Director, A&R

Job Description

Job Title: Director, A&R

A little bit about our team:

The A&R department at Warner Records is the creative department responsible for both finding and developing musical artists to sign as well as producing artists and driving creative content for all forms of media.

Your role:

Warner Records is seeking a creative and strategic Director, A&R responsible for identifying, signing, and developing exceptional recording artists. This role requires a deep understanding of the current music landscape, a passion for discovering new talent, and the ability to guide artists in realizing their creative vision. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated and experienced music industry professional with a proven track record of success in artist development and a strong network of industry contacts.

Here you'll get to:
• Search and find outstanding unsigned artists, artists signed to independent labels, major labels, or international artists who are or may soon become available for signing to Warner Records and present them to our Department and aid in efforts to sign artists to Warner Records
• Actively scout and discover promising new talent through various channels, including showcases, online platforms, industry events, and networking. Evaluate artists' musical abilities, potential for growth, and overall fit with the label's brand.
• Stay abreast of current music trends, competitor activities, and emerging genres. Analyze market data to identify opportunities for new artist signings and strategic album releases
• With respect to any artist for whom you're responsible, whether they have found the artist or been assigned as responsible A&R person, guide and mentor artists throughout the creative process, providing constructive feedback and connecting them with appropriate producers, songwriters, and other collaborators. Assist in the making of the artist's recordings in all necessary ways, including finding songs, co-writers, producers, mixers, engineers and musicians. Help artists define their artistic vision and develop their unique sound
• With respect to all such recordings, working with A&R Administration to establish budgets, obtain the necessary approvals of such budgets and ensure the recordings are delivered on budget, book studio time, negotiate studio rates, hire musicians, obtain necessary source materials, coordinate all necessary sessions and arrange for receipt of all materials necessary for accepted delivery of recordings to ensure timely releases / ensuring release dates are met (sticking to the release schedule)
• Ensure that all such recordings are acceptable for delivery, including following all procedures established by the A&R Department as necessary for such acceptance
• Work closely with other departments within the label, including marketing (traditional, digital, and viral), promotion, commerce, to ensure cohesive and effective album campaigns
• Develop and manage budgets for artist projects and A&R activities. Monitor expenditures and ensure cost-effectiveness as they pertain to the recording process. Arrange for all remixes requested within an approved budget, ensure accepted and on-budget delivery of such remixes
• Work closely with any artist for whom they are responsible and the artist's management, lawyers and agents, as well as liaising with all Departments within Warner Records with respect to all such artists and their recordings
• Perform any A&R research tasks requested, including searching social media, blogs and other online websites, radio charts such as Mediabase and BDS and sales charts for artists worthy of signing to Warner Records, as well as for songs, producers, songwriters and remixers
• Perform any other A&R tasks requested by the Head of A&R or any other applicable executive

About you:
• Must show the highest level of judgment and effort in finding and presenting exceptional artists worthy of signing to Warner Records and aid in the process of signing them
• True understanding of the recording process and ability to deliver releases in a timely manner
• Existing relationships within the industry with artists, managers, publishers, writers, producers, and attorneys, etc.
• Phenomenal attention to detail and follow through and follow up
• Experience working with artists, managers, and key label personnel
• Must excel at multi-tasking
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

We'd love it if you also had:
• Extensive knowledge of music, music industry, music history, artist careers
• Experience and knowledge in making records and introducing artists to the marketplace
• Expert in the most current research tools and knowledge of industry trends
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in music, marketing, communication, business, or related major

About us:

As the home to 10K Projects, Asylum, Atlantic Music Group, East West, FFRR, Fueled by Ramen, Nonesuch, Parlophone, Rhino, Roadrunner, Sire, Warner Records, Warner Classics, and several other of the world's premier recording labels, Warner Music Group champions emerging artists and global superstars alike. And our renowned publishing company, Warner Chappell Music, represents genre-spanning songwriters and producers through a catalog of more than one million copyrights worldwide. Warner Music Group is also home to ADA, which supports the independent community, as well as artist services division WMX. In addition, WMG counts film and television storytelling powerhouse Warner Music Entertainment among its many brands.

Together, we are Warner Music Group: Independent Minds. Major Sound.

#LI-Hybrid and #LI-Onsite

Effective October 1st 2023, this position will require being in the office 4 days a week. We believe that an in-office presence is critical for talent development, collaboration and building strong relationships.

Salary Range

$105,000 to $125,000 Annually

Salary ranges are included for job postings where required by law. The actual base pay is dependent upon many factors, such as work experience and business needs. The pay range is subject to change at any time dependent on a variety of internal and external factors.

Links to relevant documents:

2025 Benefits At A Glance final.pdf

EVerify Participation Poster.pdf

Right To Work .pdf

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-re7qe8-18-117-83-104-42 in your application.