Scooter Braun, a prominent figure in the music industry known for managing artists like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, announced his decision to step down from his role as a music manager. The announcement was made on his Instagram page, where he shared a lengthy statement about his career shift.
Braun’s decision to leave music management comes nearly a year after speculation about his involvement with his superstar roster. In his statement, Braun reflected on his 23-year career, stating, “After 23 years this chapter as a music manager has come to an end.
I was really just 19 years old when I started. So for my entire adult life I played the role of an artist manager on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And for 20 years I loved it. It’s all I had known. But as my children got older, and my personal life took some hits.”
Braun highlighted his gratitude towards the artists he worked with, mentioning names such as Grande, Bieber, Andrew Watt, Lil Dicky, Tori Kelly, J Balvin, Demi Lovato, Zac Brown Band, Martin Garrix, David Guetta, Steve Angello, Carly Rae Jepsen, PSY, and Quavo.
“Every client I have had the privilege of working with has changed my life, and I know many of them are just beginning to see the success they deserve. I will cheer for every single one of them,” he wrote.
Despite stepping back from day-to-day management, Braun remains a significant figure in the industry as a board member of Hybe and CEO of Hybe America, a South Korean entertainment company.
Last week, representatives from Hybe confirmed that Braun was no longer managing Grande, but she would continue to work with him through their long-standing business partnership.
In August, rumors surfaced that Bieber and other high-profile clients like Grande and Lovato were parting ways with Braun. However, a person familiar with SB Projects’ business dealings noted that Braun’s artists have day-to-day managers and he consults with them.
Braun’s business interests extend beyond artist management. In 2019, he acquired Big Machine Records, the label that signed Taylor Swift and released her first six albums.
This purchase included Swift’s master recordings, which led to a public feud between Braun and Swift. Swift expressed her dismay at not having the opportunity to buy back her work and announced plans to re-record her albums.
Braun’s statement addressed his future goals with Hybe, saying, “We at Hybe will continue to grow. With our existing business at Big Machine, we will continue to add amazing execs and artists to the roster.”
Braun concluded his statement by reflecting on his journey and the guidance he received, writing, “God has been pushing me in this direction for some time. I have nothing but love for the musicians I have worked with – even those who have distanced themselves to spread their wings.”
