The Art Of A&R (Artistes & Repertoire) | The Songwriting Academy
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The A-Z Of A&R

A deep-dive one day masterclass video covering

everything you need to know about the major record label decision makers

Course Instructors

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Andy Bibey
A&R CONSULTANT
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Danny Roberts
A&R CONSULTANT
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Martin Sutton
FOUNDER & HEAD COURSE INSTRUCTOR
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Andy Bibey
A&R CONSULTANT

Andy began his musical career playing in bands across south Wales in the mid 2000’s, before packing his bags and moving to the outskirts of London to study. He spent around 3 years on the road across the UK & Europe as a tour manager before joining One Little Indian Records in 2011.

Andy ran the International department until May 2017, contributing to global campaigns for Björk, Asgeir, Cody ChesnuTT & Sinead O’ Connor amongst others, before joining Believe Distribution services in June 2017 as a Senior Label Manager, running global campaigns for direct artist deals and acting as a label manager for Believe’s digital distribution clients

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Danny Roberts
A&R CONSULTANT

Danny is A&R manager at Decca records, signing and managing his own projects. He has been involved in music for as long as he can remember, being inspired by his parents’ love of music. After playing and recording in a successful local band in and around East Anglia, he later enrolled in a local Music Performance course whilst promoting gigs in his spare time. Danny studied Music Industry Management at Hertfordshire University and, whilst studying, took on a regional A&R scouting role for EMI and also ran his own new music radio show. Danny achieved a first class degree with distinction, before moving to London where he landed his first job working in music PR. After a year, Danny moved to work at Universal Music. He has worked in the A&R team at Decca Records for 5 years working his way up from an intern, to A&R assistant, to A&R scout to signing and managing his own projects. Danny says he feels very lucky to wake up every morning to do the job he always dreamed of!

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Martin Sutton
FOUNDER & HEAD COURSE INSTRUCTOR

Martin Sutton is the founder of The Songwriting Academy and multi-platinum songwriter and producer. Starting as a young busker on the streets of Norwich, he spent years developing the craft of songwriting, traveling the world to work with other writers, learning about the music business and honing his production skills. He is now a successful songwriter/producer and has sold millions of records in nearly 50 countries around the world.

His work includes Backstreet Boys, LeAnn Rimes, Celine Dion, Gary Barlow, Pixie Lott, Mark Owen, Olivia Newton-John, Andrew Roachford, Brian McFadden, Lulu, Mike & The Mechanics, K-Pop superstars Super Junior and X-Factor/Idol winners worldwide.

His teaching methodology and ethos have been described as “life-changing” by many of his students and over the years he has shared his knowledge and experience with thousands, opening their eyes to the world of professional music making. His diverse programming and production skills are widely sought after, from orchestration for Celine Dion and Andrew Lloyd Webber to quirky programming and beat-making for K-Pop/J-Pop artists, and rich country productions for artists including LeAnn Rimes.

This groundbreaking one day masterclass video covers everything you need to know about the world of A&R including expert advice on how to make powerful connections, get signed to a major label and get your songs recorded by major artists.

What does A&R stand for?

A&R (Artists and repertoire) is the division of a record label or music publishing company that is responsible for talent scouting and overseeing the artistic development of recording artists and songwriters.

What will I learn on the course?

  • What is an A&R person?
  • What do they do?
  • How many people get signed each year to a label?
  • Who’s who in a Record Label?
  • How do I get noticed by an A&R person?
  • Should I send a demo? How many songs? What format?
  • What else should I send e.g. flyers/merchandise/novelty items?
  • What is the A&R looking for in an artist?
  • How much should I already have done in terms of social media/fanbase?
  • When does the A&R know they want to sign someone?
  • Can an A&R person sign an artist or do they need authority? How many people need to say yes?
  • What happens next?
  • How long does it take to get signed?
  • What should I expect from a record deal?
  • What will the label expect from me?
  • Can I have a deal as well as a full time job?
  • Will I get an royalty advance?
  • How many albums/singles will I be releasing?
  • How long is the average deal?
  • What’s the reality of being an artist signed to a major label?
  • How much writing/recording/touring will I do?
  • When will I get paid for my music and how much?
  • 5 things every artist must do if they want a deal
  • 5 things every artist must NOT do if they want a deal

Is This Course Right For Me?

Everybody stands to gain something from this course.

Songwriters
If you want to become a professional songwriter for major label artists, this course will show you how. Our A&R Team will talk you through the process from demo submission to International release.
Professional songwriters
Already written a hit or two? We find that there’s still lots to learn in an ever changing industry. Find out how to stay ahead of the game and take this as an opportunity to network with influential  major label A&R.
Producers
Producers have one of the most important roles in the music industry. Whether creating their own or another’s work, they need to know the information that’s important to a successful track. This course will help you understand exactly what sounds the major record labels are looking for.
Songwriting “hobbyists”
Music shouldn’t always be used purely to make money and we understand that, sometimes, you just want to play music for the love of it. But you never know, you might be sitting on a hit song waiting to be discovered!

The A-Z Of A&R

The A-Z Of A&R

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Megan F

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Mark

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Elisabeth V

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Gustav P

epic PR mentoring session with Luc Floreani last night!!!!!

Victoria C

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Tom R

Just had an amazing mentoring session with Danny Roberts. He knows his stuff. So much for me to go away and get started on!

Amanda R

Just had my first mentoring session with Martin Sutton, what an amazing experience, so grateful and ready to face my first exercise. Thank you Martin.

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Ming B

Thank you so much for this weekend, really was such a fantastic experience. I’ve learnt so much that I wasn’t able to sleep all last night thinking about it.

Sandra D

The passion of all the lecturers was amazing to see. The sharing of their life experiences that enabled them to get a career in the industry was inspirational and has made me reinforce in my mind it’s truly possible for me!

Kevin J

Excellent thought provoking and inspirational

Amanda R

Just when I thought it could not get any more inspirational, I have another mentoring session with Luc Floreani!

Chris

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Amazing and inspiring to be around wonderful like-minded people who live, breathe and love music like I do

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I’m so freaking excited to be on this songwriting retreat!! Have written with some awesome people so far and have created some beautiful songs already! Yesterday’s was incredibly emotional

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Fantastic mentoring session with Martin Sutton today, thank you Martin! Great feedback as always

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