I came up with a mission statement for my life about 20 years ago. It goes like this, "to enrich people's lives through the sharing of music".
In my 9 to 5 world I live it by designing and selling music and video systems in people's homes for K+ Integration Systems. I have a mobile DJ business which certainly affords me the opportunity to practice it. Then there's my internet presence through this blog and social media such as Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr where I share music discovery on a regular basis.
It's a good life and especially gratifying when I'm acknowledged for it. That's what happened on Monday's Sound of Ideas morning talk show on Cleveland public radio station WCPN.
Host Mike McIntyre, who also writes for the Plain Dealer, was conducting a round table discussion on the state of music here in Cleveland as part of a focus on Rock Hall induction week. The guests included John Gorman, former program director at WMMS in its heyday and now of oWOW Radio, Cindy Barber, co-owner of the Beachland Ballroom and Tavern, Barry Gabel of Belkin Productions/Live Nation, and Lauren Onkey, V.P. of Education at the Rock Hall.
Gabel brought up the need for music tastemakers in Cleveland, saying they are far and few between, mentioning Kid Leo and Billy Bass, two former WMMS DJs, and their influence when they were excited about a record. McIntyre then says this, "I have a friend, his name's John Hannibal, and he tells me everything.". Gorman chimes in with "John does" and then McIntyre continues, "John knows. Suddenly he'll tell you a band and you say I've never heard of them before and before you know it my wife thinks I'm smart because I'm turning her onto some new music." The subject ends when Gabel agrees, "that's what's missing".
Well, I'm here to tell you it's not missing. Here I am. I don't dig deep into the underground. I look for what's just about to bubble up and if I think it's good I want to tell everyone about it. I have no time for criticism either. Why waste yours or my time telling you about how bad an album is. My focus is on the good and great.
I'm much obliged to Mike McIntyre and John Gorman who recognize me as a music taste maker. It gives me credibility and a feeling of accomplishment.
You can listen to the entire hour discussion here, How Rock Rolls in Northeast Ohio or skip to the 23:30 mark to hear my name drop.
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