How Blake Benson’s Project A&R is Rewriting the Rules of Music
Project A&R is disrupting the traditional music industry by focusing on innovation, fan-first marketing, and cultivating global talent, all led by 20-year-old Australian Blake Benson.
In an industry often resistant to change, a quiet but potent revolution is underway, partially orchestrated by a 20-year-old entrepreneur who is building an empire with no prior industry connections. Blake Benson, the founder of Project A&R, is systematically dismantling the traditional music marketing playbook. His firm has become the essential bridge between bleeding-edge digital strategy and the dynamic needs of global artists, proving that the future of music is forged digitally, not in boardrooms.
The ascent of Project A&R is as unconventional as it is inspiring. From a university student’s vision to a trusted partner for the world’s most prominent artists, the company has carved out a globally recognized niche in less than a year. It operates without fanfare, letting its unprecedented growth and a client list full of stellar talent speak for itself.
A Vision Forged in the Digital Age
The story of Project A&R begins not in the halls of a major label, but in the mind of Blake Benson, a young Sydney native who identified critical flaws in the industry’s legacy model. Leveraging a profound understanding of digital ecosystems – honed through years of growing massive social media communities – Blake quickly became a go-to for promotional content, working with the likes of Ed Sheeran, Glass Animals and Sir Elton John.
This experience laid the groundwork for his true vision, which crystallized in late 2024 with the launch of Project A&R – a venture he founded while simultaneously completing a degree in Economics and Marketing at the University of Sydney (which he graduates from this year). The mission was audacious: to build a company that prioritized genuine talent and deep fan relationships over outdated industry metrics.
“I always wanted to create something that wasn’t just about music – it was about building a culture, understanding what makes each artist special, and connecting them directly with fans,” says Blake. “This industry is so saturated, and traditional methods are becoming less effective. We focus on what’s next, not what’s comfortable.”
The Breakthrough Moment: Building an Empire from Scratch
In just twelve months, Project A&R has become an undeniable industry force. The company has forged partnerships with a formidable list of global stars, including Teddy Swims, Davido, Julia Michaels, Ava Max, and Jessie Reyez. A key pillar of its success is its subsidiary, The Clipping Project, which has become one of the world’s most effective music clipping services, utilized by A-list talent and emerging artists alike to amplify their reach.
While Blake may have initially lacked a pathway into the industry, he compensated with an unmatched drive and an innate fluency in social-first marketing. This allowed him to bypass the traditional career progression and build a powerhouse from the ground up. Blake also voices his gratitude for those in the industry who believed in him from earlier in his career – “Eddie Franzoni, Ricky Simandjuntak, Mauricio Ruiz, Lewis Love, Tommy Jackson and many more.”
“We didn’t just aim to be another agency; we wanted to be the loudest voice, a company with a real reputation,” Blake explains. “We’ve been able to connect artists with millions of fans organically, not through the old methods that are becoming less effective each day.”
The Disruptor’s Playbook
What truly distinguishes Project A&R is its fan-first philosophy and its appetite for calculated risks. While competitors adhere to rigid formulas, Benson’s team thrives on agility, pushing creative boundaries to engineer authentic cultural moments. The agency understands that in today’s creator economy, community is currency. It cultivates unwavering fan loyalty through innovative strategies that resonate far beyond a single hit song.
Blake’s instinct for identifying emerging talent and digital trends has not gone unnoticed. Industry powerhouses now turn to him for his expertise, utilizing his strategic insights to discover new artists and execute their own successful campaigns.
“We’ve already become a go-to partner for companies looking to discover new talent,” Blake notes. “I’m proud of what we’ve built, but this is just the beginning. I want Project A&R to be a household name in music and entertainment.”
With a clear vision to become one of the world’s leading independent music forces, Project A&R is laying the foundations to realize that ambition. The company’s trajectory is about fundamentally reshaping the future of the music business with a talent-first approach.
Ready to experience the future of music marketing?
Visit Project A&R’s website to learn more, explore their services, and see how they’re changing the game.
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Project A&R on Instagram
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