![]() ![]() ![]() For candidates who have appropriate experience, actual academic qualifications are extraneous because a proven track record counts for more than anything else. However, to begin working for a dedicated independent A&R company, it is often expected that the candidate has a wealth of music industry experience, which can only be achieved by spending a significant amount of time in another music industry role. Assist with general administration (in the case of a screener working for a major label).ĭepending on the size of the organisation, it is possible to enter this career with little or no experience.Actively search for possible signings (in the case of independent A&R companies).Discount recommended ‘hot tips’ where appropriate, after viewing an artist’s live performance.Discount unsolicited music sent to the organisation which is not appropriate or lacks potential.These are all bolt-on music-industry careers which are dependent on potential candidates being plugged into ‘the scene’. What it does offer is immediate access to music industry contacts, so it opens up a wealth of additional paid role possibilities including marketing for a recording studio, artist management, pub-level music promoting and photography. However, the salaried role is subject to considerable bonuses should any recommended act be placed on a development deal with a label. Jobs with established independent A&R firms in London tend to run to around £12,000 at entry-level, so some form of additional income would be required for the candidate to support themselves in this job in the long term. In this circumstance, it is the screener who is responsible for finding those possible future hits and super-groups.Ĭontrary to the established assumptions which come with any ‘fame and fortune’ career, the role of an A&R screener is not well remunerated. This adds huge credibility to the process of submission. This is because the A&R is trying to find the hidden gem with commercial potential, which can then be presented to an established label by the A&R firm. In the case of independent A&R companies, all submissions are listened to. In the case of these larger labels, the screener’s job is to pick out those submissions where past contact has been established and the demo is sent legitimately. By choosing to not listen to unsolicited demos, a record company theoretically alleviates itself from legal complications which may arise in the future.Ĭonsider Sony Music launching a new act with a debut single which has exactly the same chord structure as the demo an unsigned musician sent them last year: cause for a litigation attempt? Not if the company can prove it was never listened to. ![]() Record companies receive literally hundreds of unrequested demos each day. It is broadly the job of the A&R to find (or vet) new music, either by way of a desk job (incoming unsolicited receipts) or by actually venturing out to music venues to try and discover new talented acts. This is a term which will be immediately familiar to solo singers and band members. A&R scouts differ in that they will actively seek out new acts.Īny person who works in an artist and repertoire role tends to be referred to as an A&R. They may work for independent companies or for large record labels, but it is their job to listen to music in the first instance and decide if it should be recommended for further development. The artist & repertoire screener is the gatekeeper to the music industry.
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