A@Rs THE BEGINNING OF THE END
YESTERDAYS BLOG ABOUT R&B HAS SPARKED A LOT OF QUESTIONS. BEFORE I POSTED THAT I WAS TALKING TO PEOPLE ON MY TWITTER ABOUT THE A&Rs AND HOW I FEEL YOU’VE SEEN THE LAST OF THEM. ONE OF MY MAIN REASONS FOR SAYING THIS IS BECAUSE THE BOSSES THAT RUN THESE COMPANIES ARE STARTING TO LOOK MORE AND MORE LIKE MORONS BECAUSE THERE A&Rs ARE NOT SIGNING STARS. SECONDLY A&Rs OF TODAY TO ME ARE MORE LIKE BABYSITTERS THAN VISIONARIES AND A BUNCH OF NIGGAS JUST STEALING MONEY. SO AS BUDGETS GET CUT AND JOBS GET ELIMINATED I SEE THIS AS THE NEXT ONE TO GO. I ASKED A GIRL ON TWITTER WHAT SHE THOUGHT THE POSITION ENTAILED AND SHE SAID SOMEBODY THAT’S OVER THE ARTIST PROJECT HMMMM I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE JOB THINK THIS. NEXT SOMEBODY ASKED ME IF THE A&Rs ARE ELIMINATED WHO’S GONNA DO IT AND I REPLIED THE BOSSES, THE WAY IT WAS WHEN THE BUSINESS WASN’T IN THE TOILET AND IF THEY DON’T THEY SHOULD BE FIRED. I WAS READING THE COMMENTS AND I SAW WHERE SPOCK SAID THAT I WAS RIGHT ABOUT THE STATE OF R&B BUT WAS I THE PERSON TO REALLY CHANGE IT SINCE I PASSED ON SIGNING LUDACRIS. I NEVER SAID I WAS HERE TO CHANGE THE PROBLEMS IN R&B I WAS JUS SPEAKING MY MIND. NOW MY QUESTION TO SPOCK IS WHAT CURRENT PRODUCER HAS FOUND AND PUT OUT MORE SUCCESSFUL ARTIST THAN ME? KEY WORD “FOUND” THAT’S THE JOB OF A A&R . FIND IT, UNDERSTAND IT, HELP DEVELOP IT, TAKE IT TO THE LABEL WITH A PLAN. THE LABEL IS THEN SUPPOSE TO FOLLOW AND PUT THAT PLAN IN EFFECT.
CAN YOU LEARN TO BE A GREAT A&R ? THAT I DON’T KNOW, I BELIEVE ITS A GIFT. YOU HAVE TO HAVE A EAR, YOU HAVE TO HAVE AN EYE, YOU HAVE TO BE A CHANCE TAKER ECT…………..LIFERS WHAT DO YOU THINK ?
JD, personally I feel to be great at anything there has to be some sort of gift, talent, blessing from God to do it. And when you tap into those things with the energy and hunger and drive to get whatever needs to be done to use that gift to its fullest potential, then you become great. ANd apparently alot of A&Rs don’t have that gift or don’t use it to their fullest potential.
Alot of the problem is that people have become lazy, settling for average, that good enough is fine. Excellence has been lost and it is seen everywhere, but especially on our music. And as consumers we are handed anything and have been accepting anything instead of pushing back and saying “stop handing me garbage.” We just take the status quo if you will.
Until people stop settling and buying garbage, we will get garbage. I am excited about Bow Wow’s album, because from the songs I have heard he is offering something different. That’s what I want different, something that makes my ears perk up and say yeah I like that. If this is the A&R’s job to bring to the table for the consumer, they have failed miserably. And those who are in charge, will only feel it when it starts touching the bottom line. When we as the consumers put up numbers for quality, originality, excellence and the other status quo albums fail to chart, only then will they get the message.
Unfortunately to many people are …..lazy and accept anything. It is a visious Cycle.
I love music wish the artist did
Today its seems its more about fame instead of good music
JD I think u need a bigger desk
Find me. A new whitney beautiful and you’d be rich
Someone who actually likes to sing a star
Music is beautiful Luther DEION wealthy why because they liked MUSIC
Find someone with serious swagger a brain who Likes Music and maybe your on to something
I still listen to toni whit are there any new people like them I wish
I do agree that you have to have an eye and a gift to be a true a&r. As the climate sits as it is and labels cut more jobs, I believe it will take independent visionaries who are truly passionate about the music and the possibilities of impacting people to be the next great a&r’s and executives. Somebody who just out of pure passion puts in the time, effort, and even money to help get artists that they believe in in areas and forums to progress and project that talent. That’s what I feel my calling is to this day. My dream job used to be an a&r position and due to my own choices and the way the business has gone that has not occurred so I am having to work in other ways to ensure that my dreams and goals are accomplished therefore developing relationships w/ various entities in the business, especially in my city, cultivating talent that I believe in and working to get it to the next level. The cream always rises to the top and my faith tells me that true art will one day be appreciated either now or later. I’m patient enough to wait for the later and those others that are patient will see the rewards of true talent.
