Discovering Talent and Shaping Careers with Kelly Bolton, VP of A&R Warner Records

Introduction to Kelly Bolton, VP of A&R at Warner Records Tim kicks off by introducing Kelly and asking her to share her journey to Warner Records. Kelly’s Start in the Music Industry Kelly discusses her internship at TKO Management, working with Toby Keith, and how she found her passion for A&R. Advice from Cliff Audretch on Publishing and A&R Kelly explains the advice she received from Cliff Audretch, encouraging her to start in publishing to better understand the A&R process. Key Skills for A&R Professionals Tim asks Kelly to reflect on the key skills she developed during her time in publishing and how they shaped her A&R career. The Importance of Songwriters in Nashville Kelly discusses how songwriters are the heart of Nashville's music scene and how learning from them has been crucial in her development as an A&R. Confident and Teachable: A Key Balance for Creatives The conversation turns to the qualities necessary for creatives and executives in the music industry, and Kelly shares her views on confidence vs. teachability. The Changing Role of A&R and the Influence of Coastal Labels Tim and Kelly dive into the shift of power toward LA and New York-based labels and how the Nashville sound is expanding. What Kelly Looks for in Artists Kelly outlines what she looks for when scouting new talent—strong songwriting, authenticity, work ethic, and belief in oneself. Artist Development and Fan Involvement The discussion covers the long road of artist development and how fans are more involved than ever in shaping an artist's journey. The Future of A&R and Creativity in the Industry Kelly reflects on the changing dynamics of the music industry, the importance of shaking things up, and staying true to creative instincts.   The AIMP Nashville Pubcast is a DiMe Collective Production

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