Scott Burton, '84: Music Industry VP Reflects on his NIU Roots and Gives Back
By Lia Kizilbash Gillet

Scott Burton, '84, poses on the football field and tailgates with
fellow Huskies (Photos: Scott Burton)

Scott Burton, ’84, launched his over 40-year career in music working at NIU’s radio station WKDI. 

As vice president of promotion for The Orchard, a Sony Music-owned digital distribution company, Burton runs the radio promotion department specializing in alternative music, working with artists to get their music played on radio stations across the country. He says the career he loves would not have come to fruition without his experiences at NIU. 

That’s why Burton is a consistent donor for Huskies United, NIU’s annual day of giving. 

“I know that every little bit helps,” Burton said. “If 50 people or more give a little bit, all of a sudden, it’s a big thing, and I want to be one of those people.”

This year, Huskies United begins on Wednesday, April 2, at 4:25 p.m. and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, April 3. 

“Northern’s given me a lot; it's the right thing to do,” Burton said.

He got the radio bug when working at WKDI. He was promoted to program director in his junior year, which was most often given to seniors. 

“Back in those days, Chicago-based record company employees would call me to promote their music because I was the program director and decided what music we would play,” Burton said. “Later, I figured out I already had my foot in the door and could easily transition to this role, so I got into the music business right away.” 

Scott Burton launched his music career on campus.
(Photo: Scott Burton)

Before getting paid at the station, Burton worked in the cafeteria at Stevenson Hall. He was also a member of the NIU concert committee, working to find bands to bring to DeKalb and play for the students.

“It was a great gig because we were given a budget to spend, and we didn't have to make a profit,” Burton said. “I remember when R.E.M. came when they were just becoming big. I was scheduled to interview the lead guitarist, Peter Buck, at the radio station, but he never showed up. I saw the lead singer, Michael Stipe, walking by the station, and I ran over to him and told him what happened, so he came in for an interview. We were just 18- or 19-year-old kids geeking out.”  
 

Burton graduated and earned a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis on radio, television and film. He gained life-long friends from the two years he lived on the fifth floor of Stevenson North. Many gather at football games today to tailgate and cheer on the Huskies. 
 

“We usually have between 30 and 50 people at our tailgate,” Burton said. “I'm a football and men's basketball season ticket holder. It’s another way to support the university. Everyone really enjoys getting together. I organize the tailgate, and a few guys help out with the cooking. Whether it’s coming back to campus for a game or donating during Huskies United, you know, it just makes me feel good.”

For more information on Huskies United, please visit the website: https://dog.niu.edu/