The work that happens inside a music studio goes way beyond the artists creating the music and the producers who oversee the recordings. Also on staff at the typical label are technical professionals, marketing experts, business executives and people on the ground, helping sell records and merchandise.
A Mix of Creative and Business Professionals
A typical record label has a number of departments, all which contribute to at least one piece of the puzzle. Artist and Repertoire professionals -- more commonly known as A&R professionals -- scout and develop talent for the label. During a recording session, recording engineers handle the sound board. After the session, arrangers add in additional vocals or instruments. Once an album has been recorded, graphic artists create CD covers and promotional posters for artists. In the sales and distribution department, employees get CDs printed, upload music to distribution websites and work with retailers to get music ready for sale. Marketing professionals help develop a marketing plan for each record, band or artist, while the promotions department ensures that music is played on the radio and on Internet stations. Overseeing the budget of all of these people -- and ensuring that artists remain profitable -- are business executives and attorneys who negotiate artist contracts and contracts with distributors.
