GHAPGHARAN, PIKUS EXPERIENCE CAREER DOWNTURN

HITS has appointed Nicole Ghapgharan and Jon Pikus as Associate Editors, so, yeah, their careers are over.

The L.A.-born Ghapgharan studied classical piano and worked in recording studios, eventually becoming certified as a Pro Tools engineer. She graduated from UCLA in 2017 with an English degree; her mother, she notes, was disappointed she didn’t go to law school. Wait until she finds out where Nicole’s working.

With over 25 years of music-biz experience, Pikus is finally realizing what that buys you. He’s held A&R posts at Columbia, Interscope, Lava and MySpace Records and worked with acts including Crazy Town, The Ataris, Pennywise and Christina Milian. He was also Music Director for social app Mixer. He was a producer/engineer for L.A. bands (including Weezer) and the drummer for Campfire Girls and El Magnifico.

“Who are Nicole Ghapgharan and Jon Pikus, and why am I paying them?” asked HITS Editor in Chief Lenny Beer. “Also, isn’t it spelled ‘Pinkus?’”

Publisher Dennis Lavinthal was on vacation and unavailable for comment.