Music Business Insider Podcast
A&R in the Modern Age - Ron Fair Former A&R Interscope Records [Christina Aguilera, Black Eyed Peas, Keyshia Cole, Vanessa Carlton]
Apr 30, 2024
Ron Fair is a former A&R executive at Interscope Records, known for his work with stars like Christina Aguilera and the Black Eyed Peas. In this conversation, he dives into the evolving landscape of A&R, highlighting the shift to digital platforms and social media. Fair emphasizes how artist success has redefined in today's competitive environment. He shares insights on nurturing talent, the balance between artistry and marketing, and the importance of resilience and skill in the music industry. His stories shed light on missed opportunities and the essential qualities for success.
01:03:16
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Quick takeaways
- A&R has evolved to emphasize an artist's online engagement and streaming metrics rather than just traditional talent evaluation.
- Success in the music industry now allows for diverse career paths beyond mainstream fame, with artists thriving through dedicated fan bases.
Deep dives
The Evolving Role of A&R
The podcast addresses the significant changes in the A&R (Artists and Repertoire) landscape over time. It highlights how A&R used to be about selecting artists based solely on their perceived talent and market potential, but has now shifted to a more complex evaluation of an artist’s ability to connect with audiences in today's digital age. The guest emphasizes that signing an artist is no longer based solely on traditional artist development methods, with social media and streaming numbers playing a crucial role in determining an artist's viability. This shift means that the definition of success within A&R has been broadened, incorporating not just talent but also how well an artist can engage with their audience online.
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