Tariq Troy Stewart on What It Takes To Be An Accomplished A&R
When it comes to the name Tariq Troy Stewart, "Professional" is one of the words that best describes him. For a number of years, he has assisted in elevating the careers of some of your favorite artists, and being a mover and shaker in the music industry.
The Brooklyn-born A&R has signed some of this generation's top acts, lent his expertise to the likes of Chris Brown, had a hand in placing one of Jamaica's biggest stars on DJ Khaled's latest album, and he's just getting started.
We recently had a chat with Tariq Troy Stewart on his role in Chris Brown's hit single "Iffy", getting his start with Wayne Barrow, signing top Jamaican artist Skillibeng, what it takes to be an A&R, and more.
Check out the interview below.
Thanks for coming through! You’re an accomplished A&R, with many wins under your belt. How did you get your start in the music industry?
I got my start through Wayne Barrow and Mark Pitts. Everyday I would go to the office doing anything that needed to be done whether going to get their food, running errands, it didn’t matter I wanted to just my show work ethic and hustle on anything I did.
One of your most recent wins is your signee, Skillibeng’s “Whap Whap” being one of the hottest songs this year. What did you see in him that made you want to sign him?
His sound was just different, Skane Dolla and Karl, the other A&Rs that signed Skillibeng with I believe would say the same. Even though he’s a Dancehall artist he comes off as a rapper in today’s generation and I think that why he’s been featured on a lot of songs this year.
You also had a win with your contribution to Chris Brown’s “Iffy”, one of his most streamed songs of the year. Take us back that moment. When did the idea pop in your head, and what was everyone’s reaction.
The way it happen was randomly. I was in the studio with Mark Pitts who signed Chris since young and the two songwriters Dom and Darius. We were just bouncing around bridge ideas for the songs they did at least 7 ideas for the bridge, but the idea I had just made sense for the song. It wasn’t really a reaction. It’s never like that, especially with someone who’s a mentor to me ( Mark) ... I feel as an A&R and what we do this is what we’re supposed to do, I’m just thankful to be apart of it.
Aside from making good music, what mindset and characteristics do you look for in artists before thinking of working with them?
Just how they are as an person, you can be the most talented in the world, but who you are human being is what keeps you in this game. Humility, Gratitude, Confidence are things I like to see in an artist. That's what separates you from the rest.
A lot of people have dreams of being an A&R. What is one thing you think people have figured out all wrong when it comes to this career path?
It’s not what it seems to be you don’t just wake up and can just sign anything. It has to make sense for the company you’re at. It’s 24/7 job. It’s long nights, a lot of traveling and sometimes you're going to have to sacrifice things to be where you want to be... But if you love it you’ll have no problem. Everything you do in life is hard, so make sure you choose the thing you love to do.
What do you love the most about being in the music industry?
I love the fact we get to change lives. You're taking someone from 0 to 50 to 100, and not only are you changing their lives, but also their loved ones. Knowing that you're putting someone in a position to win and support their family is priceless.
Anything else we should know?
Keep working never get discouraged anything you want to happen will happen faith and perseverance.
