10 Questions with ... Mike DePippa

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

WSOU (College Radio); EMI Records '95-'96; Elektra Records '96-'04; Epic Records '04-Present and Columbia Records 2010-Present

1. What stands out the most from when you first started working records? Who are some of your early mentors who gave you a shot?

How Green I was! I have a long list of mentors and friends who have, and continue to shape the promotion person that I am: Greg Thompson, George Cappellini, Greg Dorfman, Bill Carroll, Jacqueline Saturn, Joel Klaiman, and Lee Leipsner to name a few. The people who gave me the shots early on that put me on this path: Pete Rosenblum, Matt Pollack, and Mike Schnapp.

2. How has the PPM changed the way you promote songs to radio?

I don't think it's necessarily changed the way we promote songs. In some markets PPM has allowed alternative stations to flourish and succeed while playing new music. In other places it has caused stations to tighten up and become more conservative. Either way, we still try to find ways to expose our artists to the station's audience.

3. What are you most proud of over the past year?

The last 12 months were challenging with the changes that took place here last April, so I'm extremely proud that in that time we have had three top 10 singles at alternative, by 3 different debut acts. Temper Trap, Broken Bells, and Foster The People.

I want to thank Amanda Walk for being an amazing partner and helping accomplish this.

4. What new alternative music do you have on tap for the rest of 2011 and what is your sleeper pick for Alternative?

Vaccines, Manchester Orchestra, Incubus, Glasvegas, and Cults.

Go Outside by Cults could be the sleeper pick.

5. Where do you get your greatest pleasure in doing record promotion?

Helping an artist grow their career whether it's a baby band or a superstar act, being a part of connecting people to their music is amazing.

6. What do you feel is the most important issue facing record labels in the current business environment?

Monetizing our content.

7. What is your favorite market you like to visit and why?

I love Portland Oregon, unfortunately with the talented staff we have, I don't get to go there often. Great music, food, wine, beer, coffee, and many people with a similar philosophy on life.

8. What's one thing that may surprise many people to learn about you?

A little over a year ago I gave up meat and became a Pescatarian. I'm considering going vegetarian but I haven't been able to kick sushi yet.

9. What has been your biggest career highlight?

I believe it is yet to come, but being given the opportunity to run the rock and alternative department at both Columbia and Epic is definitely up there.

10. What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

Honesty is always the best policy.

When you're away from work, what are you music listening habits to the radio, iPod, online, etc.?

All of the above. I'm a serial button pusher in the car -- love Alt Nation on Sirius XM.

Still like CDs, wish I had more time and space for vinyl.

How many games will the Yankees win in 2011?

More than the Mets and unfortunately probably less than the Red Sox. I'll say 95.