Paul Roper, President of Dualtone Music Group, died on Tuesday, December 17, after battling cancer at age 45.

Starting as an intern in 2002, Roper rose to become President and Partner at Dualtone, where he played a crucial role in signing and releasing over 200 albums. Under his leadership, the label earned multiple Grammy nominations, four Grammy wins, and several Americana Music Association awards.

Roper was instrumental in championing successful artists including The Lumineers, Gregory Alan Isakov, Mt. Joy, Shakey Graves, Shovels & Rope, flipturn, Brett Dennen, and many others. He pioneered what he called "Amerikinda," a diverse musical space celebrating exceptional songwriting across various genres.

Jeremiah Fraites of The Lumineers shared a touching memory: "When we started touring in our 15-passenger van, we didn't have money for hotels and usually split Subway sandwiches. Paul showed up to the parking lot behind the venue in Nashville with beer and pizza. It was a small gesture on his side, but massive for us."

The official statement from Dualtone praised Roper's leadership style, noting his "dedication, authenticity, humor, and kindness." He is survived by his wife and four children. His family requests donations to Corner to Corner in lieu of flowers.

Roper's legacy in the independent music scene will be remembered for his integrity, vision, and profound impact on the industry. Under his guidance, Dualtone Music established itself as a trusted partner for artists and a leader in independent music.

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