I feel you on your lastest post on the A&R position. I do think that they arent too many good A&R, but I think that the younger ppl have a better vision along with a more creative outlook on the industry. But the industry is fucked up anyway. Its full of copy machines. There’s No Innovation, and when someone finally come with some everyone jacks it and its no long innovative. Being a A&R is a gift and you have to make the right moves
I don’t think A&R’s understand their job. And I think are scared to do it. I had the same understanding that A&R’s go find artist and develop them. They aren’t managers or producers or ceo’s. Some can do many jobs. I think a manager should moreso “babysit”. A&R’s jobs shouldn’t be about supervising an artist’s career , but taking part in develoment. The lack of artist development out now is proof that A&R’s are failing. Look at what you’re doing with Dondria for example. You saw her youtube and began to work with her music and image wise. You take around the biz. And this week she’ll be opening at Bow Wow’s release show. To me she IS being developed. It’s what’s going to seperate her from the Tearria Marie’s they throw at us with no originality or spark. I’m happy Dondria isn’t being rushed. You don’t want her to be Monica or Aaliyah or someone you want to introduce Dondria. That’s what it’s about to me , a proper introduction. That’s why Bow Wow will have 7 albums. He’s not the only cute rapper, his fans aren’t just teens, he has a demographic he applies to and artists don’t understand their demographic. Soulja Boy should’ve had a nick show or a spot on Disney but he rushed past that and now he doesn’t sale. Record Labels have to know what A&R’s they can work with them that will work.
BECAUSE U HAVE MADE IT CLEAR WHAT AN A&R JOB IS…I WOULD SAY THAT IT’S SOMETHING THAT YOU HAVE TO HAVE IN U! THE GIFT BEING FINDING THE ARTIST, AND SEEING THE VISION FOR THEM, WITH THE KNOW HOW TO DEVELOP IT. WHEN THE “BOSS” HIRES THE A&R GUY/GIRL, THEY SHOULD HAVE TRUST IN THE MONEY THEY ARE SPENDING THAT THE PERSON CAN GET THE JOB DONE. JD I DON’T KNOW ANYONE WHO HAS FOUND MORE THAN YOU…BUT I LIKE HOW JAY TOOK RIHANNA AND BLOWED HER UP WITH A GREAT VISION…CIARA HAD THAT SAME THING (NOT SURE WHO FOUND HER) BUT SHE SEEMS TO HAVE GOTTEN AWAY FROM THE ORIGINAL VISION…THE LABEL EXECS HAVE IN MY OPINION JUST FOLLOWED THE TRENDS INSTEAD OF ALLOWING R B ARTISTS TO DO THEIR THING.
I also think that the reason people are failing at being A&R’s is being 1 they dont understand the full position, and because they really dont want the position, they just use it to put themselves in a better position. Like Myself, my dream is to become the top A&R in the country, so my passion for the position for excess the rest and it will show in my work and products.
That is true. BUT there are Still people out here who also have the “EAR” (I know you didn’t say there wasn’t) But you are right but instead of hiring just anyone to become an A&R it’s the “BOSS” job to chose the right people. A Artist & Repertoire are there for scouting AND DEVELOPING artist. I have wanted to do this since I was young. While others wanted to become singers, I was always the type to stay behind the scene, and is also a big part of the artist. You (JD), Clive Davis, And randy Jackson, and Diddy are the 4 I most respect. YES to me you and Diddy are a&r’s (and damn good ones) I WILL be an A&R one day, I have a passion for music, I have the drive and the heart AS WELL as the ability to chose the right artist. Being an A&R is also a sales job. You cant just find a good singer and think that he, she, or the group will be the next big thing. Because what you think is just the first step right? You have to get to know the artist (Most A&R’s out here don’t know shit. And will probably last all but a year) It’s not all about YOU. You have to make $$$ for the label searching for the talent, after, you need to SELL / convince the BOSS to sign them. You have no signing power until you build clout with the label. There is also some places (Labels) Who already want to see Artist with $$$ or a budget in mind. There’s so much more than to find a good singer. This is my Passion and I will damn sure do what I have to do to fight for my dream job! (You would have never guessed that I am 20 huh???) Lol Thank you for your time!!!
Live it up!!!
