A&R 101: Understanding A&R's Of Record Labels ...

  • Thread starter Thread starter H&R
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Gotta check out 'Hitmen' then...it's all about the history, past & current of how bribes (payola) have always influenced the industry. The whole biz has mob roots. Great read.

H&R said:
Jizzer - A&R's are like the bottom of the food chain at labels and their expendable so most of them are just looking out for whats in their best interest nd just trying to get ahead before the next man does. I think thats why it touched on that aspect because you have to show that you can help them as well as they are helping you.
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But...does it really make sense that they are the bottom of the food chain? In my thinking, a good A&R man should actually be good at what he does i.e. find great acts...and if that's the case, I'd bet he'd have a lot of power. I understand it's all politics for those who can't actually do what they say they can...but when I read stories like this...I'm looking for the real levers of power. To me, that's the music itself.

meaning...after years of reading things like this, articles, books etc. I believe it's actually really easy to make contacts, and to get big people to listen to your stuff. I moved to LA when I was young and made tons of contacts (really big people too), but it didn't matter because when they asked to hear a demo, I either didn't have one or it sounded like crap. I've seen TONS of music acts doing a full frontal assault on the industry..but they don't make it for the SIMPLEST of reasons...the music itself sucks.

So for me, I've been in the lab ever since and I'm glad I've chosen to focus on my product and let the rest come in time. I make music now I could not have made as a kid, and in a few months I will be making the NY & LA A&R circuit with confidence. (I'll bring some extra goodies just in case though;) lol)
 
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^^^ Yea I understand that ... But no one is really going to want to be an A&R forever. They are going to want to move up to a higher positon and have more power. A&R's are looking to use whoever they can to make themselves look good and then move up quick.

But I def. do agree though ... In the end if the music isn't hott the artist doesn't have a shot ... they'll just be wasting time, money, and effort wining and dining the A&R and end up being turned down.

Good luck as well on your trip to the NY and both A&R circuits.
 
^^Thanks H&R :cheers: and props to you for actually having a webpage that loads and plays ya music! I like your sound man.
 
H&R Respect Once again Homie, this knowledge saves cats like me $$ in the long run
 
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