PPL, an organization that works to maximize value for performers and recording rights holders, has announced its sponsorship of the Administrator of the Year category at this year’s A&R Awards. The category, known as The Forbsie, is named after Ashley Forbes, a beloved A&R administrator at EMI who sadly passed away in 2021. Forbes herself was a previous winner of the award. Natalie Wade, Director of Music Industry Engagement at PPL, praised the crucial role that A&R administrators play in coordinating various elements within the department and ensuring that tracks are properly documented and logged. The finalists for the 2023 A&R Awards have been announced, and the event, taking place on November 7th in London, will celebrate the achievements of industry professionals in various categories.
The sponsorship of the Administrator of the Year category by PPL highlights the importance of A&R administrators in the music industry. These individuals work behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of label teams and maximize value for performers and recording rights holders. The category is particularly significant as it is named after Ashley Forbes, a highly respected A&R administrator at EMI who dedicated over three decades of her career to the company. The 2023 A&R Awards, held in London, will honor the achievements of executives, managers, producers, songwriters, and industry legends.
Natalie Wade expressed her pleasure at supporting the A&R Administrator category and emphasized the vital role these administrators play. She acknowledged them as the “glue” in the department, responsible for coordinating various elements and ensuring proper documentation and logging of tracks. PPL’s sponsorship underscores their recognition and championing of these unsung heroes who contribute significantly to the music industry. In addition to the Administrator of the Year category, the event will also present awards in categories such as Producer of the Year, A&R of the Year, Song of the Year, and Publisher of the Year, among others. The headline sponsor of the A&R Awards is Abbey Road Studios, continuing its longstanding support for the event.