The Glossary: Dean Bryce | A&R

Dean Bryce is a renowned music executive, DJ, and A&R specialist whose career has helped shape the sound and direction of UK independent music. Raised in South London, his early exposure to the legendary Saxon Sound system in the 1980s sparked a deep appreciation for music as a cultural force. This formative influence laid the groundwork for a career built on discovering and championing groundbreaking talent.

Dean began his professional journey as a management assistant for artists like MJ Cole and Roots Manuva, before joining the iconic independent label Ninja Tune. As A&R Director, he revitalised the label’s roster, brought in Mercury Prize-winning artists Speech Debelle and Young Fathers, and launched the club-focused imprint Technicolour, which played a key role in Peggy Gou’s rise to prominence. These achievements cemented Dean’s reputation as a visionary tastemaker in the music industry.

In 2019, he became Global Head of Music at Boiler Room, where he expanded the platform’s global reach and championed underrepresented voices across genres. That same year, Dean founded Don’t Sleep, a music venture dedicated to supporting forward-thinking artists. The company quickly made its mark with the success of BERWYN, whose debut mixtape earned a Mercury Prize nomination and a major label deal with Columbia Records.

With more than 20 years in the music industry, Dean Bryce remains a powerful force in shaping the future of contemporary sound. Known for his sharp instinct and deep commitment to artistic innovation, he has consistently elevated emerging talent and helped redefine the boundaries of independent music.

What is your role in music and what does your day to day look like?
I’m an A&R and no day is the same. I could be in the office doing emails, in the studio listening to sessions, traveling across the world to meet artists or being at a gig in a dingy basement watching a performance. 

How did you get into your line of work?
You rarely see an A&R vacancy which adds to the mystery. Your taste has to announce you long before a job post exists. Before I got into A&R I cut my teeth in management, marketing and sync where each role sharpened my instinct for spotting music that moves people. I joined Ninja Tune and eventually they offered me an A&R role - where I became their first full-time sole A&R person, signing acts like Peggy Gou, Actress and bringing in Mercury Prize winners Young Father and Speech Debelle.

What skills are important in your job?
The most important A&R skill to have is people skills. You’re dealing with artists and managers on a daily basis and if you can’t deal with people then it’s going to be difficult. The second skill is having a good ear. You really need to be able to recognise good music and what’s happening in the zeitgeist. You also have to enjoy being sociable.

If someone is excited to do what you do, what advice would you give them?
There are a couple of routes into A&R that are proven & tested. The first one is to manage an artist who you believe in and if they start to get traction labels will come knocking offering deals and also potentially an A&R job for you. The second route is a little longer and that is to email labels offering scouting services which essentially means unpaid work going to shows or looking online and reporting on who the new hot artists are.
 

What have you found surprising about your role?
Everyday is a surprise. It’s a demanding job and you need determination to succeed. It’s also nice when someone you believed in from day one makes it globally which affirms your taste but there is definitely a luck element.
 

What are your top 3 tips for someone who wants work in the music industry in general?

1. Networking is essential. It’s a cliche but your network is your net worth.

2. Add value to your relationships and employer.  Don't think you’ll be senior in a year or two. You need to prove yourself consistently. 

3. Relax, it's just the music business. Take what you do seriously but don’t take yourself too seriously. 

We also caught up with Dean Bryce at Doors Open UNLOCKED: Careers, our 2024 London edition. You can watch the recording below:

Browse open roles in A&R on Doors Open here.