Ricardo West

 

Professional Summary Dynamic and results-oriented music industry professional with extensive experience in artist management, development, and strategic planning. As Founder of Rough Cut A&R, adept at nurturing emerging musical talent, structuring beneficial management agreements, and fostering growth through targeted marketing and e-commerce strategies.

Professional Experience

 

Founder & Artist Manager
Rough Cut A&R | Musical Artist Development
(01/2024 – Present)

• Developed and implemented comprehensive artist development strategies, significantly enhancing client visibility, audience engagement, and overall growth.

• Negotiated and analyzed artist management contracts, focusing on fair terms, intellectual property protection, and risk mitigation.

• Successfully guided emerging artists such as YSSA through product management, tour planning, digital branding, and e-commerce expansion.

• Conducted detailed demographic and marketing analyses, creating targeted campaigns that improved artist recognition and increased revenue streams.

• Coordinated strategic partnerships and networking initiatives within the entertainment industry, securing collaborations, sponsorships, and media opportunities.

• Created and maintained professional-grade Electronic Press Kits (EPKs), enhancing artist marketability and press visibility.

 

Education

Master of Science in Entertainment Business
(Full Sail University, October/2024 – October/2025)

• Specialized in Entertainment Media Publishing and Distribution.

• Completed advanced coursework in strategic business planning, artist management, and legal frameworks in entertainment.

 

Key Skills

• Artist Development & Management

• Contract Analysis & Negotiation

• Strategic Business Planning

• Intellectual Property Management

• Marketing & Demographic Analysis

• E-commerce & Digital Strategy

• Networking & Industry Relations

 

Certifications & Professional Affiliations

• Member, ASCAP (or relevant industry organization)

• Certification in Entertainment Law (if applicable)

• Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Zeta Beta Sigma Chapter

 

Technical Proficiencies

• Adobe Creative Suite

• Microsoft Office Suite

• CRM Platforms (Salesforce, HubSpot)

• Digital Media Analytics Tools

 

References

Available upon request.