Scooter Braun is retiring from music management after 23 years. What’s next for him?

by

As a supporter of Scooter Braun, I can’t help but be in awe of his remarkable journey in the music industry. From humble beginnings at 19 years old to becoming a powerhouse manager who helped launch the careers of global superstars like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, Braun’s story is one for the ages.

Scooter Braun, known for bringing singers Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande to international fame and making headlines through his disputes with Taylor Swift regarding the ownership of her masters, has decided to step down from music management.

After managing music for 23 years, Braun declared on Instagram Monday that it’s time for a new chapter in his career. He announced his departure from music management to assume the role of CEO at HYBE America, a subsidiary of BTS’ label owner HYBE. Additionally, he will join HYBE’s board of directors following their 2021 merger with Ithaca Holdings.

In his speech, Braun recalled the excitement of starting his job at the age of 19, experiencing surreal moments throughout his journey, and the impact of constantly managing an artist’s career around the clock, every day and night, for the entirety of his adulthood, on his personal goals.

As I watched my children grow up and faced some tough times in my own life, I came to an important revelation. My kids were three precious gems that I couldn’t afford to let go. The sacrifices I had once been willing to make no longer felt right. It was high time for me to embrace a new chapter in my life as a dedicated parent.

For the past two years, Braun, 42, had been planning to take over as CEO of HYBE America and give up his managing duties. This decision came about following a significant turn of events: one of his major clients and friends decided to make a change in their direction. For Braun, this was an indicative sign that it was time for him to start a new chapter as well.

During this period of change, Braun mentioned that his relationship with HYBE chairman Bang Si-Hyuk has deepened. He expressed that Bang Si-Hyuk shares Braun’s vision for the future.

“He stated, a day following Father’s Day, ‘And I am a father before anything else, a CEO secondly, and no longer just a manager,'” was one possible way to paraphrase the original statement.

Braun pondered over his list of musical partners, featuring Grammy awardees Tori Kelly, David Guetta, Kanye “Ye” West, Usher, as well as artists like Lil Dicky, Demi Lovato, Carly Rae Jepsen, Quavo, Dan + Shay, and the Black Eyed Peas. In his communication, Braun expressed a special fondness for his initial clients, Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, who began their journeys in their teenage years.

As a movie buff, I’ve been fortunate enough to witness both of these artists rise to legend status, and it remains one of my greatest pleasures in life. I’ll keep cheering them on every step of the way, just as I do for all the other talented artists I’ve encountered.

I’m grateful for each client I’ve worked with, who have all enriched my life in unique ways. Many of them are on the cusp of achieving the success they deserve, and I can’t wait to be there cheering them on every step of the way.

I’m thrilled to share that Scooter Braun Projects, led by presidents Allison Kaye and Jennifer McDaniels, is continuing its presence in the industry under new leadership. Scooter himself hinted at further expansion at HYBE and potential collaborations with K-pop sensations like Jungkook from BTS, as well as rising acts NewJeans, Le Sserafim, and Seventeen, among other exciting new artists and projects.

Based on my personal experience and observations, I strongly agree with Braun’s words of wisdom shared from recording exec Berry Gordy: “It never ends the way you wanted, but it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.”

Braun remarked, “Indeed, that was wise. I hadn’t imagined how this chapter would unfold, let alone anticipated it. But it happened, and I will savore every instant of it. I had my own scheme, but I find myself preferring the divine plan. Here’s to the unexpected twists in life!”

Read More

2024-07-18 21:28