If I Was Your A&R Part 1 (Durand Bernarr, Zara Larsson, JYT & More!) (Ep.30)

Happy Juneteenth Weekend, Popholics! 🌞 This week on The Weekly Wind Down, Jer is feeling rooted, reflective, and fully stepping into one of his favorite superpowers… artist development. Fresh off embracing another New York summer and realizing just how much this city has finally started to feel like home, Jer spends this episode doing something he loves almost as much as music itself: playing A&R.What would happen if an obsessive pop culture analyst and former artist manager sat down with five artists and mapped out their next chapter?

We're talking independent girl group momentum with 3Quency and why their visuals, chemistry, and hunger are giving future stars, but why individual storytelling and stronger social strategy could take them even further.

Then we get into JYT, the next generation boyband carrying shades of *NSYNC, NLT, and early 2000s pop R&B. The songs are getting stronger, the dancing is there, but what does it take to build brotherhood, fan investment, and longevity in a social first world?

Of course, we have to discuss Trim, one of the internet's most fascinating young rappers. From the viral takeover of "Coconut Water" to her fearless sense of style and undeniable charisma, Jer breaks down why she already feels like a star and what she needs to protect as her career continues exploding.

We also celebrate the slow burn brilliance of Durand Bernarr. New music. Grammy recognition. Major collaborations. Community support. After years of grinding, it finally feels like the world is catching up to his talent. But how can he capitalize on this moment and elevate his artistry even further?

And finally, we give flowers to Zara Larsson, who somehow still feels underrated despite years of delivering elite pop music. As her latest era gains momentum, Jer makes the case for why she should stop chasing validation and fully embrace her status as an international pop powerhouse.

This episode is part music industry analysis, part love letter to artistry, and part reminder that careers are rarely linear. Sometimes the talent is already there. Sometimes all you need is the right strategy, the right team, and somebody willing to see the bigger picture. Press play and let's talk artist development, star power, and the next moves that could change everything.

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00:30 - Juneteenth Joy & Summer Energy Check In

01:35 - Why New York Finally Feels Like Home

02:58 - Playing A&R for My Favorite Artists

04:15 - 3Quency Has the Talent… Now It's Time to Build a Movement

11:37 - JYT Following in NLT & NSYNC’s footsteps

18:12 - Trimm Has the Audacity of a Future Superstar

24:05 - Durand Bernarr's Slow Burn Is Finally Paying Off

30:02 - Zara Larsson Needs to Claim Her Global Pop Throne