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Billboard Magazine (issue 28 July 2001) features a 'round table' interview/discussion with three record label executives debating the challenge of major label A&R. Discussing issues are Dave Novik (senior VP of A&R at RCA), Keith Naftaly (senior VP of A&R at J Records) and Ben Goldman (senior VP of A&R at Epic). Billboard: Which is preferable, working with self-contained rock band or a pop artist who needs guidance? Dave Novik: It's comforting to find a band, love them, love their material, and have them deliver a record that you can release. It's certainly easier than having one act that requires 10 producers and 10 songs. Keith Naftaly: Taking on a singer, even an extraordinarily gifted one, without producer-attached hits in the bag is a huge hassle. There are not a lot of crazy-hot smash records just floating around. It's nasty out there. But once you score a victory in that minefield, there are few rushes that are comparable. Billboard: On that note, what do you view as your finest moment so far? Keith Naftaly: Whitney Houston's My Love Is Your Love album was a triumph. It brought her into the present with pure finesse. We made that record really quickly, and she rose to the occasion. I'll never forget being in the Hit Factory with Rodney Jerkins working on songs in one room and Wyclef Jean working on a track in another. Then we had Missy Elliott upstairs working on her tracks. And there was Whitney, literally running from room to room, working with each producer, giving her all to each track. It was truly surreal. NEWSFILE: 24 JULY 2001 |