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You can thank me later for clearing up what A&R actually stands for.

This isn’t the point of this blog, though it is some of the focus. I just read an article on the Emergenza website titled “ALL THE LIES ABOUT THE MUSIC BUSINESS YOU WANT TO BELIEVE” about why going independent is the way to go and labels can go to hell BUT what really got me was the final thought. (Below).

“Look, every time I meet a musician that drools after a “high and mighty” A&R man, I laugh. These guys go around holding court and thinking that by talking a lot and seducing the bands that they have the power and finance to bring in the bands…..I ask myself: are musicians into necrophilia or are they plain ignorant?? There you have it……the answer you did not want to hear.”

My first thought is: This is way off-base, A&R people are not always men. Pshh. My second thought was how misleading and possibly detrimental to a band seeking that capacity of representation. Anyway, what really got me thinking is, though the writer didn’t intend to come from this angle, is that, though A&R folk really don’t have the power to make the final decisions they do play an important role in the process. Much like our government (US), one person doesn’t have authority, things must be decided by committee or as a group. Does this mean that A&R has no standing, not at all, they play an important role as the eyes and ears of a label, they will be the reference you need to even be considered. The Emergenza writer may be correct in frowning upon “drooling after A&R” but nonetheless they deserve to be respected, as do all potential fans of your music. The writer is also correct in saying that many A&R scouts hold it over artists heads and milk undeserved respect from many people, not all of them, but many. My buddy “Tom” is the only scout that didn’t tell me what exactly he did until I knew him for about 6 months, he said he was in marketing for Sony, which isn’t a total lie, but he understands the magnitude of his job and would rather play it safe rather than having social events ruined by everyone selling him on how awesome their brother or sister’s band is.
Anyway! The point is, no, A&R scouts do not hold all the cards, but don’t ever play “hard-to-get” with them or have an attitude like “I’ve heard it all before”. Yes, they have to bring possible talent back to the president to even be considered, but your still being talked about. AND, let’s say you are discovered by the president of a label, it’s still up to the marketing team to effectively market you to be successful —would you ever be casual with a president of a label? didn’t think so. PLUS! People move jobs all the time, and they are no different. If they really feel as though you are an upstanding artist or band they will keep you in their file until they come across a label that you might better fit with.
In my opinion, I wouldn’t ever recommend anyone disregarding or having attitude with individuals in the industry you work in, in this case music, it’s not good business. As you read in my previous blog, Chad and I always take time to hear everyone’s ideas, thoughts or concerns, no matter what our preconceived notions may be and you should too. It may take multiple people to get you signed, but it only takes a couple to derail your career. Play nice.