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OPPORTUNITY


Discovering tomorrow’s talent today


Ray Meadham describes a new initiative to help emerging musical talent take it to the next level


W


ith the growth of social networks and digital downloading over the past few years the music


industry has changed dramatically. Where are the next Justin Beiber, Arctic Monkeys or Tinnie Tempah going to come from? A ‘n’ R records has developed a new concept that may help your school, college or organisation to be a part of the process. A & R stands for ‘artist and


repertoire’, the department in a record company usually responsible for discovering new talent. A’n’R Records aims to create regional A & R teams of young people in schools, colleges and organisations across the UK, who will scour their region for the next big thing. A day’s workshop is delivered, looking at the music in the region: identifying, locating and developing the profile of exciting new local talent. It will involve listening to demos from artists in all genres of music and making crucial decisions on how to choose the talent to be signed up. Once an artist, band, songwriter,


producer has been signed up by the A & R team they will be released digitally through a major aggregator to the likes of iTunes, 7 Digital and Amazon. A ‘n’ R Records will be able to promote the artist through the social networks


created by each regional A & R team, instantly reaching more than 50,000 potential fans. A percentage of the royalties made from digital downloads will go back to the institution that the artist, band or songwriter came from. This will allow future development of talent or vital extra income to support these organisations in today’s difficult economic climate. The young A & R team will also share a percentage of the royalties made, giving them the entrepreneurial incentive. With a network of up to 50 centres across the UK we will be able to put together touring opportunities at each location to promote the artists further. The ticket sales from the events will be shared by the artist and the host of the show. A’n’R records will communicate directly with the local A & R team online, to minimise the input from busy teachers. The institution has only to provide a one-day slot for the team to deliver the workshop. It is free, as cost will be recouped from the small percentage A ‘n’ R Records will retain from royalties. This has already been piloted for the past two years at Northampton College, with more than 200 students working with local schools, county council and events teams to find an artist to sign, record and release. The students have been earning from the project with more than 20 live


Above:


A recording session at A’n’R Records


events under their belts. The uploading of digital material resulted in a track by one student, Kaney, appearing on BBC Radio 1 Extra and the band Overwritten appearing before 2500 people. This also strengthened local community engagement and created new project- funding opportunities with local Arts Council and Youth Music. Most importantly, this concept allows musicians and non-musicians to work together to create a mini-music industry in their region, discover new talent, give it great exposure and generate income. We are looking for young people who want to discover new talent and know where to find it locally. We need around 20 young A & R executives in each region who will attend the one- day workshop and be selected from there. The record deal for artists will be non-exclusive, so that if EMI or Sony do phone and want to sign them they can move on! The workshops are delivered by educators with vast industry experience. They have signed artists to major and indie labels, appeared at major festivals and arenas and worked with some of the biggest names in the music business. They are also delivering workshops in institutions about the music business, music production and music performance. Yamaha is kindly supporting this


programme to give it a link to its global music brand and help raise the profile of emerging artists.


We need around 20 young A & R executives in each region


If you would like more information, would like to arrange a workshop or think you may have the next major music star in your school, college or organisation please contact Ray Meadham at A ‘n’ R Music: anrmusic@aol.com


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