About Company
Punch Records is a dynamic and influential arts organization based in Birmingham, dedicated to developing and promoting Black music and arts. For over two decades, Punch has been at the forefront of identifying, nurturing, and platforming diverse talent, creating impactful experiences and fostering cultural exchange across the UK and internationally. We are passionate about innovation, community engagement, and driving positive change within the creative sector. Joining Punch means becoming part of a passionate team committed to artistic excellence and social impact, where your contributions directly shape the future of music and culture. Our collaborative environment encourages creativity, strategic thinking, and a genuine love for music, making Punch an inspiring place to grow your career and contribute to a vibrant cultural landscape.
Job Description
Are you an astute listener, a trend-spotter, and a passionate advocate for groundbreaking music? Punch Records is seeking a visionary A&R Representative to join our vibrant team in Edgbaston, Birmingham. This is an exceptional opportunity for an individual with a deep understanding of contemporary music scenes, a keen ear for raw talent, and the drive to shape the next wave of artists. As an A&R Representative, you will be the eyes and ears of Punch Records, relentlessly searching for new artists, producers, and songwriters who align with our artistic vision and market potential. You will play a pivotal role in identifying emerging sounds, cultivating relationships, and strategically guiding artists from discovery to release. This role demands more than just musical taste; it requires business acumen, negotiation skills, and a genuine desire to empower artists to achieve their full potential. You’ll work closely with our production, marketing, and legal teams, ensuring a seamless and supportive journey for our artists. Beyond scouting, you’ll be instrumental in providing creative direction, offering constructive feedback, and overseeing the artistic development process from demo to master. This includes attending live shows, networking at industry events, and staying ahead of digital trends to unearth talent from all corners. We believe in fostering long-term relationships built on trust and mutual respect, empowering artists to tell their stories authentically. If you thrive on discovering the unknown, possess an encyclopedic knowledge of diverse music genres, and are eager to make a significant impact on the music industry landscape, bringing your expertise to Punch Records will allow you to directly shape cultural narratives and contribute to the evolution of music.
Key Responsibilities
- Actively scout, identify, and sign new talent (artists, producers, songwriters) across various genres, aligned with Punch Records' artistic vision and market strategy.
- Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with artists, managers, producers, and other key industry professionals.
- Provide creative direction, strategic guidance, and constructive feedback to artists throughout the entire recording, mixing, and mastering processes.
- Attend live performances, showcases, industry events, and networking functions to discover new talent and stay informed on market trends.
- Monitor music industry trends, emerging artists, competitor activities, and digital consumption patterns to inform A&R strategy.
- Negotiate artist contracts and licensing agreements in collaboration with our legal and business affairs departments.
- Oversee the evaluation of demo submissions, identifying potential signings and presenting compelling cases to the A&R team.
- Collaborate seamlessly with marketing, publicity, and production teams to ensure successful artist development and impactful release campaigns.
- Manage budgets related to artist development and recording projects, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
- Represent Punch Records with professionalism and passion at all industry touchpoints.
Required Skills
- Proven track record in A&R, talent scouting, or artist management within the music industry (minimum 2 years).
- Exceptional ear for music and a deep understanding of various genres, particularly those relevant to Punch Records' focus (e.g., Black music, urban, contemporary).
- Strong networking and relationship-building abilities, with a natural flair for connecting with diverse individuals.
- Excellent negotiation and communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective artist and stakeholder engagement.
- Proficiency in project management and the ability to work effectively under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
- Strong business acumen and a comprehensive understanding of music industry economics, licensing, and publishing.
- A demonstrated ability to identify and cultivate unique artistic visions and help artists realize their full potential.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Music Business, Arts Management, Entertainment Law, or a related field.
- An established network of contacts within the UK music scene, especially within Birmingham and the West Midlands.
- Extensive experience with digital music platforms, streaming analytics, and social media trends in talent identification.
- A portfolio of previously scouted, developed, or signed artists with demonstrable success.
- Familiarity with music production software and basic recording studio processes.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
- Generous paid time off, including public holidays.
- Opportunities for professional development, training, and attendance at industry conferences.
- A vibrant, inclusive, and collaborative work environment at the heart of Birmingham's music scene.
- Access to live music events, industry showcases, and artist launches.
- Company pension scheme contributions.
- Travel opportunities to scout talent and attend major industry events.
- Employee discount on company merchandise and event tickets.
How to Apply
If you are ready to make a significant impact on the music industry and contribute to the success of diverse artists, we encourage you to apply. Please click on the application link below to submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and passion for A&R. In your cover letter, tell us about one artist you discovered recently and why you believe they have breakout potential.