Are there real jobs in the studio recording?

How can you find A and R and recording studio jobs?

• Answer:

  The music industry has shrunk greatly since the days of great A&R folks like John Hammond (Billie Holiday, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen), but there is still a need for them. Like most jobs in the entertainment industry, there isn't just ONE single way to break into this position. The most assured way to find your name with "A&R" next to it is to actually work for a music label in some capacity. There, you are in contact with the artists and the people that make things happen for the label. Learn the ropes and you just might have a shot the next time you hear an unsigned act that, in your opinion, has what it takes to sell music. One rare shortcut is actually bringing an unsigned act to a label and the label agrees it has potential and signs. If the act is a hit and you've stood your ground in reminding the label that you brought the act to them because you have "ears," then the label might be interested in what else you have to offer. This goes for finding good, new talent and maintaining the integrity of current talent on a roster.