Aye JD you are right on it big homie. From the outside looking in at todays music biz, it appears that the A&R position is question. All that u stated is exact. Better yet you didn’t mention the shift in technological advances. MySpace is the A&R of today hands down. That machine has greatly helped labels discover new hot talent versus the human condition of A&Rs beating their feet on the ground and “finding” talent and nurturing that talent. Welcome to the digital age bruh! The A&R of yesterday is obsolete. Just as you stated, label owners will be forced to play that role. On the artist side, Myspace as benefited their growth and development (views and listens). If your hot the number will prove it, I not then keep working on it till u get it. I hope this adds to what u have posted in regards to the state & fate of the A&R of today! Good shit mayne!
http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Survival-Guide-Music-Industry/dp/1580650481/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1215924955&sr=8-1
The Ultimate Survival Guide to the New Music Industry by Justin Goldberg – CRUCIAL book, check it out!
You don’t need to read this, but others do.
I like Bow Weezys singles too I was alittle impressed with him carrying video in front oof a bus that’s what’s up.
Ii like love songs and I love vocals and beauty is a pluss
Entertainers just aren’t stars anymore.
A star is a rare jewel. Brought to the forefront not just anybody (american idol)
Find us a star who’s humble yet strong beautiful and gifted and you might set the standard up again
I totally agree with what you’re saying. When I was around 14 years old I was introduced into the music industry doing Marketing/ Promotions. But before then I believe I always had an ear for music. Just from hearing songs on the radio I knew which ones would last on top and which ones would flop. It happened like that at the record label also. I would hear albums before they were reeleased or before singles were chosen and I just knew which woulld work as singles. And guess what, those were the singles. After being in the industry for about a year I wanted to intern in the A&R department. I hooked up with MempHitz at Arista and he let me hang around him a little. I picked up a few things being around him. But he did tell me one thing that being an A&R was a hard job let alone being that I was a female. He told me exactly what JD said u have to have the ear and the eye for it. I think he told me there was only 1 female A&R in the music industry. Which put a lot of pressure on me. I also remember sitting in your office and Eddie bringing in a demo he got from someone outside and playing it. As soon as it started I just shook my head. Eddie asked what I thought about it and I told him the honest truth. He was surprised and told me I should look into the A&R deparment. He told me I deff have an ear for music because he was thinking the same thing. As far as the EYE I don’t think I master at that. That’s why I chose to stay in the Marketing department =) but if I could intern for an A&R. I would, I love listening to new songs, all different genres, especially hit songs.
Damn JD, u killin me! My DREAM is to be an A&R. But I do see what you’re saying. I think too what you have is a lot of people that aren’t really “musically inclined” in these positions. They’ve never taken any music classes, never played an instrument and don’t truly understand what “good” music is. I hope the A&R position doesn’t die, but If so I’ll find other ways to make my mark in the Industry!
Great explanation on this because I knew someone who was in A&R way back in the day and it seems as though things have changed and not in a good way. By the way I have to say my friend and I got into a heated debate a few weeks ago because he tried to tell me that Timbaland was the geatest producer of our time, WTF, that don’t even make sense. I personally think you are the best and not because I am a fan but because I can’t find anyone who has done music in my generation that has more accomplishments than you, for that matter I can’t find anyone who is our age and has been around as long as you. Can you think of anyone so my friend and I can settle this debate once and for all?????
I’m sure a lot of people have been wondering (or I have) , what’s “Global 14″…
2
It comes down to either you got it or you don’t. Not everyone has the god given talent to pick stars.
I completely agree and see what your sayng. BUT my goal, actually DREAM IS to be an a&R so to hear this is kind of disheartning now im like should i continue to pursue something that might not even be relevant in 5 years. And im only 20 now. But i do belive i have that ear, that gift, and i actually think alot of the music out prolly 80% of it is gargabe. maybe swag surfin makes the club knock.And so does Mims and all these other cuts but i mean i really do love music and rhymes and lyrics and thats been lost along with like you said R&B. male R&B is prolly my favortie genre of music and i always tell people im gnna be the one to get the state of music BACK. because i do eliminate the bullshit i hear and co-sign artists who have talent and can really sing. I feel like A&Rs dont care now and thats why Music is where its at. Its to commerical and alot of A&Rs go for an artist with a dance and no talent because they know the bosses of the label their wrking at are going to co-sign along with them bec ause the main thing motivating e veryone in the industry is money. You have to find A&Rs who are in it for the LOVE of music and love of pure talent. Of course this is how they are making their living so the succumb to the sterotypes and dont eliminate the shit they hear. A&Rs just need to have that ear and stay true to what made them fall in love music in the first place. Becauuse Crank that and corny rhymes def didnt.
I believe it is a gift… Not everyone in the world can do it… I don’t think it is something that can be taught or learned… I think JD is making a change by just putting these types of taughts in peoples minds… I really think JD is trying to spark everyone attention and focus more on what music is and what it all about…
A & R , Promotions Departments, Marketing Departments & Artist Development really do not exist in the industry right now. We live in a microwave age when it comes to music, everyone wants that instant hit. If the 1st single doesn’t bump you probaly will never hear another. If it doesn’t hit the A&R job is at risk and they are afraid to try something new again, so they they go to the same producer that made something hot for someone else and try and recycle it for another artist and pray for a hit. If it works they ride that one artist until they fall off, and then look for another one.
