Is data relevant to make A&R decisions?

A&R remains predominantly the “raison d’être” of music publishers — identifying and signing new talent and investing in the development of new songwriters, composers, and lyricists. But in the digital era, is the A&R process different? How much does data inform the decision process? And what kind of data can be used? In the end, do analogue tools (i.e. the ears, experience, and taste of A&R executives) still trump the new digital systems? A group of A&R executives from different horizons will share their views on the new A&R landscape.

Kim Frankiewicz, EVP Worldwide A&R, Concord Music Publishing (UK)
Jodie Ferneyhough, President, CCS Rights Management (Canada)
Tony Alexander, President, Made in Memphis Entertainment MIME (USA)
Rhiannon Bramley, A&R, Bucks Music Group, (UK)

Moderator:
Emmanuel Legrand, Editor, Creative Industries News (France/USA)