John Butler, the Australian artist behind hits like 'Zebra' and 'Rumour Has It', is hanging up his management hat after a 27-year partnership with Philip Stevens. The decision comes as Stevens steps back from the music industry to focus on family life.
Stevens, who first started working with Butler in the late 1990s, has overseen the artist's career trajectory from independent releases through international tours and record label deals. He described his departure from management as a "less stressful future away from an increasingly complex industry".
Butler expressed gratitude to Stevens for their long-standing relationship, calling him a "total legend" and "true friend". However, he also acknowledged that the time had come for change.
Enter Jess Keeley, who will be taking over as Butler's new manager. With over 20 years of experience in artist management, Keeley has previously worked with high-profile artists such as Shania Twain, Lykke Li, and Noah and the Whale.
Keeley shared her excitement about joining forces with Butler, describing his departure from Stevens' guidance as a "lightning moment" that presented an opportunity she couldn't miss. She vowed to carry on the legacy established by Stevens, who will continue to be involved in the music industry albeit in a different capacity.
With Keeley at the helm, Butler is poised for new creative heights. Will this partnership prove successful? Only time will tell if this new chapter will yield hit after hit, or mark a departure from Butler's signature sound.
Stevens, who first started working with Butler in the late 1990s, has overseen the artist's career trajectory from independent releases through international tours and record label deals. He described his departure from management as a "less stressful future away from an increasingly complex industry".
Butler expressed gratitude to Stevens for their long-standing relationship, calling him a "total legend" and "true friend". However, he also acknowledged that the time had come for change.
Enter Jess Keeley, who will be taking over as Butler's new manager. With over 20 years of experience in artist management, Keeley has previously worked with high-profile artists such as Shania Twain, Lykke Li, and Noah and the Whale.
Keeley shared her excitement about joining forces with Butler, describing his departure from Stevens' guidance as a "lightning moment" that presented an opportunity she couldn't miss. She vowed to carry on the legacy established by Stevens, who will continue to be involved in the music industry albeit in a different capacity.
With Keeley at the helm, Butler is poised for new creative heights. Will this partnership prove successful? Only time will tell if this new chapter will yield hit after hit, or mark a departure from Butler's signature sound.
. i played it last like, 2 years ago and since then it's been a total eyesore. i'm seriously considering getting it restrung or something... do you have any favorite guitars or music?
. One minute you're soaring high on the wings of success, the next you're searching for new horizons. It's natural for change to come around, and I think this is a testament to John Butler's growth as an artist 
. Philip Stevens was like a trusted mentor, guiding him through the ups and downs, but sometimes you need someone with fresh eyes to bring new energy to the table 
. Jess Keeley seems like just that - it'll be interesting to see how her perspective influences Butler's music. Will this be a new chapter in his story, or will he remain true to himself? Only time can tell, but I'm excited to find out 
.
Interesting that John Butler is passing the baton to Jess Keeley, seems like a big change in management 
Guess we'll have to wait and see how it all plays out 
Wasn't Stevens with Butler for an age? Sounds like a pretty low-key exit 
Keen to see what kind of new music we get from this switch-up 
butler's music has always been about that laid-back vibe, so I'm curious to see if keeley can keep the same energy going... maybe we'll get to hear more of his signature sound soon 
I'm both excited and slightly nervous about Jess Keeley taking over as John Butler's new manager 
. But on the other hand, Stevens has been a part of Butler's journey for like, 27 years! It's hard to replace that kind of experience and connection 
. Still, I'm hopeful that Keeley will be able to bring some fresh energy and ideas to the table 
. And who knows, maybe this change will be exactly what Butler needs to reignite his spark 
?
anyway, glad to see Jess Keeley is on board, seems like she knows her stuff 
but can't help thinking about what we'll miss out on by losing Stevens' perspective 
he was with