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10 Questions with ... Meredith Hupp
August 10, 2009
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NAME:Meredith HuppTITLE:Manager of National PromotionsCOMPANY:INO RecordsBORN:April 25,1982, Peoria, ILRAISED:Ottawa, IL
Brief Career Synopsis:
R&R Aug 2004-June 2009, INO Records currently
1) Did you have any mentors early on? Who has helped you develop professionally in the industry?
I was so fortunate to get to spend five years working for Erica Farber (CEO of R&R). She is an incredibly gifted leader that holds the respect of so many in this industry because of her class and talent. She took me under her wing in a lot of ways and taught me a great deal about business, people, and of course, the radio and record industry. She is a strong woman and a trailblazer in many ways for women in this industry. I learned a great deal from her and she most definitely has my respect.
2) What are you most looking forward to in the promotions side of the biz?
I think I am most looking forward to getting to know and working with all the great folks at radio. I love getting to know new people and fortunately this job will allow me to build those relationships with radio and talk about great music that I love.
3) What does Christian radio need to do to break through to a mass audience on a more consistent basis?
I think for Christian radio to break through to a mass audience it needs to focus on being genuine and real in connecting with their listeners. People are most drawn to things they can relate to. There is a tendency at times for Christian radio to over-spiritualize some things and for the most part, people don't relate well to the over-spiritual. Since life is lived in the everyday ordinary, radio should focus on the everyday lives and issues of their listeners. Avoiding the perception that life is lived on a spiritual mountaintop is key.
4) What is the most important issue facing the music business and radio today, do you think?
Obviously, finances are just a huge issue facing both the music business and radio today. Both record labels and radio stations have to be more creative in their approach to the way they carry out their business. Times like these open the door for increased creativity, better focus and refined thinking. The goal is to come out stronger with a better business model on the other side.
5) Who has had the biggest impact on your life spiritually, personally and/or professionally?
My parents have had the biggest impact on my life. They taught me from a young age to pursue my dreams and encouraged me to live life to the fullest. They both have a very strong faith and raised me to seek God in this journey and serve him and others along the way. They are by far my biggest fans and my greatest gift in life.
6) Brag on your artists a little bit: what exciting things are happening with the artists that you're serving?
We have a lot of really great things going on right now with our artists! Phillips, Craig & Dean are #1 in the nation currently with "Revelation Song." Following at #2 is Jonny Diaz with "More Beautiful You." Fee's new song "Glory to God Forever" became the #1 most downloaded song on the Christian iTunes music chart after only 12 hours! Also, Skillet has rendered a #1 Rock hit with "Hero" and is now climbing in the Top 10 at CHR! We have new albums coming out for both Skillet and PC&D in August!
7) If you could have any other job outside the music industry, what would it be?
It most likely would be in some kind of advocacy work for an organization like the International Justice Mission. I have a dream to someday do mission/humanitarian aid work overseas.
8) What music is playing on your iPod and/or in your stereo right now?
Actually right now I am listening to the new Daughtry album in my car. Love it!
9) How are you settling in at INO? Did they pull any office pranks on you?
Not as of yet, but from knowing the people I work with (ahem, Dan Michaels), I have a feeling the answer to this will be different in six months.
10) So Valerie is working from Oklahoma. If you could work from anywhere, where would your office be?
Wow, tough question. I think it would probably be Telluride, CO or somewhere else in the mountains. Love skiing and the beauty of it!
Bonus Questions
1) Do you read everything or nothing? Books, magazines, newspapers, online.
I read all the time! I'm working on my masters of theological studies, so most of the time I'm reading for that. But I love books on current cultural issues, religion, fiction, almost anything. I definitely check out Billboard magazine each week and read lots of news online at All Access.
2) Summertime question: what's your favorite ice cream?
Cookies & Cream
3) Cat or dog person?
I love dogs! Someday I want a soft-coated wheaton terrier named Remington.
4) What is your favorite quote?
"He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." (Jim Elliot)
5) Favorite TV show of all time?
"24" - Go Jack Bauer!
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