Lauren Heerlein Interview 9-16-16

Lauren Heerlein
Director of National Promotions
BEC Recordings

Career Capsule: I have been very fortunate to be able to start my career at Tooth & Nail and have been here for a little over 7 years. 

1. Tell us about what’s new with you, your latest adventures, happenings at BEC/Tooth & Nail?

Life here at BEC/Tooth & Nail is always busy and there’s never a dull moment. It has been a little over 3 years since we went back to being an indie label, which makes for a fun adventure. I am looking forward to the fall — we have some great new music coming from David Dunn, 7eventh Time Down and Kutless to name a few.

2. Since you have a such a busy schedule, how do you best manage your responsibilities and priorities?

I think having a good team around you is key to being able to successfully manage responsibilities and priorities. I love getting to work with Tess Carlucci and Jennifer Mouttet. There is always something that needs to get done in the day and knowing you have people that are working towards the same goal and have the same passion for your artists is amazing.

3. Complete this sentence: The best way to get a new artist recognized is to____________?

…is to have great music and get people talking about them. It is important for people to be able to connect and truly get to know the artist. There are always new artists being launched, but it is important to make it known what separates the new artist from the rest. Let them know why they should care!

4. Generally speaking how do you see the state of Christian radio?

I am excited about what is going on at Christian radio right now. Technology is changing, but Christian radio still has a massive platform. With all the craziness and horrifying events going on in the world, Christian radio has the opportunity to be the hope people are searching for during these times. Christian radio has the ability to connect in a way your iTunes or Spotify could never do.

5. Regarding record sales how has it changed ….please explain?

Sales have definitely changed over the past few years. Sales have migrated from physical over to digital. There has also been a shift of consuming songs vs. full albums. I definitely see the impact radio has on singles sales. When you see a song really connecting with listeners, streaming and buying are impacted.

6. What promotions with radio have you been involved with personally that are most memorable?

One promotion that has stuck out to me that we did with programmers was back with the launch of Kutless single “Carry Me To The Cross.” We sent mini lock boxes with an advanced copy of the record. We saw all different types of determination from programmers to figure out the 3 digit code. 🙂 I believe one intern at a station was tasked with opening it. It took them one full day trying out all the different combinations.

7. Do you feel the record/radio relationship is still as important as it has been in the past………..explain how its same/different?

The relationship between labels and radio is very important. We both benefit so much from each other. Radio has a way of connecting music with listeners that labels couldn’t do by themselves. We love being able to partner and work together!

8. There are still some big markets without a CCM station, why do you think that is?

I think it will just take time before some of the big markets get their own CCM station. I think the success of CCM you see in large markets currently has proven that people want to hear that hope and there is need for it!