Rehan Jay Manickam

About Rehan Jay Manickam

I’m a record executive and entrepreneur shaping the future of artist development through management and label services building a modern ecosystem for how talent is discovered, developed, and monetized. I formerly served as Director of A&R, US at Bamboo Artists, leading the company’s creative and repertoire operations across the United States. My focus was on signing, developing, and breaking globally competitive talent while strengthening Bamboo’s international footprint through precision, intent, and world-class execution.Previous to that, I served as A&R Manager at LEGION Management and Anomaly Publishing (founded by Grammy-winning songwriter Nija Charles), where I oversaw Grammy-winning and nominated creatives — including Nija Charles, Jack Rochon, KDDO, Magisticks, and Von Waters — whose work contributed to multi-platinum, Billboard-charting releases for Summer Walker, SZA, Cardi B, Wizkid, Chris Brown, Ellie Goulding, Ty Dolla $ign, and 6LACK.My career began at Love Renaissance (LVRN), where I worked as an engineer and A&R coordinator on projects including Summer Walker’s Billboard #1 Still Over It and the Platinum-certified “No Love (Extended)” ft. SZA & Cardi B.Across every chapter — from the studio to the strategy table — my mission remains the same: to redefine how global talent is developed, scaled, and sustained through systems built on ownership, equity, and impact.

Experience

1. Director of a & R

   Giant Music

   Apr 2026 — Present · Los Angeles, CA, US

   Discover, evaluate, and sign recording artists across priority genres using both creative judgment and research-based insights- Lead artist development strategies in partnership with marketing, digital, creative, and promotion teams- Serve as a primary creative and strategic point of contact for signed artists and their teams- Guide repertoire selection, recording strategy, and release planning- Incorporate streaming, social, radio, touring, and fan engagement data into artist evaluation and prioritization- Analyze audience growth, consumption patterns, and market signals to assess artist potential and timing of signings- Translate research and analytics into clear, actionable recommendations for A&R leadership and label executives- Partner with internal research, analytics, and digital teams to ensure data is effectively applied to label A&R decisions- Work cross-functionally with marketing, digital, promotion, and distribution teams to align A&R strategy with release plans- Provide A&R input on marketing campaigns, content strategy, and growth initiatives- Participate in release strategy discussions including singles selection, timing, and positioning- Support deal evaluation by providing research-backed analysis of artist performance and market opportunity- Prepare and present artist signings and repertoire strategies to senior leadership- Collaborate with legal and finance teams on deal structures and investment considerations- Mentor junior A&R staff and contribute to best practices for artist discovery and evaluation- Represent the label professionally with artists, managers, producers, agents, and other industry partners- Stay current on competitive label activity, emerging platforms, and shifts in music consumption

Education

• Berklee College of Music

  Bachelor of Music - B.M., Music Production and Engineering (Minors in Commercial Record Production and Audio Post Production)

  2017 — 2021

• International Baccalaureate

  High School, Biology/Biological Sciences, General - Turner Fenton Secondary School

  2014 — 2017

• Berklee College of Music

  Bachelor of Music - B.M., Music Business and Management (Management Track)

  2017 — 2021

Skills

• Teamwork
• Team Management
• Leadership
• Research
• Music Composition
• Audio Engineering
• Music Production
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Powerpoint
• Lighting Design
• Film
• Leadership Development
• Video Production
• Intercultural Communication
• Social Networking
• Microsoft Office
• Educational Technology
• Educational Leadership
• Public Speaking
• Social Media