THIS MAY PUSH
YOUR BUTTONS

What high-profile, traditional A&R gunslinger is said to be on the ropes as rumors continue to swirl about his impending departure from his label gig before his big-money deal expires?

This question begs a larger one: Does the role of the traditional A&R exec have diminished clout in the new ecosystem? What’s the role for these biz veterans, who are not steeped in acts that prompt streaming super-users to lean on the button? The game is now all about the writer/producers in the pop-urban-rhythm market who control that button.

Decision-makers say there’s some value in a mentoring role for these old-school players—and that the small demo that dominates the game’s musical tendencies is likely to change eventually.