Music company Soundcheck has appointed Aliah Davis as lead A&R for its turnkey distribution platform. The University of Cincinnati graduate will oversee the development of A&R policies and protocol for the distribution brand as well as manage its artist project roster. Underpinned by a six-figure silent partner deal, the platform since its launch has asserted an ambitious ‘art over business’ agenda and seems to be aligning its hires by their love of art rather than political formalities. A former drummer, Davis took her love of music with her throughout her college career and ultimately relocated to Los Angeles consequently securing the opportunity to serve as A&R assistant at Roc Nation records. Davis credits this experience with helping her develop a firm understanding of project development and in-depth creative management. Possessing a keen love of creativity and acute attention to detail, Davis not only excels at her understanding of art and curation but now finds herself in a key position to bring the best out of musicians and their creative projects.
The music company itself seems courageously committed to the disruption of traditional distribution models. Their brand message boldly highlights stark differences between Soundcheck and more popular and established companies. Coining the term “Bigger than Distribution”, Soundcheck promises a slew of music services and resources that most music distributors would be reluctant to adopt. The brand boasts A full-service A&R department, NFT project services, digital content design, and project team calls for each release, all of which read as things more commonly provided within major label offices than a distribution platform. In effect, Davis’ new role will seemingly sit right at the center of the company’s lofty artist agenda, providing direct access to substantive support and industry-based guidance for indie acts serious about their development and the momentum surrounding their releases.
The music distributor will commemorate its launch this month on the closing day of its 3-day long Culture Weekend festival in Los Angeles and Davis is one guest who undoubtedly will have plenty to celebrate.
