10 Questions with ... Drew Hauser

1. What made you want to get into the music business? Were there any early mentors?

Music became a passion of mine starting in middle school. I would listen to the radio as much as I could and record the shows of my favorite DJs. I started a band with some friends in high school that earned us paychecks and in college despite my English major, my heart was at the radio station, WUSO, 89.1 FM Springfield, OH.

I have many mentors: Kenny Vest, my first and only radio boss, Shanna Fischer and Lori Anderson at Wind-up, Todd Glassman, Gary Spangler - everyone I've worked with has had a positive influence on me.

2. Can you give us a rundown of the record labels and positions you've held over the years?

Sure. My first 'industry gig' was on the air at the original WZRH (106.1 The Zephyr) in New Orleans. From there I found my way to NYC where I worked at AAM (Advanced Alternative Media) for a couple of years, running the college radio promo department. I was then hired to run the college department at Grass Records, which quickly became Wind-up Records where I spent the next 16 years, eventually rising to the head of the department. When Wind-up was sold, I joined Epic Records as their head of promotion for the Rock formats for a couple of years before joining Republic last fall to work with Amanda Dobbins doing Alt, Act, and Triple A promotion.

3. Before we talk about some of the hot new music on Republic, can you give us some of your proudest past achievements in breaking "new acts" with your previous labels?

Yup. I've been lucky enough to work with two acts that achieved Diamond Status: Creed and Evanescence. I started working with both bands before either had ever had a national single campaign, so I got to see their rise from the beginning! We also built successful careers for Seether, Finger Eleven and many others.

4. 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?

I don't actually have a specific Rock release to cite here, though there have been records that I loved dearly, that I worked, and that did not live up to my expectations. The #1 lesson is that ultimately it doesn't matter what I think, or what programmers think; it's the audience that decides what the hits are. We can make sure songs get heard and bands get spotlighted, but a record has to have legs if it's going to go the distance. Early in my career I heard that the three things that make up a hit are research, requests and sales. And that a record had to have at least two of them to have a chance. That has been pretty much true, although today it's research (still), social media reaction, and streaming numbers...

5. Now let's talk about the success of Greta Van Fleet. This is definitely the biggest "buzz" Rock band to come along in years. In your wildest dreams, did you ever think this band would become such a huge hit at Rock radio and beyond?

I remember the first time I heard "Highway Tune" before I was working with Republic and I immediately called my friend who worked there to tell him what an absolute joy the song was! Months later when I started at Republic, the single was already underway and surging on the Rock chart. It was the first #1 I had a hand in at Republic. But it was when I saw the band play live for the first time that I knew how special they were. GVF are some of the most genuine and sincere guys I've worked with and that's absolutely the key to their success and appeal.

6. As we enter 2018, what else does the label have coming down the pipeline in the months ahead?

We're still full steam ahead on Greta's second single "Safari Song," which has hit #1 on the BDS Rock chart and will soon also hit #1 on Mediabase's Rock chart. Then in April we'll have a brand new GVF single from their first full-length album, which they are currently finishing up. We have an amazing single from Black Veil Brides, 'The Last One," which is currently moving towards Top 30 and I heard we may have new music from Volbeat this year as well.

7. As a promotion person, what are the most important tools/resources you use to stay on top of the Rock formats; growth and constant daily changes?

We measure success the same way we always have just with better data. Streaming, Shazaming, and ticket sales are directly related to the passion fans have for the artist and music. Being able to see these metrics in real time enables us to make a direct connection between airplay and fan activation.

8. Let's talk about the Rock format as a whole. What's your take on the state of Rock radio today?

Rock radio is doing just fine holding its own, but it has painted itself into a corner and is not growing audience the way it used to. In order get back into a growth mode, Rock radio has to find records that will appeal to the listener who's just outside rock's core sound but still rocks. I'd like to see the format embrace some of the rock records that might not be promoted to the format but would fit sonically and make rock's sound broader. The Killers "Run For Cover," for example, is being played on several intrepid Rock stations right now.

9. As a National Rock promotion person, you travel a lot and see many live shows. What is the best live show you have seen this past year on yours or another label and why?

It's unquestionably Greta Van Fleet. If you've seen them you know why. If you haven't, go see them and you will. I haven't witnessed musical talent like this in a long time, but even more important than that is that these boys ply their craft with not only sincerity and reverence to their influences, but also with a determination to push the genuine spirit of rock -- both music and lifestyle -- to new heights.

10. Finally, being as busy as you are, what do you like to do for fun and relaxation when you're not in your office?

I have an amazing family; my wife Bess and I have two awesome but way over-scheduled kids who take up most of our free time on the weekends. I like to run, I like to cook. I'm into snowboarding, water skiing, sailing and drinking around a campfire. I love travel with the family and spending time friends. And we enjoy all that NYC has to offer!