Artist Discovery: Simple Steps to Attract A&R

By Andrson

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In early January, Rolling Stone spoke about the increasing use of tech amongst many record labels to strengthen Artist & Repertoire teams. The global pandemic would soon occur, one which would bring industry executives to increasingly adopt and rely on technology to discover new artists—especially as gig-going talent scouting and networking would be out the window. Many tools and data platforms are designed to provide decision-making insight, yet more often than not—generally and in this transitional period of tech adoption—A&R reps will look beyond an artist’s sound into the broader spectrum of their online presence, image, and following before deciding to make contact. So, what can you do to increase your chances of getting discovered?

Build Relationships 

Through networking and building relationships, you can increase your chances of discovery by drawing on new industry contacts to further your reach and expand your following. There are many research and media outlets—big and small—geared towards up-and-coming artists and most of the time, writers want to collaborate. Enlisting the help of a PR company can be beneficial, as they can facilitate promotional campaigns and outreach. It can be really hard to reach out to large outlets like  Pitchfork and expect a review… or even a response! Try and connect directly with the writers and editors of your preferred media outlets rather than sending blanket emails to the company inbox.

Try searching on LinkedIn, see if you have any mutual connections and start to build a strong working rapport. Use these opportunities to publicise gigs, new releases, and collaborations whilst respecting the balance of a mutualistic working relationship. Also consider contacting music curators to submit your tracks for popular playlists to expose your music to new audiences. SubmitHub is a great platform that facilitates and simplifies these networking opportunities by connecting artists with Spotify playlisters, YouTubers, radio stations and bloggers, getting you one step closer to being discovered!

Building a network of connections won’t happen overnight, but gradually your industry contacts will grow, bringing with it a new audience.

Social Media

Social Media is undoubtedly one of the first stops an A&R representative will make on their search for talent, so it’s essential your pages are reflective of who you are as an artist. Use this as an opportunity to engage your followers, share your music and news, and show industry professionals that you are active with your fan base. Also, use your accounts to direct traffic to your music streaming profiles or website. For example, add a hyperlink to your Instagram story that takes followers to your latest single on Spotify or to your upcoming gig dates on your website, allowing fans to engage on multiple levels. Whilst revenue generated from increasing footfall on your classic streaming platforms, such as Spotify, Bandcamp and Soundcloud, is unlikely to keep you off the rocks, consistently releasing content across these channels is a great way to get your name out there.

Perform

Don’t let go of the opportunities to perform, both in person and virtually. Physical gigs are like gold dust in today’s pandemic-stricken music scene. If you can land a gig, firstly congratulations, but secondly, make sure you aren’t taken advantage of during the booking process. Be mindful that most venues are seriously struggling from the financial damage of COVID-19. Be sure  the gig benefits outweigh the drawbacks. If you aren’t being compensated financially, try and meet in the middle with some kind of compensation such as a bar tab or a desk recording. Exposure is great, but still get creative, think outside the box and back yourself—if you don't ask, you don’t get. Some venues may not know what they can offer until you suggest it!

Virtual gigs have become an ever-increasing necessity in a mid-pandemic music scene. In an earlier Andrson blog, we discussed the technological evolution of music performance, whereby the notion of ‘the concert’ has been flipped on its head and virtual gigs continue to emerge as the new normal. Even events promoter Live Nation have welcomed a Live From Home promotion tab on their homepage. Many music experts believe that virtual concerts and performances are shaping the future of the industry, so why not get started now?! 

Many labels have gone virtual in their search for talent and have benefited hugely in doing so. Take the early example of Justin Bieber, or more recently Shawn Mendes, who are prime examples of artists who were discovered on virtual platforms. While Usher found Bieber through YouTube, Mendes’ seven second hits on Vine led him to stardom after signing with Island Records. They are some of the biggest examples of modern A&R discovery and serve as a reminder that artists should place great emphasis on the importance of virtual performance and presence during this time, especially with more industry eyes on the digital space. The similarities between the two artists now extend beyond sell-out world tours and spicy Calvin Klein ad campaigns but their foundations remain the same; they implemented the latest technology platforms to get discovered. However, with success stories such as the above, it is inevitable that platforms become saturated, competition grows, and there is an even greater need to stand out from the crowd— which brings us to our tool, Andrson, which helps to streamline digital discovery.

4) Create an Andrson Account

Search, collaborate, experiment, and most importantly, upload. Andrson connects artists like you with music executives searching for your sound by using sound-driven search. In addition to the previously mentioned efforts, Andrson provides an opportunity for you to try out an emerging platform in the digital discovery space. 

What is sound-driven search? Rather than focusing on passive socials, velocity metrics, or even touring data, Andrson’s technology gives an unbiased analysis of your songs and sends you directly to the top of the list when an industry member searches for a musician like you. By comparing over 600 data points for each track, your music is digitally fingerprinted and then compared against an existing database of thousands of reference artists—from big names to rising stars. As someone from the music business searches for the sound they need (e.g. I’m looking for an artist who sounds at least 60% like Jorja Smith), your name and song collection get served. From there, they can listen to your music and connect to discuss next steps. Because the A&R search experience on the platform is organised by sound, location, skill, and your analysis results, make sure your profile is updated with accurate information. 

We believe the most important component of artist discovery is their sound, which is why we use AI and audio technology to accurately produce unbiased analysis, making the search in a saturated market more efficient for the music business and artists alike. Andrson is also currently running an international songwriting competition called Uploaded which is free to enter! Why not sign up for the chance of winning €10,000 amongst other great prizes and publicity.

And at the greatest takeaway, at the end of the day, is to remember to be consistent and persistent. Consistently engaging your following, consistently releasing new music and content, and consistently showing up can only do good for your process of discovery. Whether taking part in our songwriting competition or getting listed on Andrson, or hosting your first virtual gig, keep at it! Being persistent and consistent are key to getting discovered and scoring the contract… and that’s just the beginning!

#ImagineBeingHeard

To find out more about Andrson, head to andrson.com.