Music is the voices the instruments , the melody, them producers, them writters etc...., But music is also a very poweful and emblematique business since forever generating millions and millions years after years. People more often refer to it as "the industry". Well I then find interesting to potrait different functions of it on the blog. I actually wrote this article few months ago, and decided not to published it for no good reasons , but last weekend I was watching (for the 100 times ) the movie Cadillac Records and it just push me to publish the article finally. (a must see movie click on the lick to see the previews )
Today focus will be on A&R consultants......
Whats an A&R consultant ? A&R stands for Artists and repertoire.You know them people that you always see in the thanks or after the thank you on a CD booklet To make a long story short he / she is like a HeadHunter looking for whats popin or what could be the new wave in the industry. So once the new "pearl" is found he / she needs to convince him to join the label he /she is working for. Pretty cool hein ??? Once everything is set and close and that the artist as a project on, A&R can also be part of the strategic marketing. Whats the difference already with an HR headhunters ????? hmmm None execpt that A&R are working with artists !SO its even better
So those who knows me well already have an idea of where i'm trying to go , def got the skills for that and lets not talk about the motivation cause its even nastier.
But if you know me as well you know what I think of the industry right now no more talent , its more about Asses , sex drugs and money . So I dont think I 'll be as effecient as I could be with "real" artists. Is it really what the people wants ? entertainers !! whats about Musicians , lyricists , and the communication that music brings , I mean Music is even like school sometimes . But I do not think that its really what the people want, it is more what the industry is making them think thats whats they want (another debate). But people are not affraid to still BELIEVE #THEDREAMISREAL, and fend for themselves, a nice exemple is Mister Raheem Devaughn and is new indie label built with his homie @drethemayor : 368MusicGroup
Challenging position in that industry but challenge is fun !
I had the chance to chit chat with one member or the 368musicgroupteam see below :
5 minutes with Ray aka NAuwgie368 aka Comissioner368 : A&R consultant for 368musigroup
Musikalista : Lets start with a little presentation of yourselfNauwgie : My name is Ray Toatley but they call me Nauwgie and im in my mid twenties.
Musikalista : What made you have a try in the music industry ?
Nauwgie : I have always loved music , its my passion so i wanted to be around it .
M: How many artist are you actually taking care of right now ?
N: I just have 2 for now . I had 10 one time but they couldnt weather the storm, they were impatient.
M : Are you seeking for more ?
N: I do want more when I get these better established. I dont want my plate too full and people relying on me and then getting pulled in too many directions
M:What are you looking for in an artist / group ?
N:I look for artist that kinda is independant, that also know their music and no matter how good it is they will need to always push it and be a face fore themselves.
M: How do you find about new music ?
N: I look on hip hop websites for new music. I hate the radio. The hip hop game is so watered down. No substance.
M:What do you think of the industry right now ?
N: The industry SUCKS
M:Do you think you could ever push an artist that does music that you dont like just to satisfy your label or you will rather quit and try somewhere else ?
N:Yes I could push that artist depending on his / her passion and work ethic . Scared money dont make money.
M:Whats on rotation on your Itunes / ipod / blackberry lately ?
N:I keep it 368 of course , but also a lot of oldies stuff 90s hip hop and RnB , not too much into new stuff , but I do listen to J Cole and Joe Budden.
M: Do you still believe in CD'S or you more like teamitunes ?
N: I still believe in Cd but I think that Cd'S are like Karma.
M:Whats the last album that you bought ?
N: Kanye West x My Beautiful Dark Twisted fantasy
M:Who is inspiring you ?
N: MUSIC most definitely it inspires me as well as Life in general.
M:Where do you see yourself in a couple of years (5 to 10 )
N:I see myself with a couple of business (Group homes)
M:Any advice for people wanted to star an A&R consultant career ?
N:Hard work, never stop learning and pursue all your dreams. Do not let no one tell you that you CANT do something .....
Hope yall enjoy the article
Below a video of 368MusicGroup artist you almost find them all in that track enjoy The winner circle x Till The Lights Come On ,........... :
