Artist & Repertoire
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THE RECORD COMPANIES / A&R DEPARTMENT

Primarily there are three kinds of Record company categories, The Major, the Leading Independent and the Small Independent.

The function of each of these companies is very much the same, the difference being the comparative size in Human Resources, Financial Resources and of course the Roster of Artists.

The add on to these three categories that include the function of A&R is the Production companies, but although there are quite a few in existence, they are not as plentiful as they once were within the industry, mainly due, in most cases, to either lack of finance or limited outlet for the Recordings produced by such companies, therefore, these entities would usually become a Small Independent Label.

How do you obtain a position in A&R ?, well it’s not the easiest of departments to find a way into. The ‘Who You Know’ and Networking process is vital in determining your route and method of entry in joining this exclusive and elite entourage.

What qualifications do you need to become an A&R person? Do you need to be able to play an instrument or read music?  Should you have obtained experience as a performer or songwriter, or produced Records yourself to qualify for consideration? Of course, should you possess any one, or all of these abilities, then this would certainly be advantageous, but in truth, the answer to all of these questions is NO !.

The qualities that are required, when given the opportunity, is to demonstrate that you have incredible enthusiasm for music, that you have a good ‘ear’ to enable you to evaluate ‘live’ performances and demo’s presented to you for your consideration on behalf of the company.

In addition to all this, you will need to prove dedication and commitment, as this role within the industry is more ‘a way of life’ than simply a 9-5 job. You will not only be expected to do a days work in the office, by way of meetings with artists and management’s, but also attend many internal meetings regarding future Recording schedules, budgets and the scheduling of product, to ensure that each and every department within the company is co-ordinated for the release of all product for the artists that you are responsible for, (the list is endless and time is always at a premium ) but furthermore, you will be expected to be out virtually every night of the week at ‘Showcases’ to evaluate ‘live’ acts, in pubs or clubs in an effort to sign the ‘next big act’ and get to them before one of your competitors.

Wherever there is music playing you will be expected to visit as many venues as is humanly possible to assess the continual changing trends and public demand, even if it means travelling the country and staying out until the early hours in club after club. Does this sound good to you? Fine, but do remember that you have to be up for work the next morning! ......continued in The Essential Guide.

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