Most of A & R time is spent in the club flossin like they are stars , renting luxury cars and talking ish. When do they work, what artist are you going to find at someone elses album release party or platinum party. They lack vision & an eye/ear for talent.
Artist must learn to invest in themselves and promote themselves. The labels will not do it.
I believe the A&R has to have the qualities you listed, along with the proper backing by the label. Time must be given for the A&R person to look for talent. Talent can be found all over the world. I believe that there is presure for the A&R person to produce talent like they have an assembly line. I, as a consumer, am turned off when there are only one or two great songs on a cd. I don’t have the patience to purchase the sophomore cd, because handlers are saying that it’s better than the first.
I have to agree with you Jermaine.
I have wanted to be an A&R since i was in school and i have been very disappointed with the way the record industry has changed.
Alot of A&R’s today are failing in there job because they do not want to take risks and be different. I say this because now the whole music industry is based on image. Back in the 90′s A&R’s did not worry that much about size or skin tone. Look at all the real singers Kelly Price, Faith Evans, Lil Mo, Ronald Isley and so on. They all had REAL talent, now and days the majority of the artists that record labels sign are usually under size 10 and of light complexion in all honesty.
The industries main focus aint really to make GREAT music anymore. There main issue is selling the image. Take Rihanna for a perfect example. Not to be rude but when Rih came out she did not have the best voice in fact i do not classify her, ciara or even Beyonce for that fact as RnB. I dont think record lables even know the true meaning behind the genre RnB.
There too busy trying to make one hit single instead of a fantastic album. They just wanna make quick money off an artist and move along, they dont wanna spend quality time. Before we were making hits to prove that we are worth being listened to. But now that we have that podium we put out a whole leap of nonsance and lose are roots. This is not just in RnB but also in Hip Hop aswell. Artists like Muddy waters, count beasily, Bob Marley, Luis armstrong, Ray Charles, James Brown and so many more tried so hard to get there music out there for people to hear and then we insult them by throwing junk that were supposed to call music out there. A&Rs need to take risks they need to think differently and be different not all follow fashion. When Def Jam signed The Beastie Boys they took a risk amongs the black community. A&R’s need to be more realistic, in there choice of artists.
People like to have similarities with artists they wanna feel that they can relate to them. When Kelly Price was singing about her friend and her husband people felt the realness and emotion, when Mary was looking for a real love alot of ladies were to. But now you have artist like Rihanna singing about Taking a bow and Teyana Taylor singing about people Googling her and Ciara telling boys to feel on her A . The music industy on a whole is on the downfall because everyone within the business is too busy thinking about what the other person thinks and not wanting to be different.
Im gonna stop myself there or i will go on forever.
You can Learn to be a good A&R the key word is GOOD, but I think to be a great A&R you have to that it, most of these A&R’S
these days are just being given jobs cause their mans’ is somebody! That is totally bullshit, most of these niggaz don’t know jack shit about music! Most of these niggaz are just fuckn’ YES men! You was dead on when you said niggaz need to get a TYRONE! A nigga who is going to give you his honest opinion on the subject @ hand! The state of music right now is horrible especially in R&B. You have certain artist putting out as I say, ” A DRY FUCK ALBUM”! Back in the day you use to have an album
that went from dinner to a lil foreplay then to the bedroom, now you meet the muthafucka and head straight to the room! That’s not HOT. That is not what R&B is all about! But it all comes back to the A&R, they are all following each other around, who is going to be the person to change it, NO CHANCE TAKERS! Niaggaz are scared! Man I really cannot think of anybody that has put out more hot albums than urself and that is still a major figure in the game!
i agree… an a&r has a very important job. u gotta know good music when u hear it. u gotta know whats marketable and whats not. and they must not only know good music, but they must also have the ability to make that artist/group marketable.
wat up jd! i think that your statement about a&r not doing their jobs is rite. I think that it takes A special ear in talent to discover new talent specifically a person who could potentially b a “STAR”. There are a lot of talented people n the world but a “Star” is something that CAN NOT be easliy created. True stars take time n molding. Jus like back in Motown days they put there artist through boot camp taking those individuals talents n molding/prefecting them so that when the hit the massess they will be able to suceed. It seems 2 me that A&R are lacking creativiity. Instead of trying to find the nxt Michael Jackson,Usher, Janet, Britney they need to focus on finding artist that they created a new lane with.. . AS u said JD we need people to take more chances. I also think that A&R lack the “Passion” but I also do not think it is just A&R it is the Music Bizness as a whole. Stop putting out products only 2 recvd temporay gain but not long term success.
