I Am The Programmer (IATP) is an Itunes podcast radio show that is hosted by a couple of robots, seriously. These robots introduce you to bands, and allow you to listen in as musicians give an intimate account of their musical experiences between segments of featured music. The show attracts thousands of listeners making, I Am The Programmer a wildy popular online radio podcast.
Ryan L. Abato is the creator of I Am The Programmer, and shared his inspiration for creating the online radio phenomenon.
What was it like growing up for you?
I grew up with two very loving parents who got a divorce when I was six. Growing up on Star Wars, (yes, I had the Vader case with all the figures, the fighters, etc.) One day, I told my mom before she was going to take me to my grandparents house to bring my Star Wars toys for I could play with them there. She put them all in a black trash bag. After that day, I never saw my toys again because my grandfather thought the black bag was trash and threw them away. I never collected toys again.
They were replaced with a 2XL educational robot, The Cars and The Police record collection. Duran Duran came later. My stepfather who recently passed away, was a radio programmer for an oldies radio station. The station used to get loads of music they couldn’t use. Tons of obscure stuff. My obsession with music escalated from there. My parents have always been supportive, just as my school friends were when I was growing up.
What led you to your interest in podcasts?
I Am The Programmer did. It was a learning process for me. The first five “flight episodes” were pretty good, but my production skills and attention to detail truly started the day I launched Flights onto iTunes. Game on.
How did you get the idea for I Am The Programmer?
When 9/11 happened, the stock market crashed. As devastating as that was, I knew the economy would come back strong. I launched IATP basically because the sadness we all have felt regarding the music industry.
It was planned out a bit before I launched it, but overall, it came about because I couldn’t find nearly as much new music as I used to. It pissed me off. MySpace WAS a fantastic resource. NME, Mojo, Spin, Melody Maker, etc…they were all limited.
Some of the best bands in the world right now are doing it themselves and no one is covering their existence and expenses accordingly. Also, our minds are packed with more information than ever. I wanted to create a nucleus, and believe I’ve created one.
What else do you do besides running IATP?
I am a contracted Marketing & Event Manager for a couple different companies, although a lot of this type of work has been and will be phased out in the coming year.
What interests you when it comes to managing bands?
I am solely interested in managing Lilies On Mars. I’m blown away by their music and voices. Both Lisa and Marina are certainly easy on the eyes! We consider each other the complete package. I have a lot of respect for them as a Manager, it is my interest to take this band I adore and surround them with their contemporaries, fans, and beyond.
Are you musically inclined?
I used to play the piano. it’s all a faded memory now! Some people say I have a voice. Some don’t, but fuck them, I’m still gonna sing!
Who is your favourite band right now?
Too many. If I can answer this, I’m in the wrong business. The last three years have exposed me to more music than working for record labels and retail.
How do you choose the bands you promote?
There is definitely a formula covering both song quality and production. If I like a song, I find more from that artist to ensure I just don’t like that one track. If I still like the music, I correspond with the band or their manager.
What are your future plans for IATP and yourself?
After November’s episode of Flights, I will be taking a little time off from radio to bring on a couple of key sponsors who will compliment, accept and add to this world we have created. Also, IATP on tour, live dj’ing events, merchandising will occur. I’m putting together a band, but not with me in it. There is a lot on my plate. For 2012 - it all goes the distance.
If you have any advice for young promoters and programmers, what is it?
Music first.
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