Creating A Global, Relationship Driven Platform: Launched in 2003 by multi-faceted industry veteran Sat Bisla, A&R Worldwide’s success as the world’s top independent global artist discovery, development and executive consulting firm is rooted in its unwavering commitment to its (mostly) indie music clients and building an extensive network of enduring, beneficial international, strategic, creative, and commercial opportunities. As the internet evolved, he saw a void in the marketplace for a global platform to bring together creatives and executives from around the world and “put the right ingredients together” to not only develop artists but market them via strategic, and unique A&R, branding, and imaging campaigns. At a time when labels still saw music as a business, Bisla leveraged the connection between the recording and publishing worlds to develop talent and amplify their profiles via interactions with agents, promoters, radio stations, music supervisors, brands, and media.
The Road to A&R Worldwide: The British-born entrepreneur’s background is as fascinating as the work he and his team do to ensure their artists’ long-term success and cultural impact. Moving first to Central California, he was the region’s first-ever Billboard club reporter while freelancing as a DJ, booking agent and promoter, and later serving as music director for the region’s first ever commercial Alternative radio station. The incredible talent discoveries he chronicled in his "VirtuallyAlternative" international music column caught the attention of Interscope Records, who invited him to be their global A&R scout. Three of his first Four, then unsigned, U.S. A&R submissions (Dido, Faithless, Fatboy Slim) went on to superstardom, opening doors that led Bisla on a path to become VP of A&R Network for Clear Channel Radio (now iHeartMedia) and Clear Channel Entertainment (now Live Nation). He helped broker label and publishing interest and signings for Keane, Missy Higgins, Cherie Bonnie McKee, Orson, Muse, and many others. When his agreement with Clear Channel ended, he and a business partner (the former COO Clear Channel Entertainment) launched A&R Worldwide in 2003. Since parting ways with his partner, he has owned it exclusively since 2006. Bisla also provided early support to Coldplay, Adele, The Temper Trap, Katy Perry, Jessie J, Forest Blakk, Sheppard, Tove Lo, LMFAO, Picture This, Sia, Gavin James, and countless others.
A&R Worldwide Mission: Bisla says, “Music has the ability to not just impact a person but change the world. Real art and artistry are wonderful things, and we go to the ends of the earth to help our artists reach their goals.” Still considering it something of a boutique company despite its vast international reach and influence, A&R Worldwide is a client centric firm.
MUSEXPO: Bisla is also the founder/architect of MUSEXPO, a “United Nations of Music” and pre-eminent music business conference and artist showcase event that gathers leaders and influencers from all facets of the global music and entertainment industry. Originating as a series of intimate A&R Worldwide networking dinners, the gatherings have taken place all over the world, creating opportunities for fresh business relationships for all participants while uniting decision makers from music media and technology. Bisla says, “Our ethos is to continually evolve, teach, and inspire forward-thinking minds.” The 2025 event takes place March 16-19 in Burbank, CA.
Contact A&R Worldwide, [email protected]
