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10 Questions with ... Mike DePippa
October 2, 2007
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NAME:Mike DePippaTITLE:VP/Rock & Alternative PromotionCOMPANY: EpicBORN:11/05/1972RAISED:New Jersey
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
WSOU (College Radio); EMI Records '95-'96; Elektra Records '96-'04; and Epic Records '04-Present.
LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:
Gas Station Attendant
FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:
Billy Squier - Don't Say No
FIRST CONCERT:
Kiss -- unfortunately it was in between the times that they wore make up.
FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:
The Who.
1) What got you interested in the record business
I always was a crazy music consumer, but I had no idea what went into getting that piece of art into the marketplace. I remember looking at an album sleeve and seeing the Warner Brothers logo with the 75 Rockefeller Plaza address on it and wondering what actually happened there. When I went to Seton Hall University and got involved with WSOU it opened the door to the music business for me, and I turned that interest into an internship, and eventually into a job.
2) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
I think WAPP New York was the first station I ever called into when it was a rock station, after that I spent a lot of time listening to WNEW-FM.
3) What do you like best about your job? Least?
The music is definitely the best part of the job, it sounds cliche, but seriously would any of us do this if we didn't have a love of music? What I like least is the negativity and apathy that permeates the radio and record business.
4) What is the toughest part of your job?
Time management.
5) What was the first record you worked to radio and what has been the biggest change since you first began doing radio promotion?
I started out doing college promotion, and the first record I worked was Fun Lovin' Criminals. There have been so many changes since then, but in one word, technology. It has changed every aspect of our business. The changes that have happened in just over 10 years are mind boggling.
6) Every promotion person has a record close to their heart that for one reason or another never broke through -- "The One That Got Away." What is your "One That Got Away," and what did you learn from that record?
Remy Zero - Save Me. We were so close. I learned that at least once a week I will want to strangle Lenny Diana.
7) What would surprise people most about you?
I once had a mullet. You're really not surprised, are you?
8) Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ____________?
Coffee, Jacqueline Saturn, Adan Armandariz, and our field staff.
9) What music do you listen to when you're not working?
I try to listen to everything, but it generally falls under the rock/alternative umbrella. One a recent weekend it was new music from Rilo Kiley, Ben Harper, Against Me, Gaslight Anthem, and Ryan Adams.
Also go to Best Buy and ask to see the HD units. Most employees will take you to the satellite receivers. Minimum wage is a killer.
10) What career path would you be following had it not been for this industry?
Marketing of some sort, preferably for the NY Yankees or Journalism.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
Going to and watching Yankees games, wine, travel and hanging with my wife.
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