<Pros and Cons an A&R Rep Have Working for a Major Label>
The major advantage would be excessive amounts of funds that major labels have. Bigger budgets allow high-quality production and various distribution outlets for the artists. You can also offer a lot of useful connections that the label already has. This also means better promotions and better reputations for your artists. You might be able to give a good review of your new artist on a famous magazine. All of these can attract talented artists who has a desire to be a mainstream artist. Major labels also provide more platforms and outlets for A&R Reps to explore new artists.
There are more artists at a major label, so an individual artist might have to fight for attention. The artist will also have to deal with controls over their creativity and royalties. If the artist has a unique musical style and believes in their music, they might not want to sign with you at a major label.
<Pros and Cons an A&R Rep Have Working for an Indie Label>
When working for an indie label as an A&R Rep, you may have more freedom and flexibility in terms of deals and development for the artists. You may generate deals that are more artist-friendly, which encourages the artist to have more creative freedom. One of the major benefits for the artist might be being able to keep the rights to their songs. This can appeal to an artist a big time when signing a deal. The artist and an A&R Rep can have a closer one-on-one relationship where the artist gets more attention compared to major labels.
Disadvantages also come from the nature of indie labels. Indie labels tend to have smaller budgets and less connections. Although the artist may get more attention and freedom with an indie label, they get less promotions and investments to start with. If the artist you are trying to sign aims for the mainstream market, the artist may not be interested in signing your deal.
<How Personal Brand, Network, and Resources Contribute to A&R Success>
Every professional in the music industry tries to make an impression to other people. A&R is not an exception. It is crucial to build a unique personal brand that people remember. Your personal brand does not just depends on your career resume, but also depends on your ways to communicate with people, to advertise yourself, and to promote what you believe in your artists. Speaking of network, it might be the most important thing you have to have to succeed in the music industry. A lot of successes in the music industry happen with “someone I know.” Lastly, resources are also significant as the industry is very complex and changes every day. It is essential to stay current to succeed as an A&R.