INDEPENDENT DOESN’T MEAN ALONE

Being an independent artist means trying, failing, trying again - with no promise of it ever adding up.
The truth is that hard work doesn’t mean success for most artists - not because they’re not great, but because the system
isn’t built for them. As a result, good music is lost every day. That imbalance keeps us up at night. We started upandovr to tip the scales. Our ‘sparks’ - or creative ideas - help to supercharge your momentum where & when it matters most.
To get you up and over the hurdles along the way - not sell you the blueprints for ‘making it’ that don’t exist.

Why Philly: Well, if you know, you know. The city is packed with talent, incredible artistry, and generous community. But the infrastructure to scale it is still catching up. We’re here to contribute to culture in a way that creates real solutions to combat that challenge. To support the national recognition of the Philly music scene - one spark at a time.

What’s A ‘Spark’?
We create customized, one-of-a-kind creative ideas 
that amplify your music and help you connect with 
new audiences.
Think: live session video, unique promotional materials, 
or innovative content ideas to promote your music.
You have enough algorithm-optimized content - we’re looking to be bold and creative with our work.

Why Work With Us?
In a music industry obsessed with individualism, we believe there’s power in the collective. in coming together to help each other out and push each other forward. that’s why we’re here. to be a partner that makes it easier for philly artists to figure out their next step, build a network, create cool shit, reach more fans, and, ultimately, grow as an artist. 

we are in relentless pursuit of artist progress.

  • Nick Papa

    FOUNDER
    @knickpapa

    nick grew up in jersey and has been a philly resident for the last 8 years. he works in marketing and has a passion for performance art, comedy and pastéis de nata.

  • Leo Porth

    FOUNDING MEMBER
    @leoslashlandis

    Leo is composed of equal parts: Delco, philly, and city wides. He does social work during the day and spends the rest of his time with music, movies and books.
    He’s never felt the need to reread a Harry Potter book.

  • Dale C.W.

    HEAD OF MOVING IMAGE & STORYTELLING LEAD

    Bio in progress :)

  • Zach Grappone

    HEAD OF SOUND & SONIC IDENTITY

    Originally a New England native, Zach found is way to Philadelphia shortly after graduating college in Albany NY. Zach had visited Philadelphia several times while playing music on the road in college and after a brief stint in New York, knew that Philadelphia would make a great home as he continued to pursue producing and recording music. Zach works in several recording studios in and around the greater Philadelphia area in addition to composing and writing original music of his own. 

    Zach brings an expertise in sound recording and audio production to the upandovr team, that can be best described as scrappy and resourceful. Whether he is recording a jazz band in the middle of a park with only 4 microphones, or tracking a band’s full length album in the studio, he is capable of capturing any performance with the utmost fidelity. As a member of upandovr’s post production team Zach manages any and all audio needs for our UpNxt productions, in addition to aiding in the search for new artists to add to the upandovr roster. 

  • YOU!!!

    upandovr has become a DIY rolodex for creatives looking to expand their skills.

    If you’re interested in supporting our mission; using upandovr as a testing ground to get some creative reps in, let us know.

    No need for a resume.
    No pitch deck.
    Just tell us what you love to make.
    Or what you want to learn.
    Or who you want o build with.