John Butler Parts Ways with Manager of 27 Years

John Butler is parting ways with his manager of 27 years.

A press statement announced this week that the Australian music icon and his longtime manager, Philip Stevens, will "bring a happy and friendly close" to their creative partnership this month, "marking the conclusion of one of the most significant and enduring journeys in the Australian music industry."

Stevens has been looking after Butler from his early days busking on the streets of Fremantle to his later career years as an internationally acclaimed touring artist.

“It is with very mixed emotions that I have decided to part ways with John after so many years," Stevens says. "It has been an incredible privilege to work with John. He is a total legend — a true friend, an incredibly hardworking and talented artist. Our shared competitive nature, combined with a desire to change the rules in a healthy, good-natured and compassionate way, led to the success we have both enjoyed.

"I’ve now chosen to spend more time with my family, including my first grandchild, and to move towards a less stressful future away from a music industry that is more complex than ever."

Butler and Stevens achieved a lot together over almost three decades, including founding Jarrah Records and partnering with MGM for distribution, which resulted in the first fully independent ARIA No. 1 album, Sunrise Over Sea.

Butler says, “I feel deeply honoured to have worked with such a fine human as Phil Stevens over the last 27 years! A working relationship that spans this amount of time is itself a very rare achievement and speaks volumes to our chemistry, mutual respect, aligned vision, DIY work ethic and shared drive.

"What we have achieved with our team, both here and abroad, has been the wildest dream come true for an artist all built on an independent ethos, from an isolated port city, reaching out to stages all over the world. It’s been a truly “bumper crop” partnership and I for one am beyond grateful for the time we spent together making dreams a reality and bringing the profound power of music to so many people across the globe."

The press statement also confirms that Jess Keeley will now assume responsibility for Butler's management and Jarrah Records.

Image: Jess Keeley Credit: Nick Mckinlay

Keeley has established herself as a highly respected artist manager over two decades in the music industry, working with major artists such as Shania Twain, MARINA, and Noah and the Whale.

An advocate for artists and managers alike, Keeley is also Chair of the AAM, Australia’s peak body for artist managers, and Deputy Chair of the Sound NSW advisory board.

Keeley says, "There are only a few times in a management career when your gut and passion line up with opportunity and capacity. In an industry driven by talent and luck, I feel like being given the opportunity to work with John Butler is one of the lightning moments — challenging myself to deliver on both an established legacy and to keep up with one of the most energetic and forward-thinking artists working today.

"I thank John and his incredible team for trusting me to jump into a career achieving on such a global scale. What a gift to be stepping into a project held with such care by Philip Stevens. His legacy will also continue!"

Keeley will continue to work closely with Kester Sappho, who has been Stevens’ assistant manager and Jarrah Records Product Manager for the past 20 years. Kester, who is Butler's creative campaign collaborator and long-standing career guide, remains an essential part of Butler's management team.

On Keeley and Sappho, Butler adds, "I’m really looking forward to continuing this journey and legacy with the innovative and motivated Jess Keeley and my deeply valued, long term collaborator Kester Sappho.  With this dynamic duo at the helm I feel like my music and team are in great hands to continue to reach far and wide doing what we all do best.

"So ONWARDS we go with a long list of staggering milestones, hearts brimming with friendship, a belly full of good memories and an appetite stronger than ever to share the power of music.”