A&R Consulting
Whetstone provides hands-on A&R consulting for labels and independent projects: pairing writers and producers, selecting singles, sequencing albums, and shaping records from demo to final master. The work earned two 2026 Grammy nominations, for Lecrae's Restoration and the single Headphones.
What the Work Looks Like
A&R is the craft of making a body of work compete. In practice, our engagements cover:
- Record shaping. Listening through works in progress and deciding what each record needs: a new verse, a different hook, a producer pass, or a cut.
- Producer and writer pairing. Putting the right collaborators in the room, drawn from 15+ years of working relationships.
- Single selection and sequencing. Choosing the records that lead, and building an album that plays as one piece.
- Project management. Keeping sessions, mixes, masters, and clearances moving so the record actually ships.
- Post-release analysis. Playlist strategy, digital marketing input, and performance analysis so the music finds its audience.
Who Hires Us
Labels bring us in per project or on retainer when a priority release needs senior ears without adding headcount. Independent artists and producers hire us to give a project the same executive attention a major-label release gets. Management clients get this built in.
The Proof
In 2026 this practice earned two Grammy nominations for A&R consulting: Restoration by Lecrae (Best Contemporary Christian Music Album) and Headphones featuring Killer Mike and T.I. (Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song), plus a BET Awards nomination for Headphones. Across the team, our work spans 20+ Grammy nominations and contributions to records for Beyoncé, Drake, Usher, SZA, and Travis Scott. See recent work.
How Engagements Are Scoped
Per project (an album cycle, an EP, a single campaign) or ongoing. Scope, timeline, and fee are set up front after a first conversation about the material. Start by telling us about the project, or ask your specific questions in a 1-on-1 session first.
Further Reading
Put Senior Ears on Your Project
Labels, artists, and producers. Tell us what you are making and where it needs to go.