A&R

Short for “artists and repertory.” Historically, A&R is the record industry term for the department or person acting as the go-between for the artist and the record label. Their job is to select and help sign the performers to the label, decide what songs they will record, and select who will work with the artists in the production arranging and performance of the material for the recording of master tapes. These specific details vary significantly from label to label or even from deal to deal.