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10 Questions with ... Nick Petropoulos
January 14, 2014
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Worked in Television directly following college. In the process, shared an elevator ride with Keith Hernandez, but ultimately decided to go back to school. After graduating St. Johns University, I worked at RED for close to four years. Now, I'm at Glassnote.
1. What do you love most about working at Glassnote?
The energy. From the moment you walk through the doors you feel the passion and focus in the environment. I've been here for four years now and it's still infectious.
2. What's it like working with Daniel Glass?
See above. He's the one who created that environment and encourages the team to thrive in it. Every day is a new learning experience.
3. You recently added Greta Van Raam to your promotion staff. How do you, Michael Starr, and Greta cover multiple formats?
We also added the talented Fred Shade and Elliott Garstin to the team! We simply work all formats by region. By "simply" I mean tirelessly. While Alternative, AAA and Non Comm have been our core formats and partners, it's always exciting to work with Top 40, Hot AC, Rhythmic and other formats.
4. Tell us about your latest breakthrough artist Chvrches?
That's one demerit, Shawn. It's spelled CHVRCHES (all caps). They are a band that has quickly grown from a rabid internet fanbase to a top selling Alternative Rock band (tickets and albums) in a short period of time. They first emerged in 2012 when they released "Lies" for free which immediately spread far and wide online. But it wasn't until they released "The Mother We Share" when things really took hold. XMU was one of the first to support them and "The Mother We Share" ended up being their most played record of the year. We then released the "Recover" EP in March of 2013, followed by their debut "The Bones of What You Believe" in September 2013. Add in a lot of US touring in 2012/2013, a lot of press, and continued heavy support from XMU and Alt Nation. Although success has seemingly come quickly for the band, they have worked very, very hard, and there has been a lot of set up over the last 12-16 months.
5. What's on tap for Glassnote at Alternative in 2014?
We have some very exciting new releases for Alternative this year. First up will be Panama Wedding's "All Of The People" and Jeremy Messersmith "Ghost.".
6. What is most important to you before working a song to Alternative radio?
Making sure it's ready. Radio is the last piece of the puzzle. There needs to be a strong foundation in place before asking radio for a shot.
7. What is the toughest part of your job?
Everyone says time management, but it's the truth. I always do my best to plot out my day the night before, but sometimes it's just impossible to get to everything. Michael Starr is the man who really helps keeps things on track. We are the dynamic duo.
8. What do you like best about the Alternative format?
The fact that a song can take many months before it truly reaches its peak. If there is a great record supported by a talented and passionate team, you can have nine lives at Alternative. This is the only format where that can happen. All it takes is one week without a bullet at Top 40 and you're done, not necessarily so at Alternative.
9. Of all the things you've accomplished at Glassnote so far, what are you most proud of?
Because it was my first #1 record and a major learning experience, working with Phoenix and the team that took "1901" #1 at Alternative was a very proud moment. It was only the 4th Independent #1 record in the history of the chart and it took well over 50 weeks since we shipped it to reach the top.
10. What music do you like listening to when you're not working?
It varies to say the least. To give you an idea, here are just some of the records I bought (some re-purchased) over the break: Anti Nowhere League, Link Wray, Roy Orbison, Sky Ferreira, Suicide, Nippon Girls (1960's Japanese Pop Compilation), X Ray Spex, Ramones, Neil Young, and Jay Reatard. Listening to Lou Reed's "Street Hassle" ....
Bonus Questions
Tell us about the band you play in?
I will never tell. I promote other bands. I'm awful at promoting my own band.
What was your conversation like in the elevator with Keith Hernandez?
I asked him "heymanyougotacigarette?" I'm kidding.
I wish I could remember, but it certainly wasn't riveting. I was a young gofer at ESPN at the time and was a bit nervous.
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