I think the whole industry need to be restructed. And 2 answer ur question. I think that u have been sucessful as a producer n finding new talent n bringing them 2 the fore front. Personally i think u r n a category all by ur self. I hate to compare people becuz everybody brings somethin diff 2 the table. But as far as the A&R part u are the ONLY producer that I can recall to be so involved in ur artist from there songs, to the clothes. videos, to promotions etc.
All this talk about r&b being dead, I just heard a leaked song off of Mario’s album called “Afriad To Cry(Hardest Moment)”. Everyone needs to check it out. He definately changed it up on this one.
I totally agree JD. I did a video blog about this subject about a month ago on facebook ask B.Cox to show you if you haven’t seen it already. Guys like L.A., Jimmy Iovine, Kevin Liles and Andre’ Harrell were in place in my beginnings. Then You, Diddy, Dallas and Dr Dre were next and you guys did just as well but the ball was dropped when it came for the next generation behind you cause most of this class of A&R’s ARE NOT MUSIC MEN OR WOMEN. They don’t produce, they never were in a group, wrote a song or know where middle C is on the Piano so their ears are in effect DEAF. This new generation Put’s the budget in their pocket (Shady!) and picks up Billboard and looks at the top 10 and places every new artist with whoever is there. WRONG. Chemistry is a forgotten art. Like the Chemistry that You and Usher have. Or Quincy and Michael, Brandy and Rodney, Timbaland, Missy and Aaliyah, Dr. Dre and Snoop so on and so on… That’s where the game needs to go back to. RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB and not all this chart watchin. Check my Video blogs out on facebook if you have time. We need new stars in the game. I’m on the job. It’s comin from my end I promise.
You are SO Right…..I was JUST saying this to myself the other day. It was actually sparked by the New Keri Hilson album that just dropped. As i scanned through I listened to the album I came to the conclusion that: 1. “I love this album” & 2. It was horribly A&R’d……Wrong selection of production for the album, the sequence of songs is completely wrong and throw’s off the vibe, and I belive Keri could have been developed into a better artist because aside from the singles she’s releasing I really don’t see much there…….As I put the whole R&B game into perspective I noticed alot of the same……There are no STARS coming into the game, like of Aaliyah caliber. Girls wanted to BE Aaliyah, there’s nobody coming in that makes people feel like this person represents them Or Speaks to them, especially Male R&B artist; And I blame it all on A&R’s……I Like what a couple guys are doing, like Lloyd, Dream etc……
I believe it’s sad for the music biz. The artist that are being put out now aren’t making any changes in music anymore to me. We have too many ppl remaking the same few years of songs on all their CDs. It kind doesn’t help alot of listeners arent ready for change. You know everyone want to sell drug andxpimp bitches like they grandfather. So a&r’s now daysxmight have trouble with new artist. Either they repeats or they not good for change. I guess nobody listen to the message of Obama tell for change. Maybe I need a job as a A&R cuz I can kill some of these bs artist. Or make them focus on the real.
“There’s a lot to be said for not saying anytng”…so with that being said…
Music flat out sux now! Ugh! Its quite sickenin. Clearly those folx or A&R people are doing whateva. Meanin whateva pays the bills or fills the qwota is ok with them. What’s even worse is tha fact that its being purchased by the consumers across the world. Ugh! I very rarely listen to the. Radio anymore. Its just pathetic now. JD if u put out mess that makes me cringe or my ears scream, I’m sndn u a virus to ur cmpter! LOL! Jd for the most part uve been pretty cool with it. But what da hell happend to Xsxape and JE!? Get it 2getha. Those are the ones I miss.
in a nut shell…i sed this on my twitter page…the music business is doomed if it carries on like this…this new artists need to go on some sort of musical boot camp…
as for the A&R pple now…looks like they are clueless…it used to be about originality…ZHANE, KRISS KROSS, TONY TONI TONE(WHICHEVER ORDER), SWV, KEITH SWEAT…i could go on and on…now..if it looks like wat is on tv…fine…they r not chance takers but followers of mainstream bullshit that is killing the music industry…all these label bosses need to get off their asses- go in da street n look at these acts…ther r so many original, genuine artists out there who love wat they do n these old fools put their egos, greed and eventual jealousy towards others who bring the real deal to the table.
BASICALLY…EVERYONE NEEDS TO WAKE THE FUCK UP! STOP BEING SOMEONE ELSE N JUST DO YOU…THE PROBLEM IS BEING A COPYCAT! STOP IMMITATING AND DO YOU…IF U CANT GET OUT N MAKE WAY FOR THOSE WHO CAN.
i sed this on my twitter page…the music business is doomed if it carries on like this…this new artists need to go on some sort of musical boot camp…
as for the A&R pple now…looks like they are clueless…it used to be about originality…ZHANE, KRISS KROSS, TONY TONI TONE(WHICHEVER ORDER), SWV, KEITH SWEAT…i could go on and on…now..if it looks like wat is on tv…fine…they r not chance takers but followers of mainstream bullshit that is killing the music industry…all these label bosses need to get off their asses- go in da street n look at these acts…ther r so many original, genuine artists out there who love wat they do n these old fools put their egos, greed and eventual jealousy towards others who bring the real deal to the table.
