The Stats:
Name: Venus Kitagawa-Stojsic, Spafax / Southern California (Orange County, Buena Park)
Programs: Various programs for VIRGIN AMERICA, LUFTHANSA, SCANDINAVIAN, DELTA, CATHAY PACIFIC, ALASKA AIRLINES, AEROMEXICO.
Q: How do you find music for your programs?
We’re constantly checking Billboard, UK, Canadian and Asian charts and i use a lot of sites like Metacritic, MusicWeek, Media Control and Soundcloud to see what’s out there. We rely heavily on promo, PR and lifestyle marketing companies (like Shoplifter, Co-Sign, Distiller, Giant Step, Cornerstone/FADER, Renegade, etc. etc.) because they understand our needs. Independent labels, publishers and publicity firms are so good to us, and we do what we can to stay in touch with 700+ that we have licensed. We use all formats from CD audio to 320k mp3s to encode promos, downloads and/or purchases onto the aircraft.
Q: What’s your all-time favorite track that you think works in just about every retail program?
There’s no one track because our channels are fairly defined by genre or feel, and the airlines prefer to have little crossover if possible… If i had to choose an all-time favourite artist, though, it would be John Frusciante, or more recently Tycho. They have songs that fit into all kinds of moods and styles, and their music can be surprisingly accessible and other times super dissonant…
Q: When you’re not programming music for stores, what are your interests and hobbies?
I’m a wedding officiant on the weekends and a music therapy contractor. How sad… lately, i haven’t had any time for anything except work!!? i like seeing DJs and dance artists, close-up magic, rollercoasters, longform journalism (reading it), Jeopardy (on tv) and standup comedy.
Q: What Shoplifter release are you currently loving?
Ohhhhhhhh man i’ve been LOVING George FitzGerald! Nosaj Thing too. Jamie xx is growing on me.