R4A Music is an empowering record label on the Gold Coast, run by artists, for artists. Backstage, CEO Drew dedicates his days to sharing his wealth of music industry knowledge with upcoming and established musicians, so they can record, produce, promote, distribute and launch their debut tracks. 

Drew Batties, R4A Music's CEO, has lived on the Gold Coast since 2018 after many years globe-trotting fuelled by his musical success. 

Today, his goal is to help emerging artists learn about the music industry and release their own tracks, without the stereotypical barriers prevalent in the industry.

The Gold Coast music scene is brimming with talented musicians at all stages. So, when is it time to engage a record label? What does that look like? And, the question we're all asking... what does a record label actually do?

We chatted with Drew to talk all things record labels, artists and a new X Factor-inspired competition coming to the Gold Coast.

Have you always called Gold Coast home?

I have lived in many exciting cities around the world, and in 2018 my family and I moved to the Gold Coast from Melbourne. I absolutely love living on the Gold Coast.

Tell us more about R4A, and what inspired you to start this record label independently.

In 2013, I broke my cervical spine. I spent some time in rehabilitation, so decided to record a comeback single, which led to recording a full album. After my last of seven surgeries, I decided to establish a record label to work with artists that the major labels ignore. I wanted to provide an opportunity for others to learn about the music industry.

My focus over the past three years has been signing artists and working with them to record their debut release whilst they learn with my team how the music industry functions. R4A Music is run by artists, for artists. The music industry has been run by 'the boys club' for so long that I decided it was time to shake it up. Employing a team of artists to work with me was crucial to the success of the label.

I have never understood how executives are given senior roles and the authority to make decisions on something they have no practical experience in, and the music industry is no different. At R4A Music, we are all artists in some way, and that gives us first-hand knowledge and experience on how to guide and assist other artists to grow within the industry.

Tell us about your background in the music industry.

When I was seventeen, I was fortunate enough to sign my first recording contract. Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to work in the music industry. Most of my earlier memories are associated with the songs.

My first single was recorded in Brian Mannix's (Uncanny X-Men) studio and was released in Australia and New Zealand the following year. I continued to record and release music under the state name Sol Demenseon. I moved to the UK in 1993 to work with P.M. Dawn's producer on a new pop sound for my next release.

Living in London for five years and recording in some of London's most iconic recording studios was a dream come true for me. I released two singles in the UK with BMG music and then in 1998 I moved back to Australia and recorded my most successful single, 'Calling Your Name' with a variety of well-known pop and dance producers at the time.

'The Land of Make Believe' followed, and I went on an Australian and UK tour promoting the single, which peaked at Number 11 on the Australia Artist ARIA chart. At this time, I was offered an amazing experience to learn behind the scenes how a record label works and as a result I took up a position with now defunct dance label, Pro DJ International.

I was then offered a position at Universal Music Australasia. That's when my injury happened, and it interrupted those plans.

Why do you feel it is important for artists to learn about what is involved in a label and getting their music out into the world?

The first artists who came on board with R4A have now released one or two singles and have also learnt all about artwork, music production, marketing and distribution.

It's so rewarding to watch the artists progress through the stages from signing their recording contract to the release and promotion of their first single. As we say to all of our artists, we can work with you, and we can try our best – though we cannot guarantee success. However, we can promise that you will learn all the important steps in how to release and market music.

Any of the artists that go through our program even leave with the knowledge and skill set to be able to work in any record label around the world or set up their own label and that is the most exciting and rewarding aspect that we offer at R4A Music.

Really, though, what does life as a record label owner look like? Run us through a typical day

A record label is a very busy place, and everyday changes. It's one of those industries where you can plan your entire day at 8am and then one event can occur, like a song being picked up by radio or a chart position debut, and our entire working day changes instantly. That's the fun part about working in a record label, every day is different.

One of the most challenging parts of the role is that we must be able to manage up to ten different projects at one time. Different songs come out on different dates in different countries, and music video premiers happen every Thursday and Friday night.

We have artists who come in on different days to record with our in-house producer. And other artists who come in to record in the studio. And there are music videos being made for social media promotions. It's just go go go!

Can you give us a run-down of some of the bands your record label has worked with?

We have over twenty artists with us. At the moment, our priority acts are our new-wave pop duo Supasoniq and Demenseon2. We have our London band 'London Calling' charting well in the UK and Europe with 'Shook by the Look' and our first Urban Rap artist BIG Karma releasing his debut single in September.

We also have on our roster so many talented and hardworking artists that we can't wait to launch to the world.

What's one thing you think all emerging Gold Coast artists should know about the music industry?

The Gold Coast has so many amazingly talented artists and musicians, and we cannot believe the talent potential. Most of our artists are from the Gold Coast. It's important for all artists to believe in themselves and to follow their dreams. The music industry is one of the hardest industries to break through. Digital streaming has now made it even harder, and artists need to rely heavily on social media content and work harder to put themselves out there if they want to succeed.

Don't give up, keep your passion and dream alive, and eventually you will break through. Try different sounds and genres and try to build your fan-base every day by exciting them and leading them to your music.

What's coming up next for R4A Music in 2023?

We've spent three long years establishing the record label and our other businesses such as J4A Music, which is an affordable option for unsigned artists to gain access to music marketing and promotional services. We officially launch to the world on September 28th and are looking forward to getting out so many exciting singles and albums.

We are expanding into artist merchandise and aim to offer all artists a one-stop shop in a safe and warm environment. We are launching our first youth and all age gigs next month, plus a battle of the bands and our own version of X Factor. This is an exciting time for R4A Music, and we're working hard to help as many artists as we can.

Learn more about R4A via their website, r4amusic.com