Austen Adams Named President of Warner Chappell Music Nashville
Austen Adams has been named president of Warner Chappell Music Nashville. The former chief operating officer at Big Loud follows WCM Nashville president/CEO Ben Vaughn, who died in January.
Adams, who starts his new role Sept. 15, spent six years as COO of Big Loud’s publishing and label divisions, working with artists including Morgan Wallen, HARDY, Miranda Lambert and Ernest and hit songwriters including Big Loud co-founders Craig Wiseman and Joey Moi. During his tenure, Big Loud grew from a staff of 30 to more than 100.
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“Austen is a class act, with trusted relationships across the industry, and a holistic understanding of both the creative and the commercial,” said WCM co-chairs, CEO Guy Moot and COO Carianne Marshall, to whom Adams will report. “Given our longstanding, successful partnership with Austen, [Big Loud CEO] Seth [England], 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.”
WCM Nashville and Big Loud have jointly signed writers to publishing deals in the past and a number of Big Loud’s artists, including Wallen, have publishing deals with WCM Nashville.
Adams added, “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.”
Adams, who has been named to Billboard’s Country Power Players list numerous times, worked in artist management prior to Big Loud and as an entertainment attorney, where he structured many label and publishing deals.
WCM Nashville was named both SESAC and BMI’s country publisher of the year in 2024. Vaughn joined WCM Nashville in 2012 and was named president in 2017 and president/CEO in 2019.
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