About Company
Discovering the next big sound takes a keen ear and an unparalleled network. Career.zycto isn’t just a talent agency; we’re architects of musical futures, a vibrant hub where passion meets potential. For an A&R talent scout, our dynamic Edinburgh base offers the perfect launchpad to immerse yourself in the rich Scottish music scene and beyond. We champion innovation, nurture emerging artists, and provide the resources to transform raw talent into global success stories. Join a collaborative team dedicated to shaping the soundscape of tomorrow and making a tangible impact on artists’ careers. Your vision, our platform – together, we’ll redefine music.
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Job Description
This pivotal role requires a dynamic blend of deep industry knowledge, unparalleled networking prowess, and an acutely discerning ear for identifying groundbreaking talent. As an A&R Talent Scout at Career.zycto, you will stand at the very forefront of identifying, cultivating, and ultimately signing promising artists across a diverse range of genres, with a primary focus on the rich and vibrant music scene thriving throughout Scotland and the wider UK. Your days will be spent actively immersed in the ecosystem of new music: scouting emergent acts, attending electrifying live performances, industry showcases, and proactively forging connections with producers, artist managers, and other key influencers within the music community. This isn’t merely about unearthing artists; it’s about holistically understanding their creative potential, their unique brand identity, and strategically positioning them within the ever-evolving global musical landscape.
A significant, vital component of your responsibilities will involve meticulously building and nurturing strong, authentic relationships with artists. You will delve into their creative vision, offer initial guidance, and serve as a crucial conduit between their aspirations and Career.zycto’s robust development and marketing machinery. Expect to collaborate extensively with our internal teams, rigorously evaluating artist material, assessing market viability, and contributing tangible insights to strategic planning for long-term artist development. The ideal candidate will possess an innate, insatiable curiosity for novel sounds, an almost encyclopedic knowledge of current music trends, and a profoundly forward-thinking approach to talent discovery that anticipates future shifts. You must demonstrate a proactive, relentless approach to research, stay keenly attuned to cultural shifts, and be able to articulate a compelling, data-backed case for potential signings.
Beyond the exhilaration of scouting, you will also play a foundational role in the initial stages of artist onboarding, meticulously guiding them through the foundational phases of their journey with Career.zycto. This encompasses coordinating compelling demo submissions, facilitating constructive feedback sessions, and making strategic introductions to pertinent industry professionals who can propel their careers. You will be expected to present regular, insightful reports on your scouting activities, articulate the potential of prospective signings, and share critical market insights, thereby contributing directly to our company’s artistic direction and strategic growth. This is an immediate hire position, underscoring our urgent need for a highly driven, supremely connected, and passionately proactive individual who is ready to hit the ground running and make an indelible impact from day one. If you thrive within a fast-paced, high-stakes environment and harbour an unwavering passion for discovering and meticulously developing the next generation of global musical talent, this unparalleled opportunity is tailor-made for you.
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Key Responsibilities
- Actively scout, identify, and evaluate emerging musical talent across diverse genres.
- Attend live performances, showcases, and industry events to discover new artists.
- Build and maintain a robust network of industry contacts, including artists, managers, producers, and promoters.
- Conduct in-depth market research to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities within the music industry.
- Evaluate demo submissions, artist portfolios, and social media presence for potential signings.
- Prepare compelling presentations and pitches for prospective artists to internal stakeholders.
- Collaborate with internal marketing, legal, and artist development teams on signing and onboarding processes.
- Provide initial creative feedback and guidance to artists.
- Monitor competitor activities and industry shifts to inform A&R strategy.
- Maintain accurate records of scouting activities and artist leads.
Required Skills
- Proven track record in talent scouting or a related A&R function.
- Deep understanding of music genres, production, and current industry trends.
- Exceptional networking and relationship-building abilities.
- Strong analytical skills for evaluating artist potential and market viability.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
- Proficiency in music industry software and digital platforms.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Passion for music and artist development.
- Self-motivated with a proactive and results-oriented approach.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Music Business, Arts Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
- Established network within the Scottish or UK music scene.
- Experience with contract negotiation and intellectual property rights in music.
- Familiarity with data analytics tools for audience and trend insights.
- Multilingual abilities, particularly useful for international scouting efforts.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
- Generous paid time off and public holidays.
- Opportunities for professional development and industry conference attendance.
- Dynamic, creative, and collaborative work environment.
- Access to exclusive industry events and showcases.
- Mentorship from seasoned music industry professionals.
- Travel opportunities for scouting and networking.
- State-of-the-art office facilities in central Edinburgh.
How to Apply
Ready to shape the future of music? We encourage all qualified candidates to click the application link below to submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your unique vision for A&R, and any relevant portfolio or success stories.