BASICALLY…EVERYONE NEEDS TO WAKE THE FUCK UP! STOP BEING SOMEONE ELSE N JUST DO YOU…THE PROBLEM IS BEING A COPYCAT! STOP IMMITATING AND DO YOU…IF U CANT GET OUT N MAKE WAY FOR THOSE WHO CAN.
I don’t think it can fully be blamed on A&R’s. At the end of the day it’s the CEO’s that are the people saying find me the next (fill in the blank). If all they are put to task to do is mold somebody into a newer version of an older artist, then there is not much developement in that………..It doesn’t take much effort or time to get an artist to mimick another but with a twist.
At some point in time it became too easy to follow a certain formula that worked instead of trying to get artists to be ORIGINAL. The sad thing is that, the younger generation that controls the demographic that record companies try to reach don’t understand their music history enough to know that for the most part they are gettin recycled shit. You take artists like Ne-Yo (& I take nothing away from his talent, he does his thing!) and all I see is a NEW MILLENIUM MICHAEL. I understand that Mike’s a major influence for him but where were the people to tell him “It’s cool to a certain extent but at some point u gotta be U, not Michael part II”. Because it sells, people at his label let him continue to do it.
I want some originals back in music, but if Record label CEO’s, etc… ain’t gonna pay for it then A&R’s ain’t gonna try and then the artists damn sure ain’t gonna try either.
You make a great point on what an A&R is. But sometimes the A&R does take the vision to the boss and sometimes the boss passes on that artist. Look at what happen to Alicia Keys when steve stoute passed on her. Oh to answer your second Question JD. I would say DAME DASH is second behind you with bringing up other artist. He had the ROC going crazy for a min. He had Beains, Kayne, the whole State Property at one time. I mean hes the one that really got Camron and DIPSET popping Oh Yea don’t forget about Puffy or Diddy he was an A&R at first at Uptown records. Look at what he brought to the game.. Before the artist can even get to the A&R that A&R wants a check before they take a chance on that new up and coming artist
I dont think you are wrong for not signing Ludacris. If i remember correctly, Diddy passed on Luda as well, and I look as Diddy as your equal in this industry. Luda is a GREAT rapper, but at the time when he came out he was sooo different that people prolly didnt know what to do with him. Kinda like Jay-Z’s situation earlier on. Point blank, it wasnt meant to be. Honestly, I wanted to be an A&R before I read your last blog. If there is a possibility of that job being eliminated I might just stick to radio and rapping.lol. I think to be an A&R you must have a GREAT EAR and be a risk taker. Real rocogize real, just like game can peep game. An A&R should know what to do with a great artist when they hear em and help em get to the next level.
PHX
Damn there is allot of comments…I would sit thru here and read them and say what I thought but I’m just going to keep it short… We need more multi-tasking artist like > You, JD Kanye West, Ryan Leslie, Colin Monroe, N.E.R.D ect. Basically people who make their own music with an understanding of what there doing. Cuz the work you put into a record shows on a recored. And Yes A&R’s can be somewhat useless.
You can not learn to be a great A&R. It is a talent and that’s why music sucks because we don’t have gifted A&R execs anymore. It’s all about how much money they can get PERIOD. Which is why you have a lot of shitty ass artist out. The music industry is crooked. Now don’t get my wrong it always has been a little crooked but at least back in the day the music came before the money. People worried about the music first and as a result of GREAT music being made GREAT MONEY was made. Now the industry has forgotten the music and is all about the MONEY. I personally don’t think a lot of these execs want icons and legends, they just want a return and fast. Which is why artist today can be here today gone tomorrow and the artist that are still around (beyonce, britney) doesn’t mean that they are really talented it just means their background team knows how to make shit look like gravy and keep them relevant. That’s why Beyonce won’t disapear, it’s not because she’s a hard worker if she leaves the game her ass would be forgotten too, she knows she’s not that hot to leave the game for a couple of years and come back. her career would be over.
