Director of Urban/Rhythmic A&R at Atlantic Records (WMG) -No College Degree Needed

[Desire Inspires]

Realistically, what job with responsibilities and deadlines isn't stressful? That wasn't my point, the real meat of what I said had to do with managing your own artistic endeavors with this job. It's not for the beatmaker/artist type, this job is for an executive with great people skills.

I agree.

Moat creative types do not do well in business roles. This is why they create music in the first place: to flex creative muscle.

Being an A&R does not require very much creative energy. It can be a rewarding career path, but I do not think most people here want to wear a suit and tie. They want to perform or make music for other artists.

 

[Legal Dollaz]

Mike Caren is promoting the position through his Twitter account (and getting others to pass the word) as part of a 'show out party' to the WB brass as well as the industry at-large as part of his new promotion to A&R Worldwide of all labels under the WB parent company. So yes I'm 95% sure he already made his short-list prior to the job-listing but its important in 2012 as an executive that you utilize social media to make the brass always believe you're on the cutting edge and not moving like a old-school dinosaur....even if the end results are the same as the old dinosaur


Nearly all A&R positions at major labels are filled in by the following:

1) Climb through the company ranks (internship-assistant position-coordinator position-director position-VP position)

2) Nepotism (it's not who you know, its who you blow...)

3) Identical experience (music industry is legendary for playing musical chairs)

4) Attached to proven success (ex-manager of a hot artist)


'Walk offs' are extremely rare when it comes to A&R, Project Manager and Promotion positions but are more common in Sales, Technology and Marketing.

Here goes a recent example of how positions are filled in the REAL world of the music industry:
Melissa Victor Gets VP Stripes at Island Def Jam | Billboard.biz

"Melissa Victor, Justin Bieber longtime press representative (#1), has been promoted to vice-president, media and artist relations at Island Def Jam"

"A decade ago Laura (EVP) gave me my first real chance she has since proven to be an invaluable friend (#2), mentor and inspiration"



By all means submit your resume to any and all job openings that you are interested in, the worse that can happen is you never get a call back. I'm just here to give a proper perspective on the REALITY of getting a gig in the music biz based on actually working in the major label system for many moons, not outside speculation.


Anyhow in a biz that has went from the Big 6 to the Big 3 with further consolidation happening within (remember JIVE RECORDS???) my advice is to focus on building your OWN A&R services, especially since the majors have long since abandoned the art of artist development (most A&R's nowadays are actually paperwork admins than true talent scouts/groomers) and the need for real A&R'ing is greater than ever. It's more than just looking at You Tube view numbers and # of Twitter followers....