How Major Label A&R Has Evolved and How Hit Songs Are Written

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with legendary A&R executive, publisher, and educator Pete Ganbarg.
With more than three decades in the music industry, Pete has helped shape the careers of artists, songwriters, and hit records across multiple generations. In this conversation, he breaks down how A&R has evolved from the days of artist showcases and long-term development deals to today's algorithm-driven landscape. Pete explains why great A&R is still about connecting great artists with great songs, even as technology and discovery platforms continue to change.

Follow Pete Ganbarg:
substack.com/@peteganbarg
Instagram: instagram.com/peteganbarg

Check out Ari’s Take:
aristake.com

– The True Role of A&R: What Has Changed and What Hasn't
– Artist Development vs. Chasing Quick Hits
– Why Live Performance Still Matters to Labels
– TikTok Stars, Viral Songs, and Building Careers
– The Difference Between a Song, an Artist, and a Career
– How Pete Discovers and Develops Songwriters
– Michael Pollack's Journey to Writing "Flowers."
– Songwriting by Committee, Sampling, and Publishing Trends
– AI, Songwriting, and the Future of Music Creation
– What Excites Pete Most About the Future of Music
– What It Means to "Make It" in the New Music Business

Edited and mixed by Ruben Zarate
Music by Brassroots District
Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: book.aristake.com

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How Major Label A&R Has Evolved and How Hit Songs Are Written

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