An A&R (artists and repertoire) representative is responsible for finding promising new artists for a record label or music publisher to sign.
How much do A&R reps make?
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $83,500 and as low as $17,500, the majority of Music A&R salaries currently range between $30,500 (25th percentile) to $54,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $62,500 annually across the United States.
How does A&R get paid?
It is especially important because jobs as A&R scouts are rarely advertised. A typical path to an A&R job starts with an unpaid opportunity to work as a scout. At that point, you may get expenses paid, but you won't earn a salary. Many A&R scouts promote clubs/band nights, write zines, manage bands or run small labels.
What A&R look for in artist?
A&R believe that strong songs are important but the more the better. Many A&R believe artists should have a full album of great songs. If you only have one hit, it's not enough, they say, because after it's downloaded that's it. Let's face it, all artists believe that they write hits.
What does it take to be an A&R?
However, most companies (especially the major labels) looking for someone to fill an A&R role require a person to already have some experience within the music industry, either with a music publisher, a record label, music tech, DSP or a management company.
How do A&R find artists?
A&R people prefer receiving links to social networking sites where the music is posted from bands versus MP3 files these days. These links mean there's no need to download anything. It's a quick and efficient process and way to be heard by not only the A&R departments but also various record labels.
Is it hard to be an A&R?
Getting into A&R is notoriously hard and those determined to succeed will have to show off every ounce of musical knowledge to even be awarded an interview. Although A&R reps have backgrounds in music performance, some simply have backgrounds in marketing or business whilst still retaining a thirst for good music.
What percentage does an A&R get?
However, apart from royalties, A&R still gets paid handsomely for their endeavors in finding promising talent. Record labels pay royalties mainly to artists, publishers, and music composers. Music artists can get shares of 10% to 15%, depending on the signed contract.
Do A&R get royalties?
Artist and repertoire executives find new talent to sign and receive a few percentage points off album sales in major label deals. A&R people, though, are not the only royalty earners for finding talent.