About Company
Republic Records, a proud division of Universal Music Group, stands as a globally renowned record label home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends and superstar artists. With an unparalleled reputation for discovering and developing groundbreaking talent, Republic is consistently at the forefront of the music industry’s evolution. Our core commitment to artistic integrity, innovation, and global cultural impact drives everything we do, from artist development to marketing and distribution. We are passionate about the power of music to connect, inspire, and transform, and we are dedicated to fostering the careers of the next generation of musical icons. Joining Republic Records means becoming an integral part of a legacy that not only shapes the sound of tomorrow but also champions creativity and pushes artistic boundaries.
Job Description
Are you a passionate music connoisseur with an innate ability to spot the next big artist? Republic Records, a beacon of musical innovation and a leading force in the global music industry, is seeking a dynamic and highly motivated Part-Time, Flexible A&R Scout to join our esteemed talent discovery team in Dallas, Texas. This is an unparalleled opportunity for a visionary individual deeply immersed in the vibrant local music scene, constantly on the pulse of emerging trends, and possessing an extraordinary ear for unique, marketable, and groundbreaking talent. As an A&R Scout, you will serve as the eyes and ears of Republic Records on the ground, actively seeking out, identifying, and nurturing promising artists across a diverse spectrum of genres—from pop and R&B to hip-hop, indie, and alternative.
Your role is absolutely critical in helping us uncover the voices and sounds that will define the future of music. You will be instrumental in mapping the local talent landscape, attending live performances in clubs, festivals, and independent venues, building robust relationships within the Dallas music community, and ultimately presenting your compelling findings and insights to our A&R executives. This position demands a proactive approach, exceptional networking prowess, and a genuine, insatiable love for discovering new music. We are looking for an individual who is not merely a fan, but a true tastemaker, a natural connector, and a forward-thinking visionary with an uncanny ability to anticipate industry shifts. If you thrive in a fast-paced, creatively charged environment, possess an encyclopedic knowledge of contemporary music, and are driven by the thrill of artist development and the impact of groundbreaking sound, we emphatically encourage you to apply. This flexible role allows you to balance your passion with other commitments, making it an ideal fit for those who are already deeply embedded and influential within the music world. Join Republic Records and help us shape the soundtrack of a generation, fostering careers and creating cultural phenomena.
Key Responsibilities
- Actively scout, identify, and evaluate emerging musical talent in the Dallas and surrounding Texas music scenes, covering diverse genres.
- Attend live performances, showcases, open mic nights, and industry events to discover new artists and monitor their development.
- Develop and maintain a robust network of industry contacts, including artists, producers, managers, promoters, and music journalists.
- Conduct in-depth research into current music trends, social media buzz, digital streaming data, and independent releases to identify potential talent.
- Curate and present detailed artist profiles, demo recordings, video content, and comprehensive performance reports to A&R management.
- Provide informed analysis and strategic recommendations on potential signings, including market viability and artistic potential.
- Track and report on the development and progress of identified talent, maintaining a comprehensive database of contacts and findings.
- Maintain the highest level of discretion and confidentiality regarding all scouting activities, potential signings, and proprietary information.
- Collaborate effectively with the broader A&R team, sharing insights, contributing to strategy meetings, and participating in creative discussions.
- Represent Republic Records professionally and ethically within the music community, fostering positive relationships.
Required Skills
- Proven passion and extensive knowledge of contemporary music across diverse genres (Pop, R&B, Hip-Hop, Indie, Alternative, etc.).
- Demonstrable experience in discovering or identifying musical talent, either professionally or personally (e.g., through independent projects, blogs, curated playlists).
- Exceptional networking and interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport quickly and genuinely within the music community.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, for presenting findings, building relationships, and crafting compelling reports.
- Self-motivated, highly proactive, and capable of working independently in a flexible, fast-paced environment.
- Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail for reporting, tracking, and managing leads.
- Proficiency in social media platforms, digital music consumption tools, and basic analytics for artist discovery.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to attend live events and industry gatherings.
- Deep and current understanding of the Dallas and broader Texas music landscape, including key venues, artists, and influencers.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Music Business, Arts Administration, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
- Previous professional experience in A&R, talent management, music journalism, music supervision, or a similar talent-scouting role.
- Established network and strong relationships within the Dallas music industry.
- Familiarity with music publishing, licensing, artist contracts, and basic intellectual property concepts.
- Experience with audio and video editing software for preparing compelling artist demos and presentations.
Perks & Benefits
- Flexible part-time schedule to accommodate other commitments.
- Unparalleled opportunity to discover and directly influence the next generation of musical stars.
- Direct exposure to the inner workings and executive decision-making of a major record label.
- Access to exclusive industry events, showcases, and invaluable networking opportunities.
- Opportunity to work in a highly creative, dynamic, and passionate work environment.
- Significant potential for growth and advancement within Universal Music Group.
- Competitive hourly compensation reflecting your expertise and impact.
- A chance to make a tangible impact on the global music landscape.
How to Apply
Ready to unleash your talent for discovering talent? Click the application link below to visit the Universal Music Group careers page. Search for “A&R Scout” or “Talent Acquisition” roles, specifically looking for opportunities in Dallas, Texas. Submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your experience, your unwavering passion for music, and why you are the ideal candidate to scout the next big artist for Republic Records. Be sure to highlight your knowledge of the Dallas music scene, any artists you’ve personally discovered, and your vision for talent identification.