| What Does an A&R Rep Really Want? By: Ty | | | | willing to do anything and everything to make it in the |
| Cohen So, you are looking for a killer music contract | | | | music industry and get a music contract? 7. |
| but you can’t seem to figure out what A&R | | | | Professional/Business Savvy – Does your ban |
| Reps really want. What do I have to have to get | | | | really have its stuff together? Are you professional or |
| signed to a music contract? There are unique qualities | | | | an immature group of kids who have no clue except |
| that these guys are looking for and the more of them | | | | they want a recording contract? Do you have a firm |
| you acquire the better chances of being offered | | | | understanding of the music biz or will you need your |
| recording contracts. 1.Enthusiasm/Zest for Music – It | | | | hand held? 8. Members – They may take a look at |
| isn’t hard to miss these types of people. They truly | | | | each member of the band or at the past of each |
| love what they do and there is no doubt about it. 2. | | | | artist. Are there any problem causers? Are drugs a |
| Lyrics/Songs – Are they an amazing songwriter or | | | | problem? What might prevent them from working for |
| have an amazing person writing the songs? 3. Live | | | | the music business contract? 9. Instinct of the |
| Performance – Do your shows sell-out? Does your | | | | A&R Rep – This is the most crucial part and |
| merchandise sell-out? Do your fans leave craving | | | | maybe even the most indefinable part. This has to do |
| more? Live shows are a clincher for A&R. 4. That | | | | with just good old gut instinct. Is your band really |
| true “Star Quality” – Do you or someone in | | | | worthy of recording contracts and music contracts? |
| that band just have that true unmistakable star quality | | | | Do they possess every quality my company is looking |
| or in A&R’s terms, are you marketable? 5. | | | | for? You know, it takes a lot of money to offer |
| Working as a group – Do you and your band just | | | | recording contracts and properly promote bands and |
| click, just work? Does it seem like everyone wants the | | | | artists. These guys want to get it right because that is |
| same thing? A&R is truly looking for a united | | | | their job. Try to encompass all of the above qualities |
| group mentality. 6. Hunger/Desire – Or better know | | | | and hopefully a recording contract will be right around |
| as the true unwavering desire to make it. Are they | | | | the corner for you or your band. |