A Music Industry Giant Lost Too Soon

Dave Shapiro, a visionary music executive who championed independent artists in the heavy metal and hard rock world, tragically lost his life at the age of 42 in a plane crash in San Diego. Alongside two colleagues from his agency, Sound Talent Group, Shapiro perished in the Thursday morning accident.

A Legacy of Passion and Support

Shapiro co-founded Sound Talent Group in 2018 with Tim Borror and Matt Andersen, building an agency dedicated to representing alternative bands across a range of genres, including pop-punk, metalcore, and post-hardcore. His roster boasted notable names like Hanson, Pierce The Veil, Parkway Drive, Sum 41, and Vanessa Carlton. Shapiro was a fierce advocate for independent musicians, co-founding the National Independent Talent Organization and paving the way for other independent agencies to thrive. His impact on the industry was undeniable, helping countless alternative bands find a wider audience.

From Musician to Executive

Shapiro’s love for music ignited in his youth in the “straightedge hard-core” scene of upstate New York. He formed a band with his friends, which was signed to Victory Records right after graduation, launching a brief but impactful touring career. These early experiences fostered his passion for the music industry, leading him to pursue a career as an executive.

Dual Passions: Music and Aviation

Shapiro harbored a deep love for aviation, even earning his airline transport pilot rating, the highest level of certification granted by the U.S. He seamlessly blended his two passions, opening a Sound Talent Group office at a San Diego hangar and even offering flights from both San Diego and Homer, Alaska, where he and his wife owned a home. His adventurous spirit extended beyond music to activities like base-jumping.

Remembering a True Leader

Tributes poured in from musicians and industry colleagues who remembered Shapiro as a warm, genuine, and supportive individual who gave a voice to countless emerging artists. Deryck Whibley of Sum 41 shared how Shapiro’s guidance helped the band navigate a challenging period, while Dayna Ghiraldi-Travers, founder of Big Picture Media, highlighted his dedication to giving every band a chance. Nate Blasdell, former lead guitarist for I Set My Friends on Fire, expressed his heartbreak, emphasizing Shapiro’s role in shaping his music career.