A&R
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, A&R reps would scout bands and artists in person at gigs and industry festivals. However, now more than ever, artists are discovered through eye-catching social media strategies and internet sources – especially platforms that lend themselves to music like Spotify and TikTok. So, it’s super important for artists to work on their social media presence and self-promote if they want to get noticed by A&R reps.
Artist Management
Artist Managers are responsible for taking many of the tasks off the plate of their clients, leaving them more time to rehearse and create music. Managing an artist requires a person who can work with their client and devise a strategy to steer them in the right direction.
Managers are also great at building relationships with tastemakers and decision makers. They often take over the role of introducing their client to journalists and media representatives.
Label Management
A Label Manager is a high level project manager who oversees the day to day running of a record label. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks from the artists and repertoire through to the marketing/ promotion and distribution.
While this role has a jack of all trades nature, many aspiring label managers start in entry-level positions (like those in the A&R or marketing departments). They can then begin to acquire skills linked to specific areas and move up the career ladder.
PR
If you have a passion for music and are interested in the marketing aspect of this industry, PR may be a good career choice. Getting started in this field with a degree in communications, advertising, or public relations can help you build your resume and gain entry into a job.
Publicists work with journalists, bloggers, and social media influencers to promote their clients. They often create large-scale media campaigns for their artists or record labels, which can include press releases and interviews.