Artist Relations and Development Representative Jobs

About This Music Career

The Artist Relations and Development Representative is not an available position within every record company because some labels are so small that they simply do not require such a position. If a label does employ this position, this employee's responsibility to act as a liaison between the company and its artists, making sure that the artist is happy with their treatment from the label. This also includes making the artist feel good about their work and accomplishments, requiring the Artist Relations and Development Representative to maybe send a gift when the artist goes gold or platinum, or something to that effect. The rep pretty undertakes anything that will strengthen the relationship between the artist and their label, both personally, and within a business sense as well.

 

The Rep also works with artist management to help cultivate and fortify the artist's career, and works with all the different departments of the record company on various tasks, such as planning concert tours in conjunction with album releases. Publicity is also on the docket, and the Rep might be asked to work with PR firms in coordinating appearances and interviews. To an extent, the rep attends live performances and provides reviews and critiques on the performance and stage presence.

It's not unusual for the Artist Relations and Development Rep to befriend the act and its management team, remaining friends with the act long after its recording contract has expired.

Like most other positions in the industry, long, irregular hours are the norm, and to find success, an individual must really love both music and people.

Salaries
Rep salaries vary depending on the size of the record label and the level of experience and responsibilities of the individual. All things considered, salaries range from $29,000 to $68,000 or more per year.

Employment
As mentioned, not every label employs this position, so it is often pretty difficult to find opportunities. If there are not any openings, an individual may consider working somewhere within public relations to gain experience until a position does in fact open up.

Advancement
Within any record company, advancement isn't relegated to a specific career path. Once an individual establishes themselves in a record company, opportunities appear, both internally and externally.

Education and Training

Due to competition, it's almost necessary to have a college or music school degree to have a shot at landing a position as an Artist Relations and Development Representative. If you are interested in becoming a Rep, helpful college majors include marketing, public relations, music merchandising, music business, communications and others. While not as formal, seminars and workshops involving the music business are useful of educating yourself, and can help you build connections.

Experience, Skills, and Personality
Promotion, PR, or artist management experience is usually a trait of those who work as an Artist Relations and Development Rep. To be successful, he or she must be knowledgeable on music and the business, and must attend shows and concerts to develop an understanding of what makes an artist successful and how they carry themselves on stage. They must also have the ability to deal with people, and they must like doing so.

Unions and Associations
The Country Music Association (CMA) or the Gospel Music Association (GMA), are a couple of associations the Artist Relations and Development Representative in a record company might belong to. He or she might also be an associate member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS).

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