Music Glossary: roles

Label role focused on scouting talent, developing artists, and pairing songs/producers. Success depends on taste, timing, and support. more

Books live shows and tours, negotiates guarantees and terms with promoters/venues. Bleeds you dry but a neccessary evil! more

Oversees career strategy, team, and business affairs; coordinates releases, deals, and timelines. Bleeds you dry but a neccessary evil! more

Income paid after recoupment or post-use, e.g., performance royalties or sync back-end. more

Substitute player covering a gig or session when the regular member is unavailable; should receive parts, charts, and cues in advance. more

Clear responsibility split; comms between engineers; snapshot management. more

Describes a very devoted fan who follows a band closely. The term is considered dated and can be viewed as sexist—use with care or avoid. more

Physical goods (shirts, vinyl, posters) sold to fans at shows and online. more

Live deal where artist pay is a share of door receipts (tickets sold at the venue). more

Assign melody, counterline, pads, rhythm, and bass consciously. more

Crew member who transports, sets up, and maintains instruments/amps on tour; often doubles as quick-fix engineer. more

Professional player hired to support a lead artist on stage or in studio. more