Linda Stout

At South by Southwest, sat in "A&R Before, During and After the Deal" listening to major label A&R guys, yeah, all guys. It is not an easy business. But I knew that. They get random demos sent to them, no prior research and recommended artists or managers pursuing them at least do some background work first and not send metal to a guy who does pop. Later, I got to a demo listening session which included Simon Cramer, formerly with the Chocteau Twins and owner of Bella Union Records, in the UK. After listening to him and others in this 1-minute per demo critique, I wagered he might like "Extended Play," so endeavored to hand it to him. I'd stuck my head in the door in "China's Emerging Music Market" and heard the littlest bit about clubs that change types of music they present on a dime and pay maybe $4 cover, if you're lucky. I can struggle like that here; think I"ll pass. I am interested in China, but for downloads and CD sales. It could be, well, a trip to tour there, but maybe we'd network through friends and acquaintances somehow.