Every record company has an A&R department whose job it is to find, sign up, and develop new talent. Each month we put the spotlight on an A&R boss and find out what hope there is for aspiring recording acts.

JOHN WILLIAMS (36), DIRECTOR OF A&R, POLYDOR

POLYDOR'S MARKET SHARE (Jan-Mar 1987): Singles 5.3% (third place after Epic 7% and Atlantic 5.8%); Albums 7% (first place).

Mr Williams had only been in the job eight weeks when we spoke. "Before that I was a producer: I produced all the Housemartins records, managed Blancmange, produced sessions for Radio One, and before that I played guitar and sang in a band signed to RAK. So I know what it's like."

SIGNED BY POLYDOR IN 87: Freddie McGregor (reggae). "That's about it this year — I think they brought me in because the department... was signing a bunch of crap. A lot of stuff they signed I've dropped. I'm trying to clear out all the weeds, and then re-plant."

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? "Artists or bands who have good songs, have a capacity to play well live, can entertain, be exciting, and make great records. If we get all those right, not only can we have success in the UK which is what we're primarily looking for, but we can have international success. That usually comes from breaking an artist here first; and it's primarily 'rock bands' that sell internationally."

ADVICE FOR TAPE-SENDERS. "Limit tracks to two or three, enclose a photo if possible, and include an SAE. Bands whose tapes come in through the mail are less likely to have a manager, or a publisher, or an agent, or a solicitor; the great acts, ready to be signed to an album deal, usually come those four experienced sources, are mature in their outlook from and they know what they want. Via the mail, we might give a band some demo time to get to see what kind of set-up they have, and then go and see them live. Or we might pass them on to our publishers, Polygram Music, if we think they have good songs but aren't quite ready as an act."

WHAT DO YOU LISTEN FOR PERSONALLY? "A voice, and a song. Not necessarily a good voice, but a distinctive one."

FAVOURITE RECORD TODAY: The Christians 'When The Fingers Point'. "I like the vocal harmonies on it, and it has a good soul feel to it."

TAPES TO: Chris Jones, Col Worman, Kieron Hurley (scouts), Nick Garvey, Julian Marshall (A&R managers) Polydor Records, (Contact Details) (main switchboard — ask for A&R department).