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- Tasks: Shape the future of house music by discovering and developing new artists.
- Company: Join Defected, a leading name in global house music since 1999.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunities to work with top artists.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the music industry and help artists thrive.
- Qualifications: Proven A&R experience and a deep passion for house music culture.
- Other info: Collaborative team atmosphere with exciting career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Defected
Founded in 1999, Defected has become one of the most recognisable brands in global house music, spanning recordings, publishing and international events. Home to labels including Glitterbox, DFTD, Classic Music Company and Soulfuric, Defected’s mission is to serve our community and help artists build longer-lasting, more impactful and more profitable careers.
About the Role
Defected Records is looking for an experienced Dance & Electronic A&R to help grow and shape the next chapter of our Recordings business. Working closely with the Director of Music and wider team, you will play a key role in developing Defected’s A&R strategy. Discovering, signing and building artists who authentically represent and push forward global club culture. You’ll actively scout records and projects, lead negotiations, oversee creative development, and work cross-functionally with Marketing, Digital and Operations to deliver best-in-class release campaigns. This is an A&R role requiring strong creative instinct, commercial awareness and deep roots in house music culture.
Day to Day Responsibilities
- Develop and execute A&R strategy alongside the Director of Music
- Scout and secure standout records and long-term artist partnerships
- Lead artist development from signing through sustained career growth
- Run studio sessions, writing camps and collaborative projects
- Oversee budgets, deals and release planning
- Work closely with Marketing and Digital to shape data-informed campaigns
- Maintain strong relationships with artists, managers, publishers and industry partners
- Contribute to long-term catalogue growth and commercial performance
Required Experience/Skills
- Significant A&R experience within a successful Dance / Electronic label
- Proven track record of impactful signings and releases
- Deep understanding of house music culture and global club trends
- Strong existing network of artists, managers and industry partners
- Financial literacy and budget oversight experience
- Strong understanding of streaming platforms, audience growth signals and social trends
- Confident running writing camps and studio sessions
- Excellent organisation, communication and relationship-building skills
A&R Manager employer: Music Week
Contact Detail:
Music Week Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land A&R Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and attend music events, showcases, and industry meet-ups. It's all about making connections with artists, managers, and other A&R professionals who can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for house music! Create a playlist of your favourite tracks and share it on social media. This not only demonstrates your taste but also gets you noticed by others in the industry who might be looking for someone just like you.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in scouting talent. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; go out and find them! Attend local gigs, listen to demos, and keep an eye on emerging artists who could be the next big thing in dance music.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining Defected. Make sure your application reflects your understanding of our mission and how you can contribute to shaping the future of our A&R strategy.
We think you need these skills to ace A&R Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for House Music: When you're writing your application, let your love for house music shine through! Share your experiences and how they connect to the role. We want to see that you truly understand and live the culture.
Highlight Your A&R Experience: Make sure to detail your previous A&R roles and any standout signings you've been part of. We’re looking for someone with a proven track record, so don’t hold back on showcasing your successes!
Be Creative and Authentic: Your application should reflect your unique style and creativity. Use it as an opportunity to demonstrate how you can contribute to our A&R strategy. We appreciate authenticity, so be yourself!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Defected!
How to prepare for a job interview at Music Week
✨Know Your House Music Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the current trends and history of house music. Familiarise yourself with Defected's labels and their artists, as well as recent successful releases. This will show your passion and understanding of the genre during the interview.
✨Showcase Your A&R Success Stories
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past A&R experiences. Highlight impactful signings and how you contributed to their growth. Be ready to explain your thought process behind these decisions and the results they achieved.
✨Demonstrate Your Networking Skills
Since relationships are key in this role, come prepared with examples of how you've built and maintained connections within the industry. Discuss your existing network of artists, managers, and partners, and how you plan to leverage these relationships at Defected.
✨Be Ready for Creative Discussions
Expect to engage in conversations about creative development and artist management. Think about how you would approach running writing camps or studio sessions. Show your ability to collaborate and innovate, which is crucial for shaping Defected’s A&R strategy.