Stephen Clarke

Creative Executive | Music Producer | Social Impact + Culture | Music for Sync Film, TV & Advertising

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

About

I’m a creative strategist, music producer, and artist development executive with 20+ years of experience shaping sound, culture, and talent across the global entertainment landscape. From producing and placing music for Godfather of Harlem, Ozark, CSI, and Call of Duty, to representing creatives featured on Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift — including writers Lord Afrixana and Stacy Barthe, who contributed to approximately four songs on the album — and serving as A&R for artists such as Pink, Jidenna, and Tiwa Savage, I’ve built a career at the intersection of artistic vision and strategic execution. I’ve worn many hats — A&R, manager, producer, consultant — including working closely as A&R/Manager with Marc Byers’ label, Protect The Culture, a venture in partnership with Warner Bros Records, helping develop and position emerging global artists. I’ve helped launch global artists, consulted music supervisors, led music supervision efforts for film and television, and crafted soundtracks that move both people and markets. My work spans artist development, music supervision consulting, content strategy, and cultural programming, with a focus on building platforms that connect creators, organizations, and audiences. Beyond music, I’ve built community as a property and project manager, overseeing HUD-regulated housing and serving as a community liaison — grounding my creative leadership in real-world accountability and impact. Now rooted again in New York City, I’m bringing my experience to the next level: partnering with forward-thinking companies, platforms, foundations, and cultural institutions to lead content, creative partnerships, and artist-first strategies that deliver real value. Let’s build something bold.

Experience

  • Writer - Producer at Sony Music Publishing
    Mar 1999 - Present · 27 yrs 4 mos

    As a Music Producer and Songwriter signed with Sony Music Publishing (formerly EMI Music), I've contributed to notable projects including producing on Pink's debut album "Can't Take Me Home" recording with Jidenna, and securing placements for TV shows like Godfather of Harlem and Insecure and other productions.

  • Founder at SR WoRKS | The Rhythm is Enormous
    May 2015 - Present · 11 yrs 2 mos

    • Managed A&R and provided artist management for Nana aka/ Lord Afrixana, producing released singles like "No Day Tire" and "Black Magic Hour Feat. Jidenna" for major record labels. • Spearheaded the production of Jidenna's "Feng Shui" record, featured as the lead single on HBO's Insecure (Season 4) soundtrack. • Collaborated with artists and labels to create impactful music projects, contributing to the success of various soundtracks and albums.

  • A&R / Executive at Protect The Culture
    Jan 2021 - Aug 2024 · 3 yrs 8 mos

    Collaborated directly with founder Marc Byers, overseeing artist development, management, and A&R initiatives for Protect The Culture / Warner Records.

  • Management & A&R for Recording artist Jidenna at Fear & Fancy
    Oct 2016 - Jan 2019 · 2 yrs 4 mos

    I served as A&R Management for Jidenna, overseeing three significant label projects with Wondaland/Epic Records. My role encompassed A&R, executive production, and providing co-management for the artist's and his company Fear & Fancy

  • Music Producer at Pusher
    Jan 2015 - Jan 2016 · 1 yr 1 mo

    As a freelance music producer and consultant, I specialized in music placement for film, TV shows, and trailers. My work included securing tracks for major titles like Call of Duty, Ozark (Netflix), and Silicon Valley (HBO), by either producing original music or identifying the perfect existing sound.