Talking of MUSExpo, the all new President of A&R Labels for North America and the UK at EMI, Nick Gatfield, took part in an A&R Forum at the conference yesterday, and said that A&R departments needed people experienced in all aspects of artist development and relations, not just in scouting new bands.
According to Billboard, Gatfield told the conference: "There is a problem in today's A&R departments; it's a lack of confidence where the A&R person doesn't have a proper dialogue with the artist. [This has happened because] A&R scouts are often elevated to senior positions with a lack of experience after happening upon a talented artist".
Asked about how he planned to help turn round the fortunes of struggling EMI, he said "have more hits", though added that in the modern industry "it's not about record sales, it's more about revenue driving".