Vince Pupillo Sr. | FOUNDER & PRESIDENT |
Vince Pupillo’s passion for music started at age 9, when he began playing the organ at church, as he did so for the next 22 years. In 1974, he purchased his first Minimoog synthesizer with tips he earned as a waiter.
“I remember my first mission was to learn to play Lucky Man”, says Vince, who played in several cover and original material bands throughout high school and college.
In 1979, after earning a bachelor’s degree in business, Mr. Pupillo married his high school sweetheart, MaryEllen. Together, they raised 3 uniquely talented children who are an integral part of his story. Over the years, Vince took the family’s small produce company and became a national player in the supermarket fresh-prepared food category.
After spending 15 years assembling a very targeted collection of rare electronic music-related media & gear, Vince founded another legacy institution, EMEAPP. Pupillo is now carrying the torch of electronic music preservation. By his founding of EMEAPP, future generations will have the opportunity to appreciate the history and sounds of Electronic Music through multiple education platforms.
Says Pupillo, “Music was an important part of my life growing up. Music teaches discipline, builds confidence, and provides unparalleled satisfaction from mastering a challenging piece, be it Keith Emerson or Beethoven. Everyone deserves that opportunity and feeling.”
Drew Raison | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR |
It is rare to see Drew Raison outside of a recording studio or at least surrounded by weapons of music creation. He continues this trend as Executive Director of EMEAPP (Electronic Music Education and Preservation Project), embedding himself deep into the world of vintage synths, amps and effects pedals. As a record producer and engineer, Raison has worked with hundreds of talented artists to create high-grade product for national and radio release. As owner/operator of renowned Philly Sound Studios and Big Sky Audio, both major multi-room music production studios, Drew honed his production and management skill set and set the stage for his role at EMEAPP.
Vince Pupillo Jr. | OPERATIONS DIRECTOR |
Vince Pupillo Jr. specializes in sound design, synthesizer programming and navigating the nomenclature and topology of different kinds of electronic instruments. He has been involved in the collecting and preservation of electronic instruments since childhood. Vince is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Saint Joseph’s University of Philadelphia with a degree in Family Business and he began the process of building the EMEAPP business model in his business classes. Internships at both RetroLinear and Philly Sound Studios introduced him to many individuals who would eventually become a part of the EMEAPP family. As Operations Director, Vince is responsible for designing and setting up exhibits as well as overseeing the care and condition of every item in our general population.
Lisa Platow | ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR |
Lisa Platow is a classically trained pianist who loves working with synthesizers. As Associate Director, Lisa is responsible for EMEAPP’s day-to-day administrative operations. She schedules and gives our guided tours and is currently implementing a new comprehensive database system for inventory management. She manages the website, oversees the volunteer program, schedules visiting artists, and takes care of all the other pesky tasks that ensure that the office runs smoothly. Originally from Northeast Pennsylvania, she has Masters degrees in both English and American History. Prior to joining EMEAPP, she was one of the founders of a successful internet startup company and also served as the assistant director and front ensemble instructor for a high school marching band/indoor percussion unit.
Mike Kiker | EDUCATOR |
Mike Kiker is a multi-instrumentalist based out of Philadelphia. Mike has worked in the local music scene for over 15 years as a session player, recording and live sound engineer, producer, film composer, and music teacher. Over the years, he has produced over a dozen albums for various artists in the Philly area out of his band’s studio Green Rock Recorders. He’s been the keyboard player for the Philly band St. James & The Apostles since 2010. He brings his experience as the former Music Director at the Fort Washington School of Rock to the task of further developing EMEAPP’s educational offerings. He is currently designing a series of in-person classes and workshops and has also taken over our Sonic Test Drive series of informational videos about specific pieces in our collection.