OK Cityzen people, allow me to introduce you all, Mr. John Trepp...

Andy: Where are you from and how long have you been in NYC ?

John: I was born in the South Bronx. My family moved through different areas of NY, but I have been in and around this city my whole life. It's in my blood.

Andy: Do you love your job?

John: Once in a while I lose site of how cool my life is and the level of freedom I have, but ultimately it comes down to I love what I do. I am blessed to be part of a lot of really valid projects and when you work with the legit products and when you see how people connect with music and culture it is definitely one of the great things in life.

Andy: How did you get into this street level promo biz?

John: In my final years of University, there was a really sick underground club scene happening in NY and believe it or not, Long Island. The scene that led to what became the alternative format of music, which eventually gave way to the explosion in electronic music. I had an artist friend who schooled me in the ways of getting over. We were very inventive and used our creativity to mack with no loot. When the English rave phenomena first hit the States it was so underground and good that anyone who caught the bug, as I did, became an evangelist. And I know that I personally was responsible for introducing this music culture to many people who then did the same and eventually built a community and then industry that lasted a decade plus.

Andy: Other than the usual flyering and such, what are some of the wackier types of promotional work you have done?

John: I recently realized that I am a solution provider. I have staffed large scale publicity stunts in Times Square, I've organized promo missions all over the US, but its the sly stick 'em and go's that give the rush....

Andy: What do you enjoy and hate about your work?

John: I hate how many people are closed. And occasionally, I've gone on road missions that roll through multiple cities and due to budget constraints sometimes have to pick up local help. And as I've seen you mention in these very pages the feeling of isolation at times can be heavy. Most of all I hate the NY scene-sters, affectionately known as the "hipsters." These people should be buried alive! You have to reach them in very certain ways and it all goes against everything I stand for.

What I love is the kinetic energy you can receive from a vibey bunch of people and those precious moments when you witness the audience losing themselves in the music and atmosphere. This is exactly why I do this. I was recently fortunate enough to travel on tour with Metallica and Godsmack for 5 weeks through America and Canada. And whether you dig these bands or not there was no denying how hard these bands rocked their crowds. It was amazing looking out to a mass of people in the range of 17,000 and all of them feeling the shit to the hilt like their life is the best right at that moment. And I smiled to myself thinking, "yeah just another day at the office."

Andy: Do you feel the there’s a good sense of community in the street teams in NYC or more of a dog eat dog?

John: There are many friendly faces out there. Without a doubt, you, Andy Shaw, are one of the coolest and certainly the hardest working of them all. But there is also a lot of competition and laziness out there and that can lead to people lacking respect for others’ work. I try my best to stay with the good energy. Overall, I'd say in the rock scene the vibe and community are solid.

Andy: You also have many national projects and sometimes work in other cities. How will you compare NYC to other cities?

John: NY can be very frustrating because of the strong industry presence here. There are so many people out there hustling and pushing something and at some point it creates what I see as clutter. I think that makes effectiveness a challenge for a promoter. And on some level this is what makes NY what it is because you constantly have to take shit to the next level trying to stay one step ahead of the pack.

Other cities, depending on which you want to get into, won't have much going on by way of subversive street level promotion. So then if you roll through such a town you can make a big impression much easier, especially if you roll out there hard.

Andy: What are some of the projects you have and are currently working on?

John: I have spent the better part of the last 12 years promoting music. I have various sorts of experience in the business and use that to offer a diverse mix of services to the entertainment community. Recently I did a major project for Metallica thanks to Q Prime Management and was their media facilitator in the absence of Elektra Records (R.I.P.). Upon my return a month ago I did a variety of projects for: Nike, Bad Religion, Felix Da Housecat, Hilton Hotels, Crusty Demons, Quiksilver, and am presently working with this hot new DJ based out in Los Angeles, Tatiana, who is about to launch her record label.

Andy: Our work is demanding, aggressive, high stress and long hours. I know personally that I have suffered from my job with my inner personal relationships with people I care for cause I am never available. How is this job working out with your personal life?