Brings wide-ranging expertise from roles as COO of Big Loud, entertainment lawyer, and artist manager
Dynamic leader to play key role bringing Nashville songwriters to global prominence
Warner Chappell Music (WCM) today announced widely respected leader Austen Adams has been appointed President of Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville. Adams will report to WCM Co-Chairs, CEO Guy Moot and COO Carianne Marshall, effective September 15.
Adams joins from entertainment company Big Loud, where he served as Chief Operating Officer of its Publishing and Records divisions for six years, working with a wide array of talent, including Morgan Wallen, HARDY, Miranda Lambert, Ernest, and Stephen Wilson Jr., among many others. During that time, he played a central role in building services for songwriters and artists, strengthening creative strategy, and driving growth. With two decades of experience, his deep blend of expertise also spans artist management and entertainment law.
Moot and Marshall said: “Austen is a class act, with trusted relationships across the industry, and a holistic understanding of both the creative and the commercial. Given our longstanding, successful partnership with Austen, Seth, and the Big Loud team, this is a very natural move for both him and us. We’re excited about what he’ll contribute to Warner Chappell and the songwriting community, nurturing the culture in Nashville, while finding fresh ways to bring its talent global opportunities. With Austen and our amazing team on Music Row, we know the commitment, integrity, and humanity of Ben Vaughn’s legacy will be carried into the future.”
Adams said: “I’ve always believed that songs and songwriters are the soul of our business. Which is why I’ve been a longtime admirer of what Ben Vaughn and the Warner Chappell team have built. I’m deeply honored to be entrusted with leading the next chapter. Together, we’ll champion storytelling, protect creativity, and help songwriters share their visions in bold and impactful ways. Thank you to Guy and Carianne for their trust in me, and to everyone at Big Loud – especially Seth, Craig, and Joey – for their faith and support these last six years.”
During his tenure at Big Loud, Adams was a major force behind the company’s explosive growth – including the expansion of its staff from under 30 to over 100. Big Loud’s stable of hitmaking songwriters, including co-founders Craig Wiseman and Joey Moi, has penned over 300 singles, earned three GRAMMY awards, and tallied 90 No. 1 hits to date.
Prior to Big Loud, Adams worked in artist management and spent over 15 years as a respected entertainment attorney, where he represented both artists and executives, negotiating and structuring records and publishing deals and joint ventures. He has been honored on Billboard’s Country and Indie Power Players lists and named to Leadership Music (Class of 2019).
