10 Reasons An A&R Wont Listen To Your Demo
How Come A&Rs Will Not Listen To My Demo ?
Trying to get your demo heard by an A&R of a major record company
can be close to impossible. If you do not have the right connections
or proper representation it can be down right frustrating. Many people
often ask what the big deal is about A&R’s and why don’t they listen
to your demo. Here are some inside facts to awaken you to the harsh
reality of the music business.
Most A&R do not listen to unsolicited demos for many reasons.
Some of the reasons include:
1. Legal issues concerning copyright.
2. Contrary to belief A&R staff do not sit around and listen to
CDs and demos all day.
3. There are two many demos to listen to. Even a small
independent label can receive up to 20 demos a day.
4. They have already heard so many bad demos .Many times
when A&Rs or interns (yes I said interns) actually do start listening to
demos the majority sound like crap anyway and they stop before they
actually get to the good stuff.
5. An A&R is not looking for demos. They’re looking for buzz.
A&Rs are looking for demos to begin with. The A&R is already well
aware of the talent worthy of getting a deal because they have a
strong buzz.
6. The A&R personnel at the record companies are very busy.
Often the record companies are small and under staffed to begin
with.
7. A&R at a record company is not signing any artists at the
moment. Many record companies already have a large roster of
artists. The majority of an A&R;s time is spent trying to develop and
nurture the acts already signed to the label. Record companies do not
need that many artists to be profitable.
8. A&Rs have jobs too… People that work at record companies are
just like people that work at any other company. Sometimes hey just
hate being at work and having to deal with doing here job. Would you
want to listen to 5 hours of CDS a day?
9. That’s what they have interns for. Many A&Rs use their interns
and assistants to listen to demos. Some interns and assistants listen
to demo just to pass time other actually take notes which get
forwarded to their superior.
10. Most A&Rs already have acts they are interested in trying to
sign.
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