Interview with Fred Croshal, Founder and CEO, Croshal Entertainment Group, LLC.

Armen Shaomian

A new era marked by rapid advances in technology and streaming has upended the traditional way of doing business in the music industry. The major record labels have dramatically cut down on A&R (artists and repertoire) staff — those who have traditionally been responsible for scouting new talent and developing artists. While labels are signing more artists in hopes of the next big hit, they are also spending less time nurturing and guiding new acts, opting many times for shorter deals and taking smaller financial risks. This also puts a great deal of pressure on newer musical acts, as they are expected to come prepared with an established cache of online influence, including a robust social media presence, complete with fans and followers.