Why Are Famous Musicians Ditching Manager Scooter Braun?
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Scooter Braun, a well-known music manager, has been in the news lately for all the wrong reasons: Several high-profile musicians have parted ways with him. Read on to learn who Scooter Braun is, why musicians are getting rid of him, which artists have cut ties with him, and which ones are still working with him. We’ll also delve into the Taylor Swift controversy that started this whole thing.
Who is Scooter Braun?
Scott Samuel “Scooter” Braun is a music executive and talent manager best known for being the founder of record label Schoolboy Records. Braun has managed many big names in the music industry, including Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, and J Balvin.
Braun began his music career promoting parties in Atlanta while studying at Emory University. At just 20 years old, while a college student, he was picked from the local club scene by rapper and producer Jermaine Dupri, who hired him to be his record label So So Def’s executive director of marketing. Braun’s big break — what cemented him as a major player in the music industry — was discovering the talent of then-14-year-old Justin Bieber on YouTube in 2008.
Why are musicians getting rid of Scooter Braun?
According to reports, several high-profile musicians have parted ways with Scooter Braun. The reasons for their departures are not entirely clear, and no official explanation has been given from any musicians or from the record label.
Some sources suggest that Braun’s focus on a new role may be a contributing factor. In April 2021, Braun’s holding company Ithaca Holdings was acquired by South Korean company Hybe under their subsidiary Hybe America, and as part of the acquisition deal, Braun was given the position of CEO over Hybe America. While it doesn’t seem like there’s any bad blood between Braun and his clients, this simple change in role could cause clients to look elsewhere for representation.
The Taylor Swift controversy
Braun’s feud with Taylor Swift began in 2019 when he acquired Big Machine Records, which owned Swift’s first six albums. During this time, Swift claimed that she never approved the lyrics of Kanye West’s song “Famous,” which included sexual references to her. The song also featured a music video featuring a mannequin of her likeness in bed with West. Kanye “Ye” West was a former client of Braun’s, and Braun backed him through the bad press.
Which artists have cut ties with Scooter Braun?
Several high-profile musicians have reportedly parted ways with Scooter Braun recently, but most of them are yet to be confirmed by Braun or the artists themselves. Artists J Balvin, Carly Rae Jepsen, Idina Menzel, and some others have been confirmed to be no longer working with Braun, and reportedly, Ariana Grande and Demi Levato have cut ties, but they have not been confirmed yet.
Which artists are still working with Braun?
While some artists are no longer being represented by Braun, a few have been confirmed to be on his roster still. Justin Bieber and Ava Max both remain under contract with Braun “as they work through what this new structure looks like.” Time will tell what this new arrangement looks like for the music manager and his artists.