What does A&R mean in music?

What does A&R stand for?

A&R stands for Artists and Repertoire. It’s the department inside a record label or music publisher that finds, signs, and develops new talent. In French, it’s often called "directeur artistique" or "responsable artistique" ("artistic direction" or "artistic manager"), underlining its central role in nurturing talent and aligning it with the label’s repertoire and market trends.

What does an A&R do?

At its core, A&R is about connecting the dots between raw talent and the right opportunities. While the basics haven’t changed much in decades, today’s A&Rs combine instinct, networking, and real-time data to make wise decisions.

1. Spotting new talent

A&R teams search for promising artists, bands, or songwriters to add to the label’s roster. This includes listening to demos, attending shows, following online trends, and using tools like Soundcharts to track streaming stats, airplay, or social buzz.

2. Guiding the recording process

After signing, the A&R oversees the creative development. They help select songs, bring in producers or songwriters, book studio time, and manage sessions to align the final sound with the artist’s vision and the label’s goals.

3. Supporting marketing and promotion

A&Rs plan the release with marketing, promotion, and PR teams. They help choose singles, set timelines, and make sure each launch reaches the right audience and fits the label’s commercial strategy.

Differences between an A&R and a manager

An A&R works mainly for the label or publisher to develop the artist’s music and connect it to the company’s goals. By contrast, the artist manager works for the artist, handling their whole career: contracts, shows, partnerships, and daily planning.

In short, the A&R helps the label grow its roster and catalogue, while the manager protects the artist’s best interests.