A&R Academy, MINISTRY OF SOUND (sony records)

About the Role

Ministry of Sound is offering an A&R Academy opportunity for aspiring music professionals looking to break into the industry.

This is an entry-level, hands-on role working closely with the A&R team, focused on discovering new talent and supporting artist development. You’ll gain real-world experience across scouting, research, relationship building and creative pitching, while also being part of the wider Sony Music UK internship network. You’ll be mentored throughout the programme and exposed to how a major record label operates day to day.

What You’ll Do

• Research and identify emerging artists across platforms like Spotify, SoundCloud, TikTok and YouTube

• Listen to demos, catalogue submissions and support feedback to label leadership

• Attend gigs, showcases, festivals and clubs to scout new talent

• Build and maintain relationships with artists, creatives and industry contacts

• Track and report on new music, trends and artist development

• Create A&R reports and pitch new artists to label heads

• Suggest collaborations between artists, producers and songwriters

• Maintain internal trackers for projects, releases and talent pipelines

• Stay up to date with music industry trends, blogs and cultural movements

Who This Is For

• Entry-level candidates passionate about music, especially the UK dance scene

• Individuals with strong awareness of emerging artists and cultural trends

• People confident using digital platforms and DSPs like Spotify and SoundCloud

• Self-starters who are proactive, resilient and driven

• Strong communicators comfortable engaging with artists and industry professionals

• Candidates able to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Bonus If You Have

• Experience in music, events, DJing, curation or creative communities

• Existing network within music or creative industries

• Experience creating pitches or working with artists

Why This Role Matters

A&R is central to shaping the future of music. This programme gives you direct access to how talent is discovered, developed and brought to market, providing a rare entry point into one of the most competitive areas of the industry.