The A>B>C's of an A&R...

 Who creates the buzz at writer’s rounds, concerts, showcases and clubs? The knowledge that an A&R rep is in the house!

A&R stands for Artist and Repertoire  (BizzTalk, 2009).  Someone working for a record label traditionally holds that position.  They are responsible for finding and signing new talent as well as locating songs for the talent they have signed.  Once an artist has created a “buzz” in the industry, A&R reps will go watch them perform and research their history.  If an artist is good enough to have created talk around town- the “buzz”, that means they have been seriously honing their craft and working the business consistently.

The major recording cities in the US are New York, Nashville and Los Angeles. Even in the smaller major cities across the US have branches of major labels or independent labels that employ A&R reps. 

I found out from some contacts in the industry that an education with an emphasis in business, music business, branding with a background in music is highly desired.  It is important as an A&R rep to know music history as far as knowing past artists and bands- the “ancestry”, if you will, of modern music.  They also need to be aware of the trends in their genre to better guide the artist they are working with. Because as the artist goes, so goes the label; the stronger the artist, the better revenue stream they will produce for the label. 

A&R reps tend to be very social people and love meeting the new artists and bands. Typically, they are seen at concerts, showcases, competitions, writer’s rounds, etc. scouting out new talent. 

By the way, it is not a good idea to send someone in the industry material that has not been asked for…. it will probably go in the trash!  What better position to be in than be a rep and know the new songs and artists about to break. This job is exciting, hard and rewarding all at the same time.  Next time you’re at an event, watch for the person the artist or band flocks around…that might be the A&R rep in the house.

Burton, M. (2002, February 20). Career Profile:  Artist and Repertoire  Representative - Entertainment Management Online at MSU. Entertainment Management Online at MSU. Retrieved October 7, 2011, from http://www.entertainmentmanagementonline.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2002/02/20/3c17ea272a6b9

McFarland, R. (2001, September 7). Career Profile: Artist and Repertoire Representative. Entertainment Management Online at MSU. Retrieved October 7, 2011, from www.entertainmentmanagementonline.com/vnews/display

Rhodes, C. (2009, September 16). The A&R Representative. Songwriting Tips & Tools - The Muse's Muse. Retrieved October 7, 2011, from http://www.musesmuse.com/col-bizztalk-a&r.html

Schisler, E. (2002, February 19). Career Profile: Artist and Repertoire Representative -Entertainment Management Online at MSU. Entertainment Management Online at MSU.Retrieved October 7, 2011,from http://www.entertainmentmanagementonline.com/vnews/display.v/ART/20 02/02/19/3c1150da9d86d

Networking 101...

In the typical life of any music industry professional or artist, networking is a daily routine.  There is an article by Constantine Roussos about how to network that, I believe, should be read by people new to the business or as a review.  This business is all about people, from the songwriters to the artists and the people in between. 

According to Roussos, no one is an expert in every aspect of this industry (Roussos, 2009).  Therefore, networking is fundamental in putting experts together to fill in our areas of weakness. That leaves us the opportunity to do what we do best.  It is also a business network built on mutual respect and exchange. Everyone’s time is valuable; respect that and show your appreciation for his or her time spent helping you. 

If I could list several aspects of networking, they would be:

·      Networking is built on trust and relationships,

·      Know what you are trying to accomplish,

·      Be genuine and honest,

·      When meeting someone for the first time, talk about them first,

·      Be able to clearly communicate who you are, what you represent,

·      Be good at small talk and chitchat, and

·      ALWAYS follow up with people you meet: thank them for their time, information, help, etc.  Let them know what you are doing. 

There are so many more opportunities in this industry to meet someone that can help your artist get up the ladder than say, 10 years ago.  Social media, online journalists, bloggers, chat rooms, podcasts, dj’s, and the myriad of people connected with concerts, venues and the music industry.  Everyone you come in contact with has the potential to know someone that can help.

Look at networking as similar to building with Jenga blocks.  Every person involved in an artist’s career is vital.  Remove one, and there is a danger of collapse of the infrastructure. 

Roussos, C. (2009, December 17). How to Network in the Music Industry:    Successful Business Networking Tips, Basics & Career Advice. MusicMusic.com - Constantine Roussos Blog - Music Business/Industry Articles, Marketing/Promotion Advice, DIY Tips. Retrieved October 1, 2011, from http://musicmusic.com/articles/how-to-network-in-the-music-industry-successful-business-networking-tips-basics--caree