The elusive record label contract: sought after by many, but achieved by few. It can be challenging, to put it lightly, to pin down what exactly A&R reps are looking for when they're scouting new talent with that star potential. However, Capitol Records UK President Nick Raphael lays down very succinctly what he believes to be the three most important factors: likeability, ambition, and talent (yes, in that order). Check out the video below to understand his rationale behind the list and how each trait is important in different ways.
00:22 - Likeability is critical to public acceptance; all the talent and ambition in the world can't make up for a bad impression
00:56 - You won't succeed without the drive to work hard and make sacrifices
01:06 - The most successful artists don't have to be the most talented, but they have enough of it
01:50 - "Superstars are not superstars by accident," and the work you put in can trump what you lack in talent
What do you think of Raphael's criteria? Let us know in the comments!