Vice President, A&R

Business Unit: Blue Highway Records

Reports to: Jake Basden

Location: Nashville, TN, Onsite

Full-Time | Salary | Exempt

About Blue Highway Records:

Blue Highway Records is HYBE AMERICA’s Nashville-based country, Americana and roots rock label, representing a premier roster of artists and songwriters at the forefront of the genre. The label is home to marquee talent including Thomas Rhett, Carly Pearce, Brett Young, Midland, Justin Moore, Jackson Dean, Preston Cooper, and Mae Estes. Led by Chief Executive Officer Jake Basden, Blue Highway Records builds on an existing foundation, while advancing a distinct creative vision rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship and long-term career growth. Inspired by the spirit of the blue highways that run through the heart of America, the label champions artists whose work reflects lived experience, forging meaningful audience connections and driving the future of country and roots music.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a Vice President, A&R to help shape the future of the label. This role is responsible for identifying, signing, and developing artists, and for guiding them creatively from the earliest stages through release and beyond.

This position requires both strong creative instinct and a clear understanding of how the business works today. The right person values gut, taste, and experience, while also using data, research, and insight as tools to make better decisions. A&R reports to the CEO of the company.

Job Responsibilities:

• Identify, pursue, and sign artists who align with the Blue Highway vision across Country, Americana, and Roots rock
• Build and maintain a consistent pipeline of talent through live shows, digital platforms, and trusted relationships
• Evaluate artists, songs, and opportunities with clear judgment and a long-term perspective
• Lead artist development from signing forward
• Work closely with artists to help shape their sound, identity, and creative direction
• Connect artists with the right producers, writers, and collaborators
• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with publishers, songwriters, and the creative community
• Identify and secure the right songs, co-writes, and writing opportunities that move an artist forward
• Oversee the recording process from start to finish
• Ensure projects are delivered at a high creative level, on time, and on budget
• Partner with A&R Administration on budgets, sessions, and delivery
• Work closely with marketing, digital, promotion, and commerce teams to ensure alignment from creative through release
• Build strong relationships with managers, agents, attorneys, and internal teams
• Stay informed on emerging artists, songs, and shifts in the marketplace, while maintaining a clear point of view on what is actually meaningful and differentiated
• Continue to actively develop artists after signing, with a focus on building real careers over time

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• 10+ years of work experience in A&R or music industry roles with a proven track record of successful artist signings.
• Deep understanding of music trends, streaming, and audience behavior.
• Strong network of artists, managers, producers, and industry executives.

Required Skills:

• Creative instincts with the ability to identify talent, hits, and potential in artists.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and network easily.
• Decision-making under high pressure and uncertainty.
• Budget and project management.
• Ability to thrive and be positive in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong time management skills.
• High agility and adaptability to change.
• Ability to work independently; must be self-motivated.
• Ability to work collaboratively with fellow team members and other departments.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in music business or communication or a related field preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position will oversee A&R staff.

Travel Required:

10-50%