Stick your A&R’s on LeVar Thomas @ http://www.singersroom.com/media/audio-track-1497.asp
Alot of people have lost their true vission…Its a gift but at the same time gifts can get cloudy like everything else if you don’t exercise them… The vision people are seeing now is MONEY…When you strip away everything an artist is today all you are gonna see on the floor is what was paid for to look authentic…Its all cookie cutter stuff these days…No innovators…Take the vocoder…Why did EVERBODY and their mother have to do it…Labels go any way the wind blows, They do not want to be the air…People are satisfied with being a thermometer and not a thermostat…I wish someone would give me and A&R position and let me do the things that they are really supposed to do…Before I even knew what an A&R did I knew I had it in me to do it…Just like an artist, without the proper care and nuturing we get dull and gullible so we settle for quick money instead of waiting for hard work to pay off…This microwave age SUCKS…The Labels are so thirsty that they sacrifice quality and newness for trying to make what the next man did better…From a listeners point of view its sad becasue we can only listen to what they put out…We are inundated with the garbage that we actually begin to tolerate it….and it is so catchy and were so used to the same old two step we fall right back into their trap…*tangent ended* lol
yea…u can’t learn stuff like that….having a gud ear 4 music n talent is a gift not a school lesson…thats why we have so many of the talentless artists that we have today..its no longer about the music, but the paycheck…
First of all I believe the music industry is all about who you know instead of what you know…there are a lot of friends or buddies looking out for each other which can sometimes cause a HUGE problem…people are biased they like everything that the artist put’s out because it’s their boy or homegirl and so it’s not real or genuine … Nothing against men but it’s also a very male driven industry and I belive we need more woman to balance out some of the TESTOSTERONE & EGO’S….I think MONEY has caused a lot of the issues because labels seem to just want a hit & the one-hit wonders are here today and forgotten tomorrow….a truly successful A&R should be able to find a DIAMOND in a sea of CZ’s!!!
Thank you for your honesty
“CAN YOU LEARN TO BE A GREAT A&R ? THAT I DON’T KNOW, I BELIEVE ITS A GIFT. YOU HAVE TO HAVE A EAR, YOU HAVE TO HAVE AN EYE, YOU HAVE TO BE A CHANCE TAKER ECT”
Exactly!
People know when an artist is authentic and not an android or carbon copy. However, there are artists out there who are great and deserve the recognition for their craft, but the spotlight is not on them often.
I often hear on American Idol when a contestant is critiqued, you hear the word ‘commercialized’. Does that mean as long as you look marketable (though you have marginal talent), you can make it in the industry?
I read sometime in the beginning of February that LA Reid hired 7 new A&R’s and all were men. Talk about a lack of perspective (intensely rolling eyes) and may I add there is rarely any Black A&R’s in the Pop/Rock
Now you ask can someone learn to be an A&R – No. I believe in order to be an A&R one must be an open-minded individual with a good ear for music. That’s the problem! This is why the music industry is not how it once was! A&R’s are manufacturing these generic “artists” to appeal to the public. As I said above there is a lack of perspective if there’s only men A&R’s! There’s a lack of perceptive if there’s only Caucasian A&R’s in Pop/Rock. There’s a lack of perceptive.
There should be ethnic diversity and gender diversity. Music is a universal language and in order to have MUSIC we must have people of different cultures, races and religions join to do such. Also A&R executives tend to sign new artists that fit into recent trends and who resemble acts that are currently successful. What about breaking the mold? Whatever happened to that? Music is art afterall…
I feel the same way about the whole a&r situation jd its like, now they are just looking for the quick buck, and not into it because of that passion, or feeling that you ceo, and a&rs get when you know you found a new entertainer and they can really make a future, for themselves, and what ever company. Like you bow wows and your beyonces, and ciaras, they all where discovered and are big and getting bigger by the day.I wish I had the chance to be in that position to work for a record company and get artist discovered and recognized. GODSONSALO, SIGNING OUT STLOUIS, MO DERRTY
Interesting. One thing that happened was jodeci became successful at a time when the male quartets that were poppin was boyz to men and color me badd. There were others like UNV, 2 the extreme, etc. Yet, jodeci became the exception. Trendsetters if u will. And we can never blame a trendsetter. We frown at the followers. And to add insult, the industry doesn’t make a move until sumpn new surfaces. So no A&R takes chances becuz they are always on pins n needles wit there jobs. So they only sign what works. So as soon as jodeci popped off…..they went and found their version of that.
And also
Monkey Sea, Monkey Dew
What is the exact job description of an A&R? It’s defined as artist and repetoire, yet that doesn’t quite explain in full detail. Ironically, the description would change depending upon the project and the task. Anyway, an A&R is allegedly responsible for seeking new talent for the record label. They also baby sit whatever project they are currently assigned to. They may gather talent to do work on the project. This may include producers, writers, instrumentalists, engineers, studios, etc.
It is actually a job that seems temporary because A&R’s constantly get moved around from label to label. So at any given moment, they may be replaced or even plain ole booted. Hence, they’re usually on pins and needles concerning their jobs. So what ends up happening in most cases, is that A&R’s go with what’s working. You can’t really blame them.
