The music industry is known for its notorious gatekeepers - A&R Executives. Ever wondered how you could reach out to them and get your music heard? Whether you're a seasoned musician or an amateur songwriter, with Lyric Assistant's tips you can add an extra fine touch to your songs and actually get A&R executives to give a listen.
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Send Music to A&R Table of Contents
Understanding A&R Executives & their Role
Before we dive into the technique of sending your music to A&R, it is important to understand who they are and what they do. Artist and Repertoire (A&R) executives guide the artistic and commercial success of musicians in the music industry. They help with developing artists, coordinate release strategies, and often have a big say in the music that gets produced.
Connecting with A&R Executives
- Networking: It is important to create a robust network in the music industry. Attend industry programs, seminars, and music events where you can meet and network with A&R executives.
- Digital Platforms: LinkedIn, Soundcloud, and other social media can be a great place to connect with A&R executives. Make sure your accounts are professional and embedded with your best work.
- Emailing: Sending a professional, personalized, and concise email to the proper A&R executive with a link to your music can do wonders. However, ensure you've done thorough research on who to contact and their preferred submission method.
Perfecting Your Music with Lyric Assistant
A&Rs look for songs with potential hits. Lyric Assistant helps you create such songs with ease. You can pick genre, topic, structure, and even the sound you'd like your song to resemble. Lyric Assistant will do the rest, creating a unique song within minutes. Thus, you can focus more on your music and less on the lyrics.
Send Music to A&R Example:
Let's imagine a passionate Hip Hop artist trying to get her music to an A&R executive. Let's call her Liza.
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After researching her target A&R Executive, she finds out that they encourage music submissions through digital platforms. She checks out her LinkedIn and finds that they are fond of artists like Jay-Z and Eminem.
Using Lyric Assistant, she chooses Hip Hop for the genre, empowerment as the topic, structured verses with chorus-repeat and selects Jay-Z and Eminem as her preferred style. In minutes, she has a powerful new track ready. She then sends the A&R a professionally drafted message on LinkedIn with a Soundcloud link to her new song.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A&R in the music industry?
A&R stands for Artists and Repertoire. The role of an A&R representative is to scout for new talent and oversee the developmental process of recording music. They act as a liaison between the artist and the record label, ensuring that both parties' goals and visions are aligned.
How do I submit my music to an A&R?
To submit music to an A&R, you need to research and find the appropriate contacts at record labels or music companies, prepare a professional music package or EPK (Electronic Press Kit), and tailor your submission according to their guidelines. It's crucial to follow submission instructions carefully and include your best tracks, along with personal information and any relevant music achievements.
Should I send my music to multiple A&Rs?
Yes, it's beneficial to send your music to multiple A&Rs to increase your chances of being noticed. However, ensure that you conduct proper research to target A&Rs that align with your music genre and style. Also, personalize each submission to show genuine interest in working with each representative or label.
Can I just email my music to A&R randomly?
Randomly emailing your music is not recommended. A&R representatives receive hundreds of emails daily, and an unsolicited email can easily be disregarded. It's better to establish some form of connection or correspondence beforehand, or follow submission guidelines where possible.
How important is presentation when sending music to A&R?
Presentation is critically important when sending music to A&R. Your music should be professionally recorded and mixed, and your submission should look polished, including an organized EPK, a clear tracklist, and a concise, well-written cover letter that states your intent and background.
What is an Electronic Press Kit (EPK), and do I need one?
An EPK is a digital portfolio that contains information about an artist or band, including music samples, biography, promotional photos, music videos, tour dates, press releases, and contact information. It is essential for an artist looking to send music to A&R representatives as it serves as a professional resume.
How can I find the right A&R contacts?
Find the right A&R contacts by networking at industry events, utilizing social media and music platforms to connect with industry professionals, and subscribing to directories or databases that provide updated contact information for industry executives. It's also wise to keep an eye on industry news to learn about A&R movements and signings.
Do I need a music manager to reach out to A&R?
A music manager can be a valuable asset in reaching out to A&R because they usually have established relationships within the industry. However, if you don't have a manager, you can still make contact yourself with a professional approach and persistence.
How do I follow up with an A&R after sending my music?
Follow up with an A&R representative by sending a professional and courteous email about a week after your initial submission. Keep it brief and polite, expressing your genuine interest and readiness to provide any additional information or music if needed.
What kind of music are A&R looking for?
A&R representatives are typically looking for music that has commercial potential and fits the label's branding and current roster. They search for talented artists with a unique sound, strong songwriting, and a defined artistic identity. Marketability and the potential for growth are also key factors.
Should I copyright my music before sending it to A&R?
Yes, it's highly advisable to copyright your music before sending it to any third parties, including A&R representatives. This protects your intellectual property and ensures your creative works are legally safeguarded against unauthorized use.
Is there a particular format that A&R prefer for music submissions?
Most A&R representatives prefer digital formats for ease of access and listening. High-quality MP3 or WAV files are common, as well as streaming links to SoundCloud, Spotify, or other music platforms. Always verify the preferred format from the submission guidelines provided by the label or A&R department.
Can I send unsolicited demos to record labels?
Unsolicited demos are not typically encouraged by record labels, as they tend to focus on artists who are either referred by industry professionals or who have already garnered some attention. If you choose to send unsolicited material, do so under the guidelines of the label, if available, and with realistic expectations.
How can networking help me get my music to A&R?
Networking can considerably improve your chances of getting your music to A&R by building relationships with industry professionals who can introduce you to A&R reps, offer advice, or provide referrals. Attending industry events, participating in online forums, and engaging with the music community can yield networking opportunities.
What information should I include when I submit my music?
When submitting music to an A&R, include your artist name, contact information, a brief artist bio, a discography if applicable, notable achievements or press, direct links to your music, and a streaming or download link to your best tracks. Keep the information concise and relevant.
What's more critical: music quality or the artist's image?
Both music quality and the artist’s image are important, but they need to complement each other. High-quality music production is paramount, but a strong and authentic image can greatly influence an A&R's interest in an artist, as it contributes to the potential marketability.
How do I know if an A&R is interested in my music?
You'll know if an A&R is interested in your music if they respond positively to your submission, request more information, or want to meet with you. Keep in mind that response times can vary significantly, and a lack of immediate response doesn't necessarily mean lack of interest.
Can independent artists submit their music to A&R, or is it just for signed artists?
Independent artists can and should submit their music to A&R. In fact, many A&Rs are actively seeking to discover up-and-coming independent talent that hasn’t been signed yet but shows significant potential for success.
How long should I wait before I follow up with an A&R?
It's generally respectful to wait at least one to two weeks before following up with an A&R after your initial submission. This gives them adequate time to review your music amidst their busy schedules. However, always remain professional and courteous in your follow-ups.
How much does it cost to submit my music to A&R?
Submitting your music to A&R should ideally be free of cost, especially if you are reaching out directly to labels and A&R reps. Be cautious of services that charge for submissions as they may not be reputable or have direct ties to the industry decision-makers.
What should I do if I don't hear back from an A&R?
If you don’t hear back from an A&R after following up a couple of times, it's best to move on and continue improving your craft, building your audience, and seeking other opportunities. Not receiving a response is common, but persistence and continued development are key in the music industry.
Breaking into the music industry isn't easy - but it's easier with the right tools. We hope you have found this guide useful and would love to hear your success stories. Remember, a hit isn't made overnight; it requires dedication, skill, and a bit of strategic maneuvering. Keep experimenting, keep refining your sound, and remember - Lyric Assistant is always here to help you create your perfect song. Interested in more articles like this? Check our other guides and share this with your budding musician friends.
