Category: Artist/Label Services

OFFRIP Distribution — A&R Internship Catalog Acquisition & Artist Discovery | Unpaid, For Credit | Remote/Hybrid (Los Angeles)
ABOUT OFFRIP DISTRIBUTION
OFFRIP is a boutique music management and multi-venture platform based in Los Angeles. OFFRIP Distribution is our release and catalog arm, working alongside our roster (Cisco Swank, Malaya, Luke Titus, Laura Elliott, Wakai, and Nick Coleman) and external distribution clients via TooLost. We're building a culture-first, data-informed approach to identifying and signing the next wave of independent artists and labels worth distributing.
ROLE OVERVIEW
We're looking for an A&R Intern to support OFFRIP Distribution's artist discovery and catalog acquisition pipeline. This is a research- and ears-driven role: you'll be scouting emerging artists and labels, evaluating catalogs for distribution fit, tracking growth signals across streaming and social platforms, and helping build the front end of our A&R pipeline. You'll work closely with the Distribution lead and contribute directly to real signing decisions — not busywork.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Artist & Catalog Scouting
• Source emerging independent artists and labels across streaming platforms (Spotify, SoundCloud, Apple Music), social platforms (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube), and digital-first communities
• Track algorithmic playlist placements, streaming velocity, and engagement signals to flag artists with genuine momentum
• Build and maintain a scouting pipeline of prospective catalog/distribution signings, organized by genre, growth stage, and fit
Evaluation & Due Diligence
• Pull and analyze streaming data (monthly listeners, playlist adds, audience demographics) to support catalog valuation discussions
• Research rights status, prior label/distribution history, and existing contractual obligations for prospective signings
• Draft one-pagers summarizing artist opportunity, audience profile, and recommended deal fit for internal review
Market & Competitive Research
• Monitor comparable distribution deals (DistroKid, TooLost competitors, indie label deals) to keep OFFRIP's offer structure competitive
• Track genre and platform trends relevant to OFFRIP's target artist profile
• Maintain CRM entries for prospective artists, labels, and A&R contacts
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
• Genuine passion for discovering new music — you're already the person sending playlists to your friends
• Strong ear across multiple genres, with particular interest in independent/emerging artist spaces
• Comfortable digging into streaming analytics platforms (Spotify for Artists, Chartmetric, SoundCharts, or similar) — willingness to learn required, prior experience a plus
• Detail-oriented researcher who can turn scattered information into a clear, organized writeup
• Self-starter who can manage a flexible, remote workload without close supervision
• Currently enrolled in or recently completed a degree program (music business, business, communications, or related field) — must be eligible to receive academic credit
• Based in or around Los Angeles preferred, but fully remote candidates will be considered
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN
• Direct exposure to real A&R and catalog acquisition decisions — your research will inform actual signings
• Hands-on experience with industry-standard analytics and data tools used in modern A&R
• Mentorship from an active artist manager and label operator with major-label negotiation experience
• A front-row seat into how an independent distribution and management company evaluates deal structures, rights, and artist development
• A strong addition to your resume/portfolio, with the potential to convert into a paid or expanded role based on performance
LOGISTICS
• Format: Unpaid, for academic credit (we'll provide documentation for your school's internship program)
• Commitment: Flexible / remote — approx. 8–12 hours per week, scheduled around your availability
• Location: Hybrid — primarily remote, with occasional optional in-person check-ins in Los Angeles
• Duration: Rolling basis, minimum one academic semester (12+ weeks) preferred
• Reports to: OFFRIP Distribution Lead
HOW TO APPLY Send a short note on why you're interested, your resume, and a playlist (5–10 songs) of artists you think OFFRIP should be paying attention to right now — we want to hear your ear, not just read your resume.