This is an important shift in the industry. A&R has historically been under the record label’s realm. Now, newly minted companies such as eMusic.com are rapidly moving in. In the words of eMusic,

“eMusic has proven to be the only digital music service dedicated to discovering and launching new talent.”

That’s a nice quote, but I highly doubt they are the only ones out there launching new talent. Anyway, eMusic is doing all of this within the eMusic Select portion of its website. eMusic’s stated purpose here is “to help young artists gain deserved attention, both from eMusic’s subscribers and the greater independent music world.” They are also backing up the online world of discovery with the tangible world of touring. eMusic is sponsoring a gig for some of the new artists coming up in early September.

I am happy to see this development. This ultimately gives more power to start-up bands.

Stay tuned,
Erik
erikrostad.com