Music / Quench: Rob Clark

Rob Clark - EMI

What do you do?

I’m college promotions junior manager at EMI. We do the grass roots bits. When a band gets signed we aim to get them coverage in student press and radio across the UK.

Why do you do it?

I’m passionate about music, which goes without saying because when you start in this industry the pay is a joke and most people starting out have to do work experience, which I also believe is a joke. Its extremely rewarding when you see a band or artist rise from obscurity to household names and you can say ‘I played a role in that’.

How did you get started?

When I was just 5 years old my Dad used to play me Buddy Holly records and prod me with a knitting needle, well it was actually two knitting needles taped together. He’d prod until I danced, that practice brought about a healthy love for music. Also, I was music editor for my student mag for a couple of years , then freelance for a local regional mag, then got a part time job at a little label (Invicta hi-fi) in Liverpool.

What’s coming up that I should know about?

Climate change, temperatures are rising and if they keep increasing we’re all fucked. That and Tiny Dancers, Air Traffic, Laura Marling, Alberta Cross (they’re not EMI, so I shouldn’t be plugging them! But they’re fantastic, if you love your hippy rock and beautiful vocals, check them out)

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?

Tough question. Radiohead at a couple of Glastonbury’s were amazing (I was there in 97), Elbow at Brixton Academy a few years back was incredible and the London Somerset House gigs in July are often special.

One current and one all-time favourite record?

Current – Neon Bible, Arcade Fire.

All time – Led Zeppelin 3

Latest Edition

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