Taylor Swift's former manager Scooter Braun announces retirement from music management after 23 years to focus on family
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Taylor Swift's former manager Scooter Braun announced his retirement from music management after 23 years to his 3.7 million followers on Instagram.
To provide background, Braun acquired Big Machine Records, the label that originally signed Swift and released her first six albums in 2019, as per ABC News.
The 42-year-old mogul, who has played a pivotal role in the careers of stars like Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, and Dan + Shay, stated that he wants to spend more time with his children—sons Levi and Jagger and daughter Hart.
Braun confirmed that he will continue to serve as CEO of entertainment company HYBE America, while sharing his retirement announcement on June 17.
Scooter Braun announces retirement in lengthy Instagram carousel post
According to People, Braun revealed his retirement in a detailed Instagram carousel statement. The post started with a recollection of his first experience managing an artist, Cato, in Atlanta when he was 19 years old.
He said, "23 years, That's how long I have been a music manager. 23 years ago a 19-year-old kid started managing an artist named Cato in Atlanta, Georgia and my journey began. Along the way I have had so many experiences I could never have dreamt of."
He continued, "I have been blessed to have had a 'Forrest Gump' like life while witnessing and taking part in the journeys of some of the most extraordinarily talented people the world has ever seen. I'm constantly pinching myself and asking 'how did I get here?' And after 23 years this chapter as a music manager has come to an end."
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Scooter Braun 'loved' being a manager
Braun further asserted on his adult life, "It's a strange feeling because I think I have wanted this for a while, but I was truly afraid to answer the question 'who would I be without them?' 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."
Father of three then shared about his personal life, "But as my children got older, and my personal life took some hits, I came to the realization that my kids were 3 superstars I wasn't willing to lose."
Braun, who has served as CEO of HYBE America for three years alongside his professional partner Bang Si-Hyuk, the international company's chairman claimed, "The sacrifices I was once willing to make I could no longer justify. It was time to step into a new role. [He] has a vision I truly believe in. But even beyond that he has become a true friend who understands where I must be in my life these days. And that is a father first, a CEO second, and a manager no more."
Braun explained that he has been considering stepping away from management for "the past two years," though the idea became more tangible in the summer of 2023 as "one of my biggest clients and friends told me that they wanted to spread their wings and go in a new direction."
"We had been through so much together over the past decade, but instead of being hurt I saw it as a sign," he claimed.
Additionally, in his retirement announcement, Braun continued, "You see, life doesn't hand you YOUR plan, it hands you GOD's plan. And God has been pushing my in this direction for some time."
"I have nothing but love for those I have worked with over the years, and as we develop a different working relationship, I will always be in their corner to consult and support them whether it be directly or from afar," he added.
"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."
Scooter Braun explains his decision to step away from management
After reflecting on his work with artists such as Andrew Watt, Lil Dicky, Tori Kelly, J Balvin, Demi Lovato, Zac Brown Band, Martin Garrix, David Guetta, Steve Angello, Carly Rae Jepsen, PSY, Quavo, Kanye West, YG, The Kid LAROI, Dan + Shay, Asher Roth, and Usher, Braun explained his decision to step away from management.
He noted that Grande and Bieber had reached new heights by the end of 2023, prompting him to reflect on his journey with both artists from the start of their careers and witnessing their global impact.
He said, "There has been a lot said about what is happening in our company and in my career."
Additionally, Braun drew attention last year when he became the sole CEO of HYBE America, coinciding with reports that several of his clients chose to part ways with him.
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Braun said that colleagues Allison Kaye and Jennifer McDaniels will now oversee managerial duties: "When we had success I smiled, and when we were attacked I always tried to take the high road. But for the last 3 years I have begin to feel that taking the high road has created confusion and ambiguity as to who we are."
Alongside his roles at HYBE, which includes acts like NewJeans, TXT, LE SSERAFIM, Seventeen, ILLIT, The Scarlet Opera, and Ava Max, as well as Big Machine Label Group and WeVerse, Braun will "serve as a national board member of Make A Wish and help individuals and communities through our family's Braun Foundation," he explained.
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"So yes, it's been 23 your ears. And yes, this chapter has come to an end. But the great Berry Gordy once told me 'young man, it never ends the way you wanted, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen.' That wisdom has proven to be correct," Braun said.
"I never saw how this chapter would end, hell, I never even saw it happening. But it did. And I will cherish every moment of it. I made my plan... but it turns out I like God's plan better" he concluded. "Cheers!"
Internet mocks Scooter Braun as he shares retirement announcement
After Braun announced his retirement, many internet users filled the comment section with mockery of the music manager, as per Facebook.
One said, "He isn't retiring...dude got cancelled." Another user added, "He’s retiring because people are talking now and spilling the truth on these monsters. He just doesn’t want all his dirt aired out while he’s holding d**k in his hands."
A third claimed, "He is retiring because all his clients went elsewhere." Another user said, "Lol karma!!!!! He’s not retiring he got fired!"
This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
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