Return Records Founder Discusses Future of the A&R role in Music with Groover
New York, NY – August 27, 2025 – Return Records is proud to announce that its founder and CEO, Jonathan Sherman, was featured in Groover’s recent webinar, “Rise of the Smart A&R.” The session brought together artists, curators, and industry professionals for a forward-looking discussion on how A&R is evolving in today’s music landscape.
Sherman, who has led Return Records from its inception into a multi-disciplinary label spanning music, fashion, and brand collaborations, shared insights from both the major-label world and his own experience building a community-driven indie label. His message was clear: Smart A&R means blending data with intuition, nurturing careers patiently, and creating real value through community and collaboration.
Highlights from the discussion included:
The Long Game – True mastery takes time. Sherman emphasized the “decade rule,” noting that while unicorn breakouts exist, most artists need years of steady development.
Community as a Differentiator – In an age of DIY distribution, what truly separates artists and labels is their ability to build communities through live shows, collaborations, and shared culture.
Data + Storytelling – Tools like Spotify dashboards, TikTok metrics, and platforms like Groover are vital, but they must serve a clear artist story and vision.
Sync Pathways – Sherman outlined two distinct lanes: film/TV placements driven by relationships and music supervisors, and library placements driven by catalog and metadata.
The Power of Follow-Up – Respectful persistence can make the difference between a missed connection and a breakthrough opportunity.
Sherman also encouraged artists to approach submissions strategically: use platform filters effectively, keep bios and release timelines updated, and follow up directly with labels they truly care about. “Clarity and consistency,” he noted, “go further than a scattershot approach.”
Looking ahead, Return Records announced plans for a fall songwriting camp in New York, partnering with leading studios, academic institutions, and both current and former major-label A&Rs. The camp will offer selected artists a chance to collaborate, write, and connect with industry professionals in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.
“This webinar was about more than A&R,” Sherman said. “It was about building bridges in a fractionalized industry, fostering transparency, and reminding artists that music is a long-term journey. At Return, we’re here not just to sign records, but to coach, mentor, and help artists grow sustainably.”
Access the full webinar on our YouTube Channel
Media Contact:
Jonathan Sherman, CEO and Founder, Return Records
(301) 335-2794
jsherman@returnrecords.com
