A&R AND WHAT THEY DO!
A&R stands for Artists & Repertoire. The main function of a record label A&R is to help artists creatively while helping the record company financially by signing hit acts and developing them. A&R are usually music industry professionals that are hired to oversee the entire recording process, which includes finding the right songs for their artist, and working with music producers handling the recording budget etc. Since there is a high rate of failure in the music industry A&R people try to sign artists or bands that are already somewhat established. Label A&R must stay on top of current music industry trends in order to create acts that will do well for the record labels that employs them, with each signing of an artist there job may be on the line. These days record companies spend less time developing acts, they are looking for artists that are already polished and ready to go. It is always a great idea to do as much as you can on your own. Some bands or artist didn’t really have to look for a record deal the deal came looking for them. They became a local hit & sold a good amount of CDs on their own (Sound Scan Numbers) next thing you know a major record labels wanted to sign them. Through this process artist and bands have more power to negotiate. Bottom line numbers talk!!!!