10 Questions with ... Dan Connelly

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Capitol Music Group (EMI/Universal): 2008-Present
Blue Note Records (EMI): 2007-2008
EMI Music Collective (EMI): 2003-2007
Astralwerks (EMI): 2002-2003
Palm Pictures/RykoPalm: 2000-2002
Virgin Records: 1999- 2000
Island Records: 1996-1999
Bar-None Records: 1996
Prospective Records (Twin-Tone) -- Summers: 1993-1995

1.  You've been at the Capitol Music Group for 20 years now. In 2022, you added Alternative to VP AAA. I know you've worked the Alternative in the past, but what's it been like really getting to know the format again?

It's been an exciting year rediscovering the Alternative format and learning how it's changed and remained the same. I think there is a tremendous potential for growth and impact at Alternative Radio.

2.  The number of Alternative releases for Capitol Records certainly increased in 2022 and I'm guessing it helped having some major releases too?

Each year is so dependent on who on the roster is creating new music and is ready for the marketplace. It certainly did help that we began this year with a #1 single campaign from Bob Moses with "Love Brand New" from "The Silence In Between" album a joint venture from Astralwerks & Domino and were fortunate to follow up with strong singles from Maggie Rogers' "Want Want" from her "Surrender" album & Marcus Mumford's "Grace" from his solo debut album "(self-titled)" both on Capitol and then to have TALK's "Run Away To Mars" a joint venture with Range Music & Capitol follow those successful campaigns – it's been a solid year for the Capitol Music Group at Alternative

3.  As we wrap up 2022, you have a great story with Talk "Run Away To Mars." Fill us in.

"Run Away To Mars" has pushed into the Top 5 at Alternative. Nickolas (TALK) made an outstanding single – with a monster ear-worm chorus. The song has a breakout moment on TikTok but quickly transitioned into success on a DSP level and then finding Radio success beginning in September. TALK is scheduled to play Audacy's Beachfest on 12/3, WWDC's DC 101erland on 12/7 & participate in WRFF's Friendsgiving on 12/8

4.  Tell us about the Capitol Alternative roster and what you will have coming up for Alternative Radio in 2023.

It feels like "Run Away To Mars" will continue into 2023. We have an unbelievable live rock band in The Backseat Lovers – their debut Capitol album "Waiting To Spill" was released at the end of October and I think it's a brilliant statement & an amazing Album. I'm looking forward to watching them develop and grow into a huge cultural/musical force. Beck is still working at a very high level; he was recently nominated for a Grammy for Best Rock Performance for his version of Neil Youngs "Old Man." We have Aidan Bissett & Blu DeTiger making great music and setting themselves up for great things to come in 2023.

5.  You have Craig Thomas on your team. How do you split up the Alternative panel?

Craig simply put is amazing. There isn't anyone I'd rather do this job with. Craig was a regional in two different markets before stepping up to his current National role, which means he knows a lot of people in multiple formats – we looked at the format and divide up the panel based on relationships & geography.

6.  How are you navigating through the fewer number of new music slots at so many Alternative Radio stations?

I think Alternative radio programmers are focused on building & strengthening their station brands and super serving their listening audience. We are looking to bring them the best artists and songs for their stations.

7.  How would you describe your promotion style?

Focused
Determined
Understanding

8.  What is a typical workday like for you?

Morning Data check in, set the agenda for the day and begin to move the narrative forward on all fronts. There are lots of internal & external meetings and phone calls and issues to deal with. No two days are quite the same – but the objective of the job is always the same to amplify our Artists voices.

9.  What is your favorite part of your job? 

Having the opportunity to talk about music for a living

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

My family.

What are your weekends like with two little ones?

In one word: Busy. The boys are growing so fast. The silver lining of the pandemic was having the opportunity to be present & watch them grow and develop daily. On weekends we are out of the house at the park, running errands & having adventures, anything to get their energy out.

Where are your favorite places for family fun?

We take lots of day trips to pick apples, go to the beach, visit friends – but it's also great just going grocery shopping or running to the hardware store – as the boys are a lot fun & they love experiencing new adventures.

Tell us about where you live and your favorite restaurants in your area?

I'm in South Brooklyn – Carroll Gardens – which is an old Italian neighborhood, there is no shortage of good food in this neighborhood

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

Once or twice a year – top priorities is seeing family, as there are a lot of Connelly's in the twin cities. It's also great to be able to listen to the Current.

Rank your sports teams in order of passion.

MN Twins, Vikings, Syracuse University Football & Basketball and Cretin-Derham Hall Athletics (High School)

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

My favorite new artist (to me) this year has been The Backseat Lovers

Anything else you would like to add?

Not at this time.