Stages of making music

STAGE 1: A&R (ARTISTS AND REPERTOIRE)

A&R is about discovering and developing new talent. A&R people work very hands-on with the artists that they 'sign'. They do everything from assisting with song selection to choosing the people that will produce the album to deciding where the album will be recorded. For the majors A&R is a big department, scouting and often poaching artists who might be a good investment. For the independents it is all about a small group of people with a passion for music.

STAGE 2: PRODUCTION

Recording, mixing and manufacturing.

• The label will arrange a recording studio rental, mixing, session musicians, sound engineer and producer
• Mastering/mixing is a post production process that takes the final mix of the recording, edits minor flaws, adjusts volume etc.
• Manufacturing - having an album pressed and packaged for physical distribution is not cheap
• Artwork and photographs

STAGE 3: DISTRIBUTION

Music distributors get music to the consumer via retail outlet or download.

• Distribution is…