![]() ![]() Their job is to find marketable music for the company. They are the point of contact with the label during contract negotiations. The traditional A&R is the gatekeeper of the industry for the unsigned musicians. While the traditional A&Rs worked as gatekeepers at the big recording labels, over the last few decades the trend has been more towards independent A&R. Sometimes Music Producers, Recording Studio owners, or songwriters act as A&Rs, as a natural outgrowth of their roles in creating, performing, and recording music. Aspiring A&Rs will also need to develop a large professional network, read industry periodicals, and understand the legal aspects of the Music Industry, such as contracts and contract riders. Understanding all the facets of Music and the Music Business is required, from Music Publishing to Live Concerts and Tours. Most will pursue a college degree first, whether in Music Industry or Business, and there are also internships available at a range of companies for aspiring A&Rs. Their job is to find promising new artists or acts for a record label to sign, and to work as a go-between with music companies to develop the artist’s image and music so that it appeals to the target audience.Īs the Music Industry continues to change drastically and quickly, A&R Representatives come into the business from a variety of angles. Whether you are an unsigned band looking for a label, or a musician wanting to work in A&R, it will be useful to gain an understanding of the specific roles played by A&R Reps and get to know who they are.Ī&R stands for “Artist & Repertoire” which is a traditional role in the Music Industry sometimes also called a “Talent Scout.” Most A&Rs start out as musicians, or at least have an in-depth knowledge of music trends and the Music Business. Often, signings must be approved by higher-ups in the company. Higher level managers in A&R may be tasked with making the initial contact with the artist or band, and may also be authorized to sign them to the label. Entry level reps may be responsible for initial scouting of talent and then making recommendations to music management. Many people working in A&R have backgrounds as either artists or Songwriters and have specialized knowledge and experience with artist development and the creative musical process.Ī&Rs function at different levels in a label, depending on the size of the company. You are probably working in some facet of A&R if you find yourself actively developing talent, helping them connect to their fan base, getting them signed to a label, getting their music published, finding them music placements, or engaged in similar types of activities. While not absolutely required, it is desirable to have at least some background and direct experience in music in order to understand the artistic process and the business of music. ![]() Most A&R Reps step into the role as musicians. There are just fewer of them since fewer acts are being signed. The major labels have retained their A&R departments, though in a diminished role, and rely on the services of talented A&R Reps. At the same time, the traditional A&R model still exists. The line has become blurred between A&R, live and studio production, management, artist development, publishing, and music marketing. ![]() Since the major labels aren’t signing as many artists as they used to, many A&R Reps tend to work independently, partnering with artists, bands, and smaller labels to identify and sign talent, develop and refine their music, and market directly to their fans. While the old-school model of A&R Reps matching artists with songs and labels has largely disappeared, there are still relevant roles in the modern music industry for A&R Reps. However, A&R in today’s music industry comprises a broader scope of activities than it used to. With the ability of musicians to connect directly with fans via the web, A&R’s role has diminished from its heyday. They might also manage bands, promote clubs, or run small record labels. While A&R jobs do still exist, the modern A&R Representative does not necessarily work exclusively for the record company. A&R stands for “Artist & Repertoire” and was originally a role within record labels tasked with identifying, attracting and developing the talent for the record companies.Ī&R roles have evolved as the music industry has changed drastically since the adoption of the internet, file sharing, and streaming services. ![]()
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