Everything Artists Want To Know… from an A&R Rep

In this special march series, I asked music industry professionals to share their advice on what DIY artists need to know before we go knocking on their door. I’ve got no-frills, straightforward insight on various aspects of the music industry from the people that have spent years in it.

Today we hear from WILL McDONALD – head of A&R at DUALTONE RECORDS. Will scouted and signed the Lumineers, the internationally successful band whose album has just gone platinum and earned two Grammy nominations this year. He has also managed to add Shovels & Rope and Ivan & Alyosha to the Dualtone roster. This is a guy who has his ear to the ground but what exactly is he listening for? 

EVERYTHING ARTISTS WANT TO KNOW… from WILL McDONALD, A&R REP for DUALTONE

1. Don’t send me (or anyone like me) anything in the physical mail. It’s a waste of money and materials… And makes me think you aren’t the most forward-thinking artist.

2. Email is always the preferred method of communication. But PLEASE don’t attach mp3′s. Send a link to stream the song (soundcloud/youtube/bandcamp/etc). But just so you know… When asking a colleague how they heard of their client, the answer has never been, “the band sent me unsolicited music and I loved it and signed them.” I’m sure it’s happened, but I’ve never heard anyone say that. It’s our job to be on the lookout, to have our ear to the ground. I promise, if you’re that good, someone will find you.

3. Don’t email me if there’s nothing actually going on with your project (ie selling out shows locally, touring regionally, getting nice blog coverage, maybe spins on your local radio station, film/tv placements… Doesn’t have to be all of those but should be at least one, hopefully more). We want to see that you can drum up this kind of stuff on your own, that you can make a name for yourself without us. That way, you’ll appreciate the work we do, because you’ve been there and know the kind of work you have to put into it.

4. Make friends with your fellow bands/musicians. Play local/regional shows with each other, attend each others’ shows, support them on social media… Be friends (and friendly) with everyone. When they finally start making a name for themselves, lots of bands ignore tour submissions for openers and instead opt to bring their friends’ bands out with them.

5. If you’re good at doing anything else, think about doing that instead. To be a professional musician takes years of hard work and sacrifice, and more often than not, you still fall short of a lasting career. It’s a hard life, even for those who find success. Best of luck.

…

He hit us hard with that last one, but some great, candid advice from someone who is constantly seeking out good music with the potential to be successful. So many times we hear people say, “You have to be at the right place at the right time.” But what Will seems to be saying is: Do your thing and do it well. The right people will find you if you need to be found.  THANKS, WILL!