John Butler And Longtime Manager Philip Stevens End 27-Year Creative Partnership

John Butler

After 27 years spent working together, John Butler and longtime manager Philip Stevens have announced a “happy and friendly” close to their creative partnership.

Described as “one of the most significant and enduring journeys in the Australian music industry,” Stevens has accompanied Butler since he was a busker on the streets of Fremantle, on to his time as leader of the eponymous John Butler Trio where he established himself as internationally acclaimed touring artist.

Their partnership was both at the forefront of, and synonymous with, the Australian independent music movement as they challenged traditional industry models by integrating management, promotion, booking, and label operations under one roof.

Redefining what was possible for indie acts on a local and global scale, their approach is one that has now been adopted by countless artists around the country.

“It is with very mixed emotions that I have decided to part ways with John after so many years,” Stevens said in a statement. “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,” he added.

“I feel deeply honoured to have worked with such a fine human as Phil Stevens over the last 27 years!” echoed Butler. “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 creative partnership of Butler and Stevens was the very definition of a fruitful one. Founding Jarrah Records (and partnering with MGM for distribution), they snared the first fully-independent Aussie chart-topper when the John Butler Trio went to No. 1 with Sunrise Over Sea in March 2004.

Additionally, they (and a devoted team which currently boasts Kester Sappho and Tiffany Oliver) managed to produce and promote a number of impactful benefit concerts, including Save The Kimberley, Wave Aid, Fire Aid, and more.

Moving forward, Butler has announced that Jess Keeley will be taking on responsibility for his management and that of Jarrah Records.

With more than two decades in the music industry spent shaping international careers of acts such as Shania Twain, MARINA, Lykke Li, and more, Keeley currently works with both Wonderlick Entertainment and her own Music She Wrote company, alongside serving as Chair of the Association Of Artist Managers (AAM), and Deputy Chair of the Sound NSW Advisory Board.

“There are only a few times in a management career when your gut and passion line up with opportunity and capacity,” Keeley explains. “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!”

“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,” added Butler. “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.”