A & R Coordinator

Music Industry Basics

Everyone has a basic understanding of what music is. Music is something personally defined as pleasurable to the ear and it usually tells a story in a matter of minutes. It is very enjoyable to go to a concert and make reckless decisions with friends. But have you ever thought about the multifaceted process behind all the smoke and mirrors? Believe it or not, music is more than just a stoner with a guitar who parties more than playing. It’s a complex system of different jobs- meaning not all of us get to be the rock stars.

What is A&R

Even though I’m not the one at the front of the show, my job is a vital part of getting them on the stage in the first place. An A & R Coordinator scouts out talent and acts as the middle man (or rather in this case woman) between the artist and the record label.  

A & R stands for artist and repertoire. I look for artists and help them create an album with their repertoire. This repertoire could either be the musician's music that they are currently performing or an entirely new album that is created through the record label.

Typical Day at the Office

One of the pros of my job is going to countless concerts and new venues. I love the idea of being emerged in music every day and surrounding myself with artists equally as passionate about it. I make many connections with the venue owners, corporate cats at major record labels, and performers. I love the idea of being the person that ties them together.

However, I am more than just a scout or cheerleader.

 My job also involves creating that artist's brand and there is a lot of work that follows suit after discovering them in a pub somewhere. I can't just bring them to the agency, hope they are a match made in heaven and dip out. I must do more than just bring the record label a singer, they want the total package. 

My responsibilities include:

• scout
• mediator 
• babysitter 
• marketer
• whatever other hats I need to wear

I ensure that this album gets created and its predicted sales go through the roof.

Technically, I work on behalf of the record label however it is my life on the line if the artist I choose doesn't do well. So, it is in my best interest to ensure that I pick the very best talent and be up-to-date with current music trends. I also get to cultivate a close relationship with the artist and help them make their dreams come true without getting lost in the clouds.

My Grand Finale

Of course once the album is complete I pull a Mary Poppins and move on to the next new thing. Whether I discover Adele or a small indie band a lot of my work is behind the scenes. I’m much like a mother. I pour in a lot of hard work and sleepless nights with little to no public recognition, but as long as the artist has advanced in their career and the record label is satisfied I feel accomplished.