GRAHAM CARPENTER (31), HEAD OF A&R, WEA RECORDS

WEA'S MARKET SHARE (Jan-Mar 1987): Albums 15.9% (second to Phonogram, 17.7%): singles 16% (first place).

SIGNED BY WEA IN 1987: The Bhundu Boys (Zimbabwean group), Errol Brown (ex Hot Chocolate), A House (Irish group), Cheryl Baker (ex Bucks Fizz), Enya (Irish singer, did 'The Celts' TV series), Edwyn Collins (ex Orange Juice).

AVERAGE NUMBER OF SIGNINGS PLANNED FOR 1987: 10

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? "We're not signing a lot at the moment. Why? Because there's a lack of talent, ha ha, but don't quote me on that. Actually it's got better over the last three or four months — last year it was quiet - wasn't on a creative high. We've had a lot of good tapes in recently."

ADVICE TO TAPE-SENDERS: "Listen to what's happening around — don't imitate but don't be radically different. Record companies are becoming safe, we have to account to other people and be seen to be making money.

WHAT DO YOU LISTEN FOR PERSONALLY? "I'm an old 'song' person, I come from a music publishing background, so I listen for great songs.

FAVOURITE RECORD TODAY: Art Of Noise 'Moments In Love', and the rap version by King Sun D Moet.

TAPES TO: Graham Carpenter, Colin Barlow, or Tony Newland, A&R Department, WEA Records, (Contact Details) (main WEA switchboard number — ask for AAR department).