As a professional artist/musician/drummer for the past 35 years, I am fortunate to work with many incredibly talented artists that perform in the music scene at venues and recording studios around the state and across the country. Unfortunately, in the local scene we have all been making the same amount of money that we made 30+ years ago. While everything in our economy has increased dramatically in price, the pay for musicians has not followed suit. This is the true reality for artists whether you live in Colorado or anywhere else. The base pay per musician for a gig is still a measly $100. Yes, you read that correct....$100.

 

Here’s an average breakdown of that amount in per hour for just that gig:

1 hour minimum set-up time
4 hour performance
1 hour minimum teardown time

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$100/6hours = $16.66/hour

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That does not include fuel or vehicle maintenance, not to mention the cost of gear (instruments, strings, speakers, etc), an artists individual time spent writing/ learning/recording songs, rehearsal with the band, marketing, promoting and advertising.
 

This is just the beginning of why an artist lacks funding for professional development of any kind. When an artist sets their focus on success there are many avenues to take into consideration and it's all out of pocket expenses. Options like hiring a vocal coach, someone to build a professional website, budgeting time with a professional recording studio to record an album, hiring a company to produce a professional marketing video, or contracting a producer to work with you to record.
 

After you pay for basic expenses to perform (fuel, gear, promotions, etc), there’s very little leftover for living expenses. It just doesn’t add up and many give up their musical career.

How does an artist rise up into “greener pastures” you ask? Outside of hard work and patience, there’s a ton of trial and error by beating the pavement to figure out the industry workings. If artists could afford to hire someone(s) to direct and perfect their art and share their unique passion there would be financial gain for all. The main benefit would be to the artist(s), then to local venues, city and state revenues and the people who truly appreciate great music.
 

To advance one's profession in today's world requires a personal coaching type of environment with someone who has studied the industry for over 30 years and has knowledge of the processes that could only help them advance their careers. This is where I come in with Artist Development or A&R.
 

Currently, I am working with artists to further develop their careers as I am the drummer/percussionist in their respective groups. They have the "It" factor which means they have the unique talent, ambition, education and they're hungry to share with the world. If only I had the financial resources to work further on the developmental portions with them of their careers, they could focus more on writing and performing.
 

I have started this business to provide these services to artists. However, just like the artists I’m referring to, I do not have the funds to be able to support such an endeavor either and am looking for a financial sponsor to provide resources in order for me and my company to work with these artists to further develop their careers. I currently work primarily in the blues scene (which is pretty much bare of any type of professional development) however this service can be provided to any artist in any genre.
 

Since the major labels aren’t signing as many artists as they used to, many A&R Reps tend to work independently, partnering with artists, bands, and smaller labels to identify and sign talent, develop and refine their music, and market directly to their fans.

The line has become blurred between A&R, live and studio production, management, artist development, publishing, and music marketing (fortunately I have extensive experience in all of those areas). The A&R of today must wear many hats.
 

At the same time, the traditional A&R model still exists. The major labels have retained their A&R departments, though in a diminished role, and rely on the services of talented, independent A&R Reps. There are just fewer of us since fewer acts are being signed.

Some examples of responsibilities for A&R Reps:

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Finding/Discovering talent

• Historically, some A&Rs seem to have had a special talent or sense in knowing intuitively what would make an act successful with fans. Some refer to this as recognizing the “It” factor.

• The A&R Rep looks after the artistic and commercial development of recording artists and songwriters. They play a significant role in possibly getting an artist signed to a label or publishing company and is the point of contact during contract negotiations

• In our current industry, the internet has changed the landscape with the availability of resources online. Artists can now record and post their music themselves to online streaming platforms. Fanbases are now grown through the use of social media and other marketing compared to when a record label was the only platform for an artist to record on to release music to the public. Data is now considered a criterion when looking at signing artists to a record label or publishing company. A&R reps/managers have their fingers on the pulse of the industry.
   

Overseeing the entire recording process

From songwriting to recording sessions to publicity to performing.

• Matching producers with the artist or being the producer for the artist.

• Acting as a go-between with the business affairs of the artist.

• Acting as an advisor, helping to nurture the image and the sound of the artist.

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Assisting in Marketing & Promotion

• Advising on music marketing tools, strategies and constructive creative input.

• Every artist must have a certain image and brand they want to communicate

  to their target audience. Beyond the music, an artist is expected to have a style that the audience connects deeply with. An A&R Rep assists the artist in telling his or her story in a way that captures the attention of music lovers. It is their duty to create (and manage) effective branding and promotional strategies. With the internet, there are more avenues for artists to push their brand and music.

• The A&R can also work to get publishing and licensing deals for the independent artist.

• Artist Development

• Business development, Artistic development/career vision (how to get from here to there) and training.

• Today, there is a rise in independent artists who can pursue their passion without being signed to major recording labels. There is a lot of direct-to-fan marketing unlike being signed to a major label that is completely responsible for the artists marketing. The A&R can help the independent act craft solid marketing strategies and working directly with them in the aspect of artist development
  
  Throughout my years of performing and working with artists, I have gained the experience and knowledge around how to build a a song, a performance, marketing and a career. I have found that if an artist has someone to work with them on career development, they are more apt to be able to rise up to higher levels of venues and thus higher potential for income which in turn increases the value of the artist to the community at large. As is the microcosm, so is the macrocosm. The effect of a vital person, vitalizes the community in which that person is a part.