Ever wonder who’s behind your favorite Yep Roc releases? Every month we’ll introduce one Yep Roc employee with a personal Spotify playlist and a quirky caricature from our creative designer, Nathan Golub.
This month, we’re featuring Yep Roc’s General Manager.From running the business to running for distance, let’s take an inside look at Yep Roc’s “Head Coach”, Billy Maupin. Below is his curated playlist created for keeping energized while running.
What is your job title at Yep Roc?
General Manager.
What does that entail?
I am responsible for all the day activities of the label, including the financial, creative, and sales and marketing aspects as well as managing the team, maintaining relationships with artists, managers, etc, and generally championing what we do to the broader industry.
Who are some of your favorite artists on Yep Roc?
They are all my favorite! (Laughs) No, seriously it is one of the best parts of my job that I get to work with so many talented people on a daily basis. How about we narrow it down to 3 favorites that I have spent some time with recently, and who all will most likely have new records early next year.- Aoife O’Donovan, The Stray Birds, and John Doe.
What record would you say had the most impact on you growing up?
Probably REM’s Life’s Rich Pageant. I wore that record out. And it probably sounds cliche but Miles Davis’s Kinda Blue was on infinite repeat when I was in college.
Do you have a role model in the industry?
I have been reading a lot about Sam Phillips and Sun Records. The output of Sun in the 50’s is just astounding. We are releasing a companion album to Peter Guralnick’s book on Sam Phillips that features music from Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Howlin Wolf among others. Sam was a pivotal figure in the early history of Rock and Roll.
What is the hardest part of your position?
Saying no. Especially to ideas that are cool but aren’t going to work for one reason or another.
Are you working on any other music related projects outside of the office?
I am on the Board for a new Community Radio Station in Hillsborough called WHUP. The Station just went on the air a few weeks ago. It has been really cool to see a different part of the business up close and contribute to its development.
Describe one moment you will always remember with Yep Roc.
There are a few – Going to the Grammy’s with Dave Alvin and Phil Alvin was pretty special for sure. Traveling with Ian Mclagan on a promo trip for his last record was pretty memorable as well.
How do you relax outside of work?
I am an avid runner. I also just finished my first sprint triathlon so I have been swimming and biking more recently. Hanging out with my family is pretty relaxing as well.
Who is your favorite artist to see live on or off Yep Roc?
When I was just starting out in the business I worked with a band called the Archers of Loaf. I have likely seen them more times than any other act, in fact I just saw a reunion show of their’s a week or so a ago. They were still pretty great. Loud, Brash, and powerful. A lot of fun.
Which do you prefer: digital download, hard copy CD, cassette, stream, video, or vinyl?
I don’t know that I really prefer any one more than another. They all have their place. I use them all to varying degrees but find increasingly I’m spending the most time with Streaming and Vinyl.
What pushed you to the music industry?
I knew I wanted to work in a creative industry and the opportunity was there. It was a natural progression from working at a College Radio Station to Interning for a record label to my first job.
What song lyric has stuck with you through your life?
Ernest Tubb. ” I walking the floor over you, I can’t sleep a wink that is true, I am hoping and praying as my heart breaks in two, Walking the floor over you.”