Judges
Our rock judges are a microcosm of the entire industry. They bring independent credibility, insider knowledge and real A&R experience. One is a post-punk icon, another, the man behind the alternative movement of the 90s and the third, responsible for scouting and booking up-and-coming musicians for one of the industry’s top agencies.
Dave Allen began his career in seminal post-punk juggernaut Gang of Four in the late 1970s. Gang of Four is still known for its uncompromising, anti-establishment stance. The band’s influence cannot be overstated, pollinating the sounds of thousands of modern artists, from uncompromising indie acts, including the Minutemen and Fugazi, to multi-platinum superstars like the Killers and Franz Ferdinand. In addition to his Gang of Four bass duties, Allen maintains Pampelmoose.com, a blog on which Allen offers his insight on the changing music industry. Allen is also a General Manager of the Portland-based marketing and interactive agency Nemo Design.
Andy Gershon, executive vice president of Epic Records, has always been fascinated by the music industry. He spent his youth selling records in Kansas City and began promoting concerts while a student at American University in Washington, D.C. Gershon began his professional career with well-known dream pop acts, including the Cocteau Twins and Love and Rockets. Around that time, Gershon discovered the Smashing Pumpkins and helped launch the alternative movement of the early ‘90s. In 1996, he formed Outpost Recordings, a venture with Geffen, with Mark Williams and Scott Litt. The label’s first four records all went Gold or Platinum. Most recently, Gershon served as president of V2 Records, home of artists the White Stripes, Josh Ritter and Moby.
Carrie Schupper, music program manager for Gen Art, rounds out the rock judges. With Gen Art, the leading arts and entertainment organization dedicated to showcasing and supporting emerging fashion designers, filmmakers, musicians, and visual artists, Schupper is responsible for scouting and booking up-and-coming musicians. Schupper studied marketing and promotion at the Surrey Institute of Art & Design in London. Upon graduating, Schupper moved to Los Angeles where she worked on every aspect of entertainment, from music video production to high-profile event planning to wardrobe styling to art direction. Now, at GenArt, Schupper works with bands and sponsors, facilitating relationships between the two. In the modern industry, in which labels are shrinking and rosters are tightening, Schupper is a forward thinker. By hooking up artists directly with sponsors, she is revolutionizing how musicians get paid.