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A&R Research Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Research Technician

Oakland, CA · On-site

$22.85 - $31.42/hr

... R. Position Type Research Additional Information Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern has a ...

... R. Position Type Research Additional Information Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern has a ...

Showing results 41-60

A R Research information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$104.6K

$140.6K

How much do a&r research jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for a&r research in California is $104,624.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,600.00 and $102,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does an A&R Research professional typically collaborate with artists, managers, and other music industry teams?

A&R Research professionals work closely with artists, managers, and internal label teams by providing data-driven insights and scouting reports on emerging talent. They regularly communicate their findings to A&R executives, marketing teams, and sometimes directly to artist managers to help inform signing decisions and development strategies. Collaboration often involves attending live shows, participating in meetings, and sharing trend analyses, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned on potential opportunities and industry shifts.

What is the difference between A&R Research vs A&R Coordinator?

AspectA&R ResearchA&R Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in music business, marketing, or related fieldBachelor's degree often preferred; experience in music industry helpful
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, analytical tasks in music companies or labelsCoordination and communication within A&R teams, often in office settings
Industry UsageUsed to identify new talent and market trendsOversees artist development and project management

While both roles are integral to the A&R department, A&R Research primarily focuses on analyzing market data and discovering new talent, whereas A&R Coordinator handles the logistical and administrative aspects of artist development. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in the music industry.

What is A&R research?

A&R research involves analyzing and identifying new musical talent, trends, and market opportunities for artists and repertoire teams within the music industry. It includes studying industry data, listening to demos, and staying informed about current music trends to guide signing decisions. Strong research skills and knowledge of music genres are essential for this role.

How to get hired as an A&R?

To get hired as an A&R (Artists and Repertoire) professional, candidates typically need a strong understanding of music industry trends, artist development, and networking skills. Relevant experience can include internships at record labels, music management, or related roles, along with a good ear for talent and knowledge of music production tools. Building industry connections and demonstrating a passion for discovering new artists are also important for securing an A&R position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an A&R (Artists and Repertoire) Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an A&R Researcher, you need a deep understanding of music trends, talent scouting, and analytical skills, often supported by a background in music business or related fields. Familiarity with music analytics platforms, social media monitoring tools, and database systems is essential for identifying emerging artists. Strong networking, communication, and critical listening skills help you build relationships and make informed recommendations. These skills are crucial for discovering new talent and ensuring the label stays competitive in a rapidly evolving music industry.

Is being an A&R hard?

Being an A&R (Artists and Repertoire) professional can be challenging due to the need for strong industry knowledge, talent evaluation skills, and networking abilities. The role often involves long hours, high-pressure decision-making, and staying current with music trends and artist development. Success requires persistence, good judgment, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

What qualifications do you need to be an A&R?

A&R (Artists and Repertoire) professionals typically need a background in music, entertainment, or related fields, along with strong industry knowledge, networking skills, and an understanding of music trends. A bachelor's degree in music business, marketing, or a related area is common, and experience in talent scouting or music production can be advantageous.
What are popular job titles related to A&R Research jobs in California? For A&R Research jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching A&R Research jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for A&R Research jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for A&R Research jobs? Cities in California with the most A&R Research job openings:
Infographic showing various A&R Research job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 14% Temporary, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 50% In-person, 17% Hybrid, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,624 per year, or $50.3 per hour.

Director, Catalog Marketing (Urban)

Umusic

Santa Monica, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

We are UMG, the Universal Music Group. We are the world's leading music company. In everything we do, we are committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship. We own and operate a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. We identify and develop recording artists and songwriters, and we produce, distribute and promote the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music to delight and entertain fans around the world.

How We LEAD

We are currently seeking an experienced Director, Catalog Marketing who will drive the long-term product and campaign strategy for multiple artists and projects across the IGA roster, with specific focus on Urban (Hip-Hop/R&B) catalog while maintaining fluency across all genres. This leader will partner closely with the Department Head and all departments within IGA (A&R, Revenue, Creative, Digital, PR, Radio) to build and execute fully integrated, progressive, and culturally fluent marketing strategies that resonate with both legacy audiences and the next generation of fans.

The ideal candidate brings deep understanding of music history, especially Hip-Hop and R&B, paired with a strategic, forward-thinking marketing mind, strong cultural awareness, trend fluency, and the maturity to bridge legacy artistry with modern audience behavior. This person blends creative instinct, data-driven thinking, operational discipline, and cross-functional collaboration-always keeping artist brand integrity, fan experience, and long-term impact at the center.

How You'll CREATE

Urban + Multi-Genre Catalog Strategy

  • Develop and execute innovative catalog marketing strategies for Urban (Hip-Hop/R&B) artists while applying equal expertise across all genres.
  • Identify opportunities to pull forward catalog moments that resonate with today's youth-balancing cultural nostalgia with modern relevance.
  • Build long-tail strategies that strengthen artist legacy while tapping into emerging discovery behavior, cultural moments, and platform trends.

