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Paul Roper
President/Partner at Dualtone Music Group
Paul Roper is the President and Partner at Dualtone Music Group, a Nashville-based independent record label specializing in folk, Americana, and indie rock.23 He began his career at Dualtone as an intern and has since risen through the ranks to his current leadership position.1 Roper joined Dualtone in 2002, initially serving as Director of Artist Development and GM before being promoted to President and partner in 2012.5
In his role, Roper is involved in artist development and acquisition. He emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making, looking at factors such as Spotify streams, touring frequency, ticket sales, and online engagement when considering new artists.1 Roper has played a crucial role in signing and developing successful acts like the Lumineers, Mt. Joy, and Shakey Graves.1
Roper's approach aligns with Dualtone's philosophy of building sustainable careers for artists rather than chasing immediate hits. He has been instrumental in maintaining the label's artist-friendly approach, offering fair and transparent partnerships instead of traditional record deals.14
Under Roper's leadership, Dualtone has achieved significant success, including multiple Grammy nominations and wins, as well as platinum-selling albums.2 His contributions have been vital to Dualtone's growth and reputation as a respected independent label in the music industry.