Clark Adler’s journey through the music industry is a story of resilience, relationships, and unwavering passion. From his humble beginnings at Velvet Hammer, where he worked with bands like System of a Down, Smashing Pumpkins, and Deftones, to his current role at Sony Music Publishing, Clark has built a career that combines his love for music with a relentless drive to connect talent with opportunity.
Hailing from a time when he was DJing in college and driving from Long Beach while crashing on friends’ couches, Clark’s story is more than just about the glitz of the music business. It’s about survival, adaptability, and a belief that music is not just a business—it’s a lifeline. His career path has led him through the chaotic grind of Red Light Management, the ups and downs at Interscope, and into the creative world of Sony Music Publishing.
The Realities of Climbing the Music Industry Ladder
Clark’s career didn’t rise overnight. Early on, a setback at Red Light, where he lost his job after his boss was let go, pushed him into the service industry. Yet, Clark didn’t give up. He waited tables at Hugo’s in West Hollywood, all while still dreaming of his place in the music world. When an opportunity arose at Interscope, it seemed like his big break, but COVID-19 halted hiring, leaving him temporarily stuck. Just as he thought he might have to take a job at UPS to get by, Sony Music Publishing called, changing his trajectory for good.
At Sony, Clark’s role as A&R and Creative Manager involves more than just scouting new talent; it’s about building and nurturing relationships. His daily grind consists of connecting artists with the right songs, keeping track of the roster, and collaborating across departments. Whether it’s negotiating deals, managing sessions, or strategizing about creative opportunities, his work always centers around one goal: supporting the writer’s vision of success.
The DJ Influence on A&R Work
Clark’s experience as a DJ wasn’t just a side hustle—it shaped the way he hears music and sees the industry. As an open-format DJ in the South, he honed his ear for mixing different styles—from rap and pop to house music. This versatility now informs his approach to A&R. He’s learned to appreciate how music can move a crowd and how important the business side is. He’s worked as both a promoter and an artist’s advocate, which gives him a unique perspective when managing talent.
Signings and Achievements
Among the standout moments in Clark’s career is his work with new artists. Signing Alex Warren, whose hit “Ordinary” topped global charts, was a proud achievement. He’s also worked with talented acts like Miles Smith, Meg Fitzsimmons, and the duo FCUKERS, whose performances at Red Rocks and Coachella showed their rising star power. On the songwriting side, Clark is proud of the Ivor Award win for Jesse Fink’s “Stargazing.” Yet, the biggest wins, according to Clark, are those moments when a writer thanks him for helping them achieve their dreams.
Navigating the Complexities of Publishing
Clark’s job isn’t just about the creative side of music; it’s also about helping songwriters understand the business of publishing. Not every artist fully grasps the concept of publishing when they sign with Sony. Clark takes time in every meeting to explain the ins and outs, offering a “Pub 101” session to guide them. He sees his role not only as a creative manager but as a vital part of the infrastructure that ensures songwriters get paid fairly, globally, and in real-time.
Sony’s Success and Industry Recognition
Sony’s recent win of the ASCAP Pop Publisher of the Year Award was a reflection of the hard work put in by Clark and his team. For Clark, such accolades reinforce the importance of the people behind the music—without the writers, the success wouldn’t exist. The recognition serves as a reminder of why he’s in this business: to amplify the voices of songwriters and help them reach their potential.
The Future of A&R and the Role of Streaming
Streaming has transformed how the music industry operates, but Clark emphasizes that A&R is still largely about instinct. While data and analytics play an essential role, it’s gut feeling and belief in an artist’s potential that truly matter. Streaming has set new benchmarks, with millions of streams no longer being extraordinary. For Clark, however, it’s always about the passion and work ethic of the artist, and the music that pushes boundaries and challenges conventions.
Looking Ahead
Clark’s journey is far from over. He’s committed to continuing to support new talent and to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in A&R and publishing. He sees his role as one that evolves with the music industry, but at its core, it’s always about relationships and creating something meaningful. He’s determined to keep putting “wins on the board” and helping artists and songwriters reach new heights.
At the end of the day, Clark Adler’s story is about more than chart positions and awards. It’s about connection, growth, and the relentless pursuit of a dream. He’s not just a part of the music industry—he’s shaping its future, one relationship at a time.