One reason why everything seems to be repetitive as far as creativity is concerned, is that no one desires to push the envelope. When Mary J. Blige’s debut exploded on the scene in 1992, every single company tried to recreate her with their tailor-made version of her. A female singing R&B with edgy, melodic Hip-Hop music behind her. It became a strategy that worked, so soon after her debut, she was duplicated from every angle. (It’s no surprise that she is the only one still standing from that era)
The least thing record companies care about nowadays is longevity. The artists have become a shot in the dark where they only desire to sell big for the moment. It’s not a big deal to them whether or not they keep these artists on their roster. Companies only feel the need for today; not tomorrow. The major concern becomes what works for the day.
We live in the days of the featured artist. The moment Loon arrived on the scene, three different R&B acts featured him on their upcoming 1st singles. This all happened within the same time frame with videos to go along with it. This happens all too often. When someone is considered to be “hot”, then everyone wants a part of it. No wonder we have the same singers performing on every chorus that surfaces. No label wants to find their own niche. They become 100% content with using what has worked for everyone else.
So we have an industry that waits to see what new crave will soon surface. This extends from artists, sounds, phrases, even down to dances. Very seldom are chances taken to introduce something fresh and/or new. We constantly allow the public to dictate what sort of music we should distribute. I guess whatever they gravitate to, is what we will continue to give them.
This holds true for producers as well. When someone emerges with a sound that is passed off as new, every artist runs to get them on their LP. Or, have a different producer emulate their musical style to cater to the public’s new appetite for the current sonic phase.
So if one is not being accepted by the public musically, or gettin turned down by record companies lately. Hang in there, maybe your time hasn’t come yet. It may take something similiar to come on the scene before they take interest in you……
By the way!!! Hey Ocean Crew!!! Especially B. Cox.. What’s up with my date? Ck out my pics ChocolateTiger28/myspace let me know if you like what you see. I’m not thick.
het het, get my drift. lol
JD WHATS UP? I TOTALLY AGREE WITH EVERY WORD YOU SAY.. YOU AND I HAVE MUTUAL FRIEND AND HE AND I ALWAYS END UP HAVING THIS CONVERSATION ABOUT THE STATE OF OUR MUSIC (BLACK MUSIC) AND HOW F@$KED UP IT IS RIGHT NOW AND SO MANY OF THE WRONG PEOPLE OVERSEEING MAJOR ARTIST PROJECTS (ie USHERS LAST ALBUM) I’M NOT GOING TO MENTION ANYONES NAME BUT WHAT MAJOR ARTIST OR PROJECT DID HE/SHE OVERSEE. THIS PERSON WHO WAS THE A&R SHOULD NOT HAVE TOUCHED IT USHER IS AN A LIST ARTIST . ANYWAY I’M GETTING OFF TRACK ..I BELIEVE THESE SO CALLED A&R’S ARE COLLECTING PAYCHECKS FOR DOING A WHOLE LOT OF NOTHING..I KIND OF TOUCHED ON THIS YESTERDAY WHEN YOU POSTED THE QUESTION ABOUT R&B MUSIC
PEACE MARLEY…
Don’t ya love when people try to act like their soo smart but they just wrote a whole bunch of shit down
That you already said wowzer geewilly ha Anywho
JD bring us some more talent and tell Ray-Ray I said sanng with his sexy self umm
Look at Usher He’s a star if you don’t have the qualities he does sit down your short term short money
Omgeeee, finally somebody says something I’ve been saying for a while. Thank u JD!! Although I’m only 25 I grew up on a lot of GREAT music my parents were 10 years apart so there was an age gap between them, my father adored Sade, Earth Wind & Fire, Anita Baker & etc & my mother loved New edition, Keith Sweat, Mary j Blige etc. I remember my daddy making me learn the words to Sly & the Family Stone bcuz I was 5 & loved LL Cool J’s around the way girl(I just knew he was singing to me) . The problem I see is everybody is out just to make a sorry ass buck. There are no real A&R’s ( artist & repetroir, sic, for those who don’t even know what it means) bcuz nobody seems concerned with actually taking the TIME to build a career, to understand & see a vision & build on it! All the classic artist & albums we know were not created over night! & as far as I’m concerned there is no classic shit being created because everyone is so in a rush for one, perfection takes time, maybe not as much as dre takes but it does take time. Whatever u do u gotta perfect ur craft. If exects would stop signing these damn watered down artists & artists took the time to create some separtion between themselves & the crap that’s already playing on the sorry ass radio, then some of us would actually enjoy listening to the radio again ( cali radio is trash). I miss the 90′s, I was in middle school, there was only 3 female r&b artists out, Brandy, Monica, & the great Aaliyah. None of them sounded, looked, or acted the same, but omg *light bulb moment. They all gave us classic material!!! Ahhh falling asleep to Brandy-by Brandy….can’t even tell u the last album I bought before Love Vs Money….people need to just really do their homework & learn what goes into success overall not just a #1 song……can I get a r&b album somebody plzzzz…this girl is dying for something to make love to her husband to!!!!!