Welcome to the latest edition of Six Questions With..., a short and sharp interview with a live music figure. Email jhanley@nbmedia.com if you would like to take part or recommend someone for inclusion.
This week's Q&A is with Dave Pichilingi, CEO of Liverpool Sound City, which takes place from May 25-28.
What was your first job in the music industry
I started life on the other side of the fence. As an artist I was signed by Korda Marshall to RCA/BMG back in the late 80s early 90s while in the band 35 Summers. I was managing the band as well as working with The Farm at Produce Records.
After being dropped by RCA I realised I wanted to stay ‘in the business’ and that was the start of my journey into the Dark Side.
How long have you been in your current role
I set up Sound City in 2008. I had spent many years involved with In The City, working with Tony Wilson and Phil Saxe. After the sad and very untimely death of Tony I decided to set up Sound City and moved it back to the other end of the M62, to my home in Liverpool.
What is your favourite thing about working in the music industry?
When things get stressful, which they do lots of the time. I just remind myself how lucky I am to be working in the environment I do. No two days are the same and I get to work with some amazing people.
What is the one thing you would like to change about working in the music business?
Egotistical people who feel they have to invent problems where none exist just to justify their own existence.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I always like to look forward and not look back, so I am really looking forward to our Velvet Underground and the Warhol ‘banana’ anniversary concert on the Liverpool Docklands. It really is going to be one of those special moments in time.
What is the best gig you’ve ever been to?
One that always sticks in my mind is Joy Division supporting Buzzcocks at Mountford Hall, Liverpool in 1979.
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