Artist and Repertoire Workers

Employers

There are hundreds of record companies across the country, but many are small, independent labels staffed by very few people. Three corporations—Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music Entertainment—control a large percentage of the recording industry in the United States and employ the majority of A&R workers. Major record labels include Def Jam, Interscope, Motown, Warner Bros., Atlantic, Columbia, RCA, Virgin, and Capitol. There are also many independent record labels such as Carpark, Domino Recording Company, Fat Possum, Island Records, Rough Trade, XL Recordings. Most positions are located in Los Angeles, New York City, and Nashville.

Starting Out

Getting a job in A&R can be very difficult—such positions are highly sought after. Some major record companies offer internship opportunities; check with your college's internship office for information. After college, you can pursue an entry-level position with a record company. You should work in any department in which there's a job opening. Check the help wanted ads in such trade magazines as Billboard (https://www.billboard.com) and Variety (https://www.variety.com), or seek out temporary employment agencies that specialize in placing people in jobs in the entertainment industry.