Roles in the Music Industry

What do these guys do? Roles in the Music Industry

There is a symbiotic relationship between the record label and audiences. The record labels are institutions that mould creative to fit what they think will sell to numerous audience members worldwide. The audiences are the ones who buy the media. Those with the most technical power are the audience, however the institutions exploit their power and constantly tell the audience that they need the product which is being sold. The institutions tend to provide the audience with an identical or similar artist as they know the type of artist has sold successfully in the past.

 Manager- sorts out the dates of tours, daily promotional activity, and photo shoot, liaising with the record company and all of the different compartments of the record company on a daily basis. It is their responsibility to make their band is as successful as possible; this can be achieved by broadening the bands global proposition.

A&R- they must find and source the talent, working with song writers and act as a spokesperson for the artist. They need to make sure the talent is working with the correct people that will help make their work and image better.

Producer- they know what sounds and arrangements work best for the artist. They do not necessarily need to have experience, but they must know what arrangements works well to make music sound good. 

Engineer- helps to build sound picture and makes musical ideas become reality. Producers and engineers work together to make particular sounds achieved and to help further the artist’s musical talents

Promoter- primarily responsible for putting people through the door pays for advertising, hiring the venue, the artwork promoting the music, booking programming and effectively choosing who will perform at a chosen venue. They will also sort out security, pay the band and make sure the bands stay is fitting with catered food.

Booking Agent- find source and book all shows, negotiate book and sorts out travel for the artist. An agent fundamentally looks after the artists live performance; negotiate deals for the act with each venue or promoter.  They may work internationally in order to give the artist a wider audience. They will also find the timing of the show, positioning of festival bills, getting the right date for the shows. Work visas will be organised by the artist and agents to make sure the artist is legally allowed to perform in the country, contracts will be done under the supervision of agents.

Tour Manager- manages the bands to make sure tour arrangements are completed.

Plugger- know the DJS and producers and they arrange for someone to be promoted, helps increase chances of getting played

Publisher- finds, source and exploits the talent. The sink team will pitch to TV and media, digital and film to make sure their artist music is played. The administrator publisher protects artist rights, make sure they get paid for; royalties rights, record sales, performance and synchronization.