A&R Specialist

Reports to: Executive Director, A&R

The Disney Music Group (DMG) is the music hub for TWDC, encompassing all aspects of music commercialization and marketing: recorded music (Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records), Disney Music Publishing, and Disney Concerts. DMG distributes music both physically and digitally, and licenses music throughout the world in various forms of media including television, print, gaming, and consumer products.

Responsibilities:

• Handle coordination and ensure accurate and complete delivery of all A&R elements on all General Entertainment projects including but not limited to 20th film, Searchlight Film, 20th TV, ABC, ESPN, Nat Geo, and FX.

• Book mastering sessions for both front line artist and General Entertainment projects and collect deliverables.

• Partner with A&R Administration and Production in assembling and organizing lyrics and credits for album label copy.

• Act as liaison between DMG and various other business units including but not limited to ESPN, ABC, 20th Film, 20th TV, Searchlight film, Nat Geo, FX, etc.

• Liaise with studio managers, mixers, and engineers for records in the making at Disney Music Group.

• Help facilitate the coordination of artist and writer recording and writing sessions in LA and Nashville.

• Collect songs from writing sessions and keep a working doc with contact info, splits, lyrics, and writer/producer info/publishing for publishing team.

• Arrange travel for producers, artists or writers when sessions take place out of town.

• Work in tandem with A&R Administration to collecting final mixes and multi-track sessions from producers/mixers for archiving.

• Maintain a library of music to digitally route music to numerous other departments within Disney Music Group as well as across The Walt Disney Company.

• Manage the distribution of music for external teams including artists, composers, managers and agents.

• Perform A&R Research using Meddling, Mediabase, Spotify, Tik-Tok and other social media platforms to find and track new artists.

• Create monthly A&R document for senior staff.

• Handle Disneyland / Disney World ticket requests and visits to the office.

• Work with management on artists bookings for meeting, sessions, rehearsals, media training, vocal coaching, movement coaching and invoicing when needed. 

• Provide feedback on artists and writers the label is interested in partnering with. 

• Present up and coming artists to senior A&R executives. 

• Bring in new management companies, agents, lawyers to form relationships with.

• Maintain positive communication with artists / composer teams.

• Any additional responsibilities or tasks not limited to those mentioned above that may arise.

Basic Qualifications:

• At least 3+ years of experience working in the music industry.

• Bachelor’s degree in music or related field, and/or equivalent job experience.

• Knowledge of music and the recording process is very advantageous.

• The ideal candidate should be highly detail-oriented with an ability to handle and prioritize multiple projects at once within a fast-paced work environment.

• Must have the ability to maintain grace under pressure – especially as projects near completion and deadlines are looming.

• Must be available to work outside of the traditional 9-5 hours when needed.

• Must have a relentlessly positive attitude.

• Ability to maintain dependable and positive working relationships with a broad variety of people in the music industry.

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.

• Be able to switch gears between the front-line artist projects and film/television soundtracks.

• Have a passion for music, culture, and staying up on current trends.

• Have a passion for artist discovery and development.

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Disco, Box, and other audio distribution platforms.

The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $58,700 - $78,600 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.