The Art of Connection: Jennifer Fierman on A&R in the Age of Vulnerability

Jennifer Fierman, Head of A&R and Publishing at Disruptor Records, has built her career on a deep love for live music and the powerful connection between artists and their fans. Since joining Disruptor in 2015, she has been instrumental in transforming the company from its initial EDM roots into a versatile powerhouse spanning creative collaboration, management, and publishing. Fierman’s vision centers on bridging the gap between an artist’s truth and their potential for global appeal, stating, “Culturally, we’re in a moment that values vulnerability and rawness. My role is to help make those creative connections possible.”

Fierman’s success is measured in chart-topping results and strategic partnerships. She was a driving force behind the development of producer-songwriter Evan Blair, whose collaboration with Benson Boone led to the global smash “Beautiful Things” (reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100). Fierman also manages songwriter Sarah “Solly” Solovay, known for her work on Teddy Swims’ “Bad Dreams.” Her approach isn’t about creating a persona, but adding value to an artist who already has a clear musical identity. This philosophy proved essential when guiding Dove Cameron’s transition from her Disney background to her breakout Top 40 single “Boyfriend,” demonstrating a knack for aligning authentic emotion with commercial potential.

In a world driven by TikTok and AI, Fierman emphasizes the enduring importance of the human element in creation. While technology can help test vocals or pitch demos, she cautions against losing the “human element… because that’s what listeners connect with.” Her advice to young executives centers on this internal compass: trust your instincts and remember that success comes from building valuable relationships and environments, not just huge home runs. She credits her own success to finding the right partners, like Disruptor CEO Adam Alpert, who gave her the freedom to trust her ideas.

Ultimately, Jennifer Fierman’s career highlights that the core of the music business remains human connection and creative trust. While she notes positive strides for women in executive roles, she points to the need for growth in areas like female producers and advocates strongly for better songwriter compensation. Her work with diverse global sounds, including the energetic rise of K-pop, shows a forward-looking approach rooted in passion, ensuring that the raw and vulnerable sounds audiences crave can achieve global success.