When working in your desired field you want to be working somewhere that is not only a reputable company but a place where you can grow and improve. Being an A&R is no different and you should aim to work for a record label that is going to improve your growth personally and professionally. Here is a list of the best 10 record labels to work for if you’re an A&R.
- Sony Music Entertainment- One of the “big three” companies that together control 80% of the music market. Subsidiary record labels under Sony include Columbia Records, Epic Records, RCA Records, and many more. Between Sony and its subsidiary companies, they have represented and distributed music ranging from artists such as Shakira, Ricky Martin, Britney Spears, and Bruce Springsteen. They have built major superstars and have many resources an A&R needs to duplicate the same results in other artists.
- Universal Music Publishing- One of the most recognizable names in the music industry and another company that is a part of the “big three”, which alone makes up 40% of music sales. Universal like Sony also has Subsidiary companies and some of those appear in this list. Universal owns companies such as Def Jam, Interscope, Cash Money, Motown Records, and many more. Universal has a long list of amazing artists, too many to mention but here are a few that Universal has been in charge of, Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, and Maroon 5. These 4 artists make music in different genres but all have had a major influence on music culture.
- Warner Music Group- The last Company to be a part of the “big three” and a major player, owning 20% of music sales around the world. Other record labels under Warner include Atlantic, Elektra, and Asylum. Warner is also responsible for some big acts as well such as Michael Buble, Coldplay, Madonna, Metallica, and Prince. Any of the top three companies listed is an amazing choice to work for because they have experience working with some of the biggest acts of all time. The top 3 record labels will be a good fit for an experienced A&R that is ready to work with massive artists and has the experience and knowledge to perform.
- Interscope Records- Owned by Universal, Interscope has built its own name and reputation in the music industry. Cofounded by Jimmy Iovine the label was founded on artistic freedom. They do not push artists to do things that they don’t want to do and allow them to express their work freely as well as have their own image. Interscope would be a good home for an A&R that wants to work outside the box and try new ideas and sign unique talent.
- Columbia Records- Owned by Sony, Columbia has achieved remarkable achievements. They are credited for signing two of the greatest songwriters of all time Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan. Another achievement is having 7 out of the 20 best selling albums in America. They are responsible for One Direction, Beyonce, and John Mayor. This would be a good home for an A&R who is diverse and is knowledgeable in multiple areas in music.
- Aftermath Entertainment- Founded by Hip-Hop Legend Dr. Dre Aftermath Entertainment is seen as one of the best Hip-Hop labels of all time. They are responsible for Eminem and Snoop Dogg who both had number 1 debut albums. They are also responsible for Kendrick Lamar who many people believe to be the best Hip-Hop artist of this generation. This would be a great home for an A&R who loves Hip-Hop and would like to solely focus on that.
- Atlantic Records- Atlantic Records has been around for many years and for many years they have worked with amazing artists. They have worked with true legends from Aretha Franklin to Led Zepplin. They have built a reputation to have become specialists in R&B, Jazz, and Soul recordings. Atlantic was once the biggest and most successful independent record label before Warner Music Group Bought them. Atlantic records would fit perfectly with an A&R that has a good ear for R&B and Soul Music.
- Def Jam Recordings- Owned by Universal Music Group and founded by Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons Def Jam focuses on Urban and Hip-Hop music. Some notable artists to come out of this label are Rihanna, Ludacris, BTS, and Pusha T. This record label pushes artists to be creative and think outside the box. Any daring and creative A&R’s would make a good fit in this record label.
- Dreamville Records- Dreamvile is a record label that is under Interscope, which is under Universal Music. Founded by J. Cole who is one of the most popular artists out right now. Although Dreamville is a fairly new music label and has yet to achieve big accomplishments it is a great starting point for an A&R to gain experience. Dreamville has talented artists, however, talent can only take you so far. Dreamville needs a Passionate A&R to promote and help artists make the best music possible.
- LoveRenaissance – This record label is the newest subsidiary of Interscope Records. Despite being the newest one being founded in 2012 it has signed promising artists such as 6lack and Summer Walker. It is a clean slate for any A&R to come in and demonstrate their skills. It would be a good home for a young A&R because the majority of people including the label’s founders are younger than 35 years of age. They are open to signing new and unique artists with their own sound. It would also be a great opportunity to try and expand artists’ music with new promotional tactics and strategies.
