Mike Jacobs is a legendary independent record promoter who ran campaigns for alternative success stories like The Offspring, Rancid, Nine Inch Nails, Bush and No Doubt, among others. He also was CEO of MCA joint venture Way Cool Music from 1995-98, where he signed Blink-182, and was a lifelong friend of Rick Carroll, who started the pioneering modern rock radio station KROQ-FM in L.A. We chat with Rick about his time in the trenches, his memories of 97X and the modern rock format.
Here are a couple of fun trade publication interviews with Mike Jacobs from 2011:
- https://deanemediasolutions.com/fearless-records-svp-promotion-mike-jacobs/
- https://www.allaccess.com/alternative/10-questions/archive/10852/10-questions-with-mike-jacobs
What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?
Mike Jacobs: It’s only no until it’s yes. If you believe in a song or an act, stick with it. Always tell the truth: even if it’s something people don’t want to hear, they will respect you later.
From the “10 Questions with Mike Jacobs” profile in 2011.
Mike …I havent heard from you since 1988ish ..I ve seen Rsty, Miles, Joe Schultz..glad to see you are still in the Biz and alive and well! Your son? must be another son glad to hear hes in the BIZ too…been looking at the old starwood videos and all the concerts we promoted ..im still alive and well
Kim Pryor Artist (married name)