tea.... and feeling like I'm moving the needle for my artists across all formats. 

Now let's have some fun.

What are your weekends like for you?

Wine, reading, listening to music, walks/biking.

Favorite food?

Sushi.

Favorite drink?

Red Wine and Bourbon.

What are your favorite restaurants in your area?

In Jersey City - Domo Domo, Chickie's, White Star Bar.  (Always Sugar Fish and Nobu).

You do so much travelling, what and what are your Top 3 favorite restaurants? 

Nobu, Maple and Ash, Kiwami, Chicago Chop House, Walrus and the Carpenter. 

How often do you get back to Minnesota and what are your top priorities when you get home?

I don't get to Minneapolis as often as I would like, my 90 year old parents are still there. When I head there Il look up some of the crew from 93X, KCMP...for sure.

Rank your sports teams in order of passion.

New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, NY Rangers.

As we get to the end of 2022. Who are some of your favorite new artists from the past year?

Not really a new artist but love that Turnstile is getting love, Harry Styles shit is pretty crazy, new White Reaper, Phoebe Bridgers, Always - Dylan, Waits, Replacements, Chet Baker. 

Anything else you would like to add?

Pour Me a Blanton's.