THE FUTURE OF A&R

It’s 2023, the future. The world has been democratized for music. We can distribute, post on social media to people who like our music, buy ads for $50 that reach like-minded people, and do it our way! Is that a good thing? Here in the future do we want a record deal? WHY do we want one? In this heavy-hitter panel with Kate Hyman (who has signed artists like Moby and Sinead O'Connor), Jeff Rogers (who has managed Crash Test Dummies and The Pursuit of Happiness), and Jay Emmons (guitarist for The Glorious Sons, founder 745 Music) we discuss what A&R people do and their role in in the music industry, here, in the future!

A&R stands for “Artist & Repertoire.” It remains one of the most sought-after, competitive, and influential roles in the music industry. A&R reps are best known for scouting and discovering musical talent. This includes listening to demos, going to live gigs, and more, scouring online streaming platforms and social media sites, all in search of the next big thing.

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KATE HYMAN (Big Ears Music Consultancy):
Kate comes from two generations of entertainment executives. Her grandfather Elliott Hyman purchased Warner Brothers from Jack Warner. Her father Kenneth ran the studio. The Entertainment industry is in her blood. Kate currently has a successful joint venture with BMG Rights and has extensive experience as an A&R executive at Warner Bros, V2, Imago, Chrysalis, MCA, ZE/Island Records and Shelter Records. Kate’s signings include Moby – Play (Platinum, Grammy Nominated), I AM SAM Soundtrack (Platinum, Grammy Nominated), Toots and The Maytals – True Love (Grammy), Paula Cole (Platinum Artist + Grammy Winner), Aimee Mann, Sinéad O’Connor (Platinum Artist), and many others!

JAY EMMONS (The Glorious Sons, 745 Music):
Jay is the founder and lead guitar player of two-time Juno Award-winning rock band The Glorious Sons. The Glorious Sons have achieved status as one of Canada’s biggest acts and international recognition with their second number one at US Billboard. In addition to the Sons, Jay is the founder of 745 Music, a Canadian multi-service music company specializing in artist strategy and development. The foundation of our company rests on our belief that artists can serve and support other artists.

JEFF ROGERS (Handsome Boy Records):
Jeff has been in the entertainment business since he was 16 Years old. He began as a rock concert promoter in Welland, Ontario. He later became a rock band manager and helped steer the careers of Crash Test Dummies, The Pursuit of Happiness, Rusty, Randy Bachman, Ashley MacIssac and others. He also is the owner of Handsome Boy Records which has had success with Rusty and the Plunderphonics album - Grayfolded.

In January of 2000, Jeff took a job working for Richard Branson's V2 Label in New York. He became Head of Artist Development and worked with artists such as The Black Crowes, Underworld, Rinocerose, Stereophonics and Moby. While working there, Jeff produced the highly praised Moby: Play for which he received his first Grammy nomination. His interest in film brought him back to Toronto to produce "Public Domain" a film written and directed by Kris Lefcoe. Jeff teamed with director/writer Rob Stefaniuk and producer Robin Crumley to produce a Vampire rock and roll film called Suck. Suck starring Jessica Pare and Rob Stefaniuk was released worldwide in 2009. Cameos in the movie include Moby, Alice Cooper, Carole Pope, Henry Rollins, Malcolm McDowell, Alex Lifeson, Iggy Pop, Nicole De Boer and John Kastner. He helped create and launch music tv channel AUX TV. Jeff is now working on several documentaries and managing Kovacs, Scotty Hard and Vikki Minor as well as consulting the Robb Nash Project, EverFM and various live music venues.

VICTOR MIJARES (Artist Development / A&R Consultant):
With over two decades working in the Canadian Music Industry, Victor’s career has been largely focused in Artist Development and A&R. In 2002, he turned an internship into a full-time hire at BMG/Vik Recordings where he quickly began contributing to the career launches of artists like Shawn Desman and Keshia Chanté. In 2006, he took over the role of A&R rep for Warner Music Canada, where he managed a diverse roster of recording artists for over 15 years. Leading projects from discovery, through strategy, creation, and implementation, Victor has helped many artists achieve gold and platinum certifications, chart-topping releases, multiple industry awards, international touring opportunities and even movie roles! During his time working in A&R, Victor’s career never ceased to evolve. He was integral in creating opportunities to advance early careers of artists like Scott Helman and Brett Kissel, strategizing initiatives with established acts like Mother Mother and Billy Talent, and collaborating through exceptional projects with superstars like Michael Bublé and Rush.