Creative Ideation & Cultural Fluency

  • Bring strong creative instincts and a modern marketing mindset-someone who sees possibilities, not limitations.
  • Develop big ideas, tentpole moments, viral concepts, and culturally relevant activations that stretch across platforms and audience groups.
  • Ensure ideas honor the artist's legacy while making them meaningful and exciting for new generations.

Trend Awareness & Viral Opportunities

  • Stay deeply connected to cultural trends-especially TikTok, social audio moments, memes, and youth-driven behavior.
  • Recognize viral patterns early and develop strategies to enhance, accelerate, or originate viral catalog moments.
  • Bring forward new ideas using remixes, edits, challenges, influencers, and micro-moments that leverage platform algorithms.

Research, Data, and Insights Integration

  • Tap into all research and data sources-internal insights, data analytics, consumer behavior, streaming patterns, social sentiment, and cultural research.
  • Use data to validate opportunities, uncover blind spots, and inform go-forward strategy.
  • Ensure the team utilizes internal tools, processes, and cross-functional expertise to maximize performance and efficiency.

Frontline + Catalog Alignment

  • Understand frontline release cycles and how they influence catalog moments.
  • Work across current genres and frontline teams to ensure that catalog strategy complements and enhances artist development across the roster.
  • Seamlessly bridge catalog and frontline marketing-ensuring holistic, year-round artist narratives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Collaborate with Catalog and Core Label teams including Marketing, A&R, Digital, Creative, International, Commercial, Revenue, and Artist Management to support priority Urban and multi-genre catalog projects.
  • Maintain proactive, clear communication with all stakeholders-deadlines must be met, and alignment must be constant across all moving parts.
  • Serve as a key partner to Artist Management, ensuring that campaigns support artist brand integrity and long-term vision.

Execution, Analysis & Optimization

  • Guide and oversee the creation of all marketing materials and original content for campaigns.
  • Regularly interface with artists and management to ensure alignment on all aspects of release plans and catalog marketing strategy.
  • Analyze streaming, sales, radio, and social performance to adjust strategies in real time.
  • Use audience insights to optimize rollouts, messaging, formats, and content across channels.
Bring Your VIBE
  • 6+ years' experience as a Marketing Director and/or Product Manager in music
  • Strong experience in Urban (Hip-Hop/R&B) while holding comprehensive knowledge across all genres
  • Deep passion for music history, catalog storytelling, and cultural evolution-whether lived, learned, or actively pursuing
  • Strong ability to define and drive strategy, execution, timelines, and cross-functional coordination
  • Creative thinker with the ability to generate fresh, innovative marketing ideas rooted in culture
  • Strong understanding of DSP behavior and trends (Spotify, Apple, SoundCloud, YouTube)
  • Deep familiarity with social platforms and content trends, especially TikTok
  • Excellent communication, writing, presentation, and cross-functional relationship skills
  • Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Nielsen analytics (SoundScan, Mediabase)
  • Bachelor's Degree

Perks Playlist:

Join an entrepreneurial, global organization where authenticity, boldness, creativity, connection, drive, and insight aren't just values-they're how we work every day. Here are some of the ways we support you along the way (and just a few of the benefits we offer):

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

  • Including 100% coverage for out-patient in-network mental health services

  • Fertility coverage for eligible medical plan participants

  • Wellbeing reimbursements for fitness classes, spa treatments, meal services, travel, and so much more (up to $720/year)

  • Student Loan Repayment Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement

  • 401(k) with 100% immediate vesting on the first 5% of your contributions, plus an additional UMG contribution

A variety of ways to prioritize much-needed time away from work including:

  • Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) for exempt employees

  • 3-weeks PTO for non-exempt employees

  • 2-weeks paid Winter Break

  • 10 Company Holidays (including Juneteenth and Wellbeing Day)

  • Summer Fridays (between Memorial Day and Labor Day)

  • Generous paid parental leave for every type of parent

Check out our full overview of benefits on the Perks Playlist page of the career site.

Disclaimer: This job description only provides an overview of job responsibilities that are subject to change.
Universal Music Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an E-Verify employer in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah.


Please note, UMG is not enrolled in E-Verify in California and New York, and cannot support employment of candidates whose employer must enroll in E-Verify, for example candidates on STEM-OPT.

For more information, please click on the following links.

E-Verify Participation Poster:English / Spanish

E-Verify Right to Work Poster:English|Spanish


Job Category:Marketing, Streaming & Digital Media

Salary Range:

$ 70,304 - $152,260

The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include, as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. All candidates are encouraged to apply.