Meet Kasper Meacham, A&R at Epidemic Sound who brings her classical training, production expertise, and deep passion for music to support artists on a global scale. In this interview, Kasper shares her journey into the music industry, what makes Epidemic Sound’s approach unique, and how she helps artists develop their craft and reach new creative heights. From discovering underground talent in Brooklyn to working with international artists, Kasper’s story is one of dedication, innovation, and a love for music that transcends borders.

Kasper, tell us a bit about yourself and what you do at Epidemic Sound? 

My name is Kasper Meacham. I am an A&R here at Epidemic Sound working with the music department based out of our NYC office. I've been working here for around 6 months now. And, I truly love it. I am a creative outside of work as well as a pianist, producer, and DJ.

What does it mean to be an A&R?

Traditionally when people think of A&R they think of only scouting but at Epidemic Sound it’s more than that. We scout for new talent but mainly we develop and support our current roster of artists. This could be by  providing comprehensive feedback on their tracks to discussing their creative goals and helping them get to the next level of their career. What I love about the job is that you have your hands in different pots and you’re not boxed into just doing one thing for your artists. 

What made you want to work in the music industry?

I’ve always been into music. Growing up I was trained as a classical pianist and when I was 16 I discovered music production and had dreams to become a producer. I continued my music journey by studying it in college at the New School here in NYC where I majored in contemporary music.

After college, I thought ‘how am I going to work in music?’ There's so much stigma that you can’t make a living working in music and I heard this from too many close to me but I was determined to work as close to music as possible. I started working for an indie label based in Brooklyn where I fell in love with the underground city in the borough filled with unique talents. From project manager I was promoted to A&R as they saw my passion and my good ear and that’s where I found the perfect role for me. I’m able to use my classically trained music background whilst being exposed to all kinds of music. During this time I worked with artists such as French Horn Rebellion, Fat Tony, musclecars, Dee Diggs, and Haruka Salt.

I also worked at Monarch Music Group, the largest Indie label in the US, where I learnt all about the business side of the music industry and worked with artists such as Bathe, Mobley, Harrison, and Siobhan Bell. It showed me how the music industry has been running, however, I was keen to find something less traditional which is when I stumbled on Epidemic Sound which felt like a breath of fresh air. 

What made you want to join Epidemic Sound as an A&R?

It came across that Epidemic Sound was challenging the norms in music and forward thinking by the way they work with artists, how they support them, pay them. Being a creative myself, it really spoke to me. Till this point, I’d only been working with local artists and with Epidemic Sound I’d be working on a much more international scale. 

For example, I’m working with one of our artists who is based in Japan. Funnily enough I minored in Japanese in college and I thought I would never use this skill and now it’s a full circle moment where I’m able to use this skill and communicate with the artist in a way that makes them feel comfortable and seen. 

How do you support your Epidemic Sound artists?

It all comes down to communication by making sure you are aligned on the artist’s creative goals and understand where the artist wants to go and setting them up for success. For example, while getting to know my artists, I’m able to envision artist collaborations and make them a reality, which in turn will help the artists grow creatively & professionally, but also provide the best music for our clients. Recently, I’m really proud of the track “Cut to the Feeling,” which is a Eurotrance collaboration between Gamma Skies & Heyson.   

What’s been a proud moment at Epidemic Sound so far?

I was able to attend one of our writing camps which we host regularly throughout the year in all corners of the world, this time just outside of London. It was amazing to see our artists come together with their different styles and create some amazing music. This writing camp was curated towards one of our clients who were blown away with what the artists had done in a week. 

What do you find unique about the culture of Epidemic Sound like as a workplace?

The flexibility is what comes to mind first. Yes, we have deadlines and objectives but we have the freedom to be able to determine our own workflow. It’s been super beneficial as everyone works differently and it gives us a lot of agency to determine what works best for us. 

You mentioned Epidemic Sound has given you the space to be yourself? How so?

It comes down to how I work and Epidemic Sound giving me the autonomy to plan my workflow that suits me best but also having a safe space where I can express my personal style day to day (I’m wearing a mullet wig as we speak haha)  which I find so freeing and a great way to feel like I’m showing up as my authentic self everyday.

What is one recent Epidemic Sound track that blew your mind?

I’m a little biased since he’s on my roster, but recently I’ve been loving “Back on Track” by Ryan James Carr on repeat!

What’s your one tip for anyone aspiring to be an A&R?

Train your ear as you’ll have to listen to music differently given that not all music will be made to your taste but you have to understand that there is an audience for everything.