Scooter Braun, a prominent figure in the music industry known for managing stars like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, has announced that he will no longer serve as a music manager. The news was shared by Braun himself on his Instagram page, where he detailed his decision to shift focus to his roles as a board member of Hybe and CEO of Hybe America, a South Korean entertainment company.
Braun’s announcement comes after nearly a year of speculation about his direct involvement with his high-profile clients. “After 23 years, this chapter as a music manager has come to an end,” Braun wrote. He reflected on starting his career at the age of 19 and dedicating his entire adult life to managing artists around the clock. However, as his children grew older and his personal life faced challenges, he felt it was time for a change.
In his heartfelt statement, Braun expressed gratitude to the clients he has worked with over the years, including 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. He emphasized that each of these artists had a significant impact on his life and career.
Last week, representatives from Hybe confirmed that Braun was no longer managing Grande, although she continues to work with him. “Ariana Grande and Hybe, led by CEO Scooter Braun, look forward to continuing their long-standing business partnership and pursuing creative opportunities in Weverse and REM Beauty,” a statement read.
In August, rumors surfaced that Bieber was parting ways with Braun, the manager credited with discovering him. Media outlets soon reported that other high-profile clients like Grande and Lovato were also distancing themselves from Braun. A source familiar with SB Projects’ business dealings clarified that the artists on the company’s roster have day-to-day managers who are not Braun, and he primarily consults with them. The source noted that managing such a roster of top-tier artists would be impossible for a single person.
Representatives for Carly Rae Jepsen, BabyJake, and Asher Roth confirmed last summer that these artists had not worked with Braun for some time. Additionally, a source close to Idina Menzel stated that she was no longer managed by Braun, although they were not authorized to speak publicly.
Speculation had been rife that Braun’s artists were leaving SB Projects because he was focusing more on his role at HYBE America rather than artist management. This speculation was confirmed with Braun’s recent announcement. He explained that his silence over the past few years was an attempt to take “the high road,” but it had led to confusion about his role and responsibilities.
Braun’s Instagram statement also addressed his future goals and business interests. He mentioned that Hybe would continue to grow and that they would add more executives and artists to their roster. In 2019, Braun made headlines by purchasing Big Machine Records, the label that originally signed Taylor Swift and released her first six albums. This acquisition included ownership of Swift’s master recordings, which he later sold to an investment fund. Swift responded by announcing plans to re-record her albums to own her new masters, a project known as “Taylor’s Version.”
Braun’s decision to step down as a music manager marks the end of an era. He has been a significant figure in the careers of many artists, and his departure from management will undoubtedly have an impact on the industry. However, his focus on his roles at Hybe and his desire to spend more time with his family indicate that he is ready for this new chapter in his life.
