Adam Ikner’s career trajectory isn’t a typical climb—it’s a deep-rooted, almost tribal journey. From the age of 13, while most of his peers were figuring out their lunch orders, Adam was immersed in the world of music publishing. Now, after nearly seven years at Sony Music Publishing, Adam is no longer just another cog in the machine—he’s part of the magic that fuels it. From championing award-winning songs to orchestrating global collaborations, Adam’s work connects artists and creators across genres and languages.
For Adam, it’s about serving creators, not chasing clout. His career is built on a foundation of human connection and musical clarity. This interview is a glimpse into his world—a masterclass in the art of creating lasting relationships and helping artists find their voice.
A Dream that Began at 13
Adam is an anomaly in the industry—he’s known what he wanted to do since he was 13. His love for publishing A&R started when he was a teenager, writing songs and attending songwriting camps. One pivotal teacher at a camp introduced him to the business side of songwriting, and that moment changed everything. From then on, Adam focused on learning the publishing world, seeking out music business schools, and eventually landing internships in publishing to start his career.
“I’ve always been passionate about this,” Adam reflects. “I was clear on what I wanted to do, and I worked tirelessly to make that happen.”
The Role of A&R at Sony Music Publishing
Though no two weeks are ever the same for Adam, certain activities remain constant. He sets up sessions for writers, pitches songs, attends industry meetings, listens to music, and works on bigger-picture strategies. A significant part of his role also involves structuring deals, consulting with attorneys, and navigating publishing agreements.
When asked about his day-to-day, Adam says, “It’s a lot of juggling, but it’s always about connecting people, building relationships, and driving the bigger mission forward.”
Serving Creators, Not Clout
When asked how he balances authenticity with the business side of publishing, Adam explains his approach: “Our agenda is your vision. We’re here to help you achieve your goals.” For Adam, the most important thing is ensuring the artist’s mission is always front and center. The rest—the money, the success—follows naturally when the focus is on serving the artist, not the transaction.
The Intersection of Music and Technology
With AI becoming a fixture in the music industry, Adam acknowledges its growing presence but remains wary of its impact on creativity. AI is mainly used for things like pitch vocals, where producers can demo songs using AI-generated voices of artists like Rihanna or Tate McRae. While he’s seen the benefits, Adam believes that the core of what makes music resonate—human connection—is something that technology can’t replace.
“That’s the magic,” he says. “AI can do a lot, but it can’t replicate the feeling that music gives you. That’s what keeps me going.”
Relationship Building as Currency
In an industry increasingly driven by tech, Adam stresses the importance of human relationships. He believes that trust and connection are key to success. “You can have the best idea in the world,” he says, “but if you don’t have the relationships to back it up, it won’t get anywhere.”
His own career is a testament to this philosophy. A significant moment in his journey was the collaboration between Sabrina Carpenter and Dolly Parton on a remix of “Please Please Please.” While Adam had connections to Sabrina’s team, he lacked direct access to Dolly’s camp. But through trust and teamwork, he was able to bridge that gap, proving that relationships—both professional and personal—are essential.
Looking Toward the Future
While Adam’s heart will always belong to publishing, he’s been inspired by the globalization of music, particularly in how different genres are blending. His recent work with Seb de Liza, who fuses Iranian, Latin, pop, and hip-hop influences, has encouraged him to focus on building global relationships and expanding his network.
“Genre-blending is here to stay,” Adam says. “It’s not just innovative—it’s necessary. Music has no borders, and that’s what excites me.”
The Power of Intention
Adam’s perspective on music publishing is clear: it’s not about making the most popular deal; it’s about making the right deal. He’s passionate about connecting creatives thoughtfully, understanding their style and process, and building a match that benefits both sides.
At the end of the day, Adam Ikner’s approach is simple—serve the artist, stay true to the mission, and everything else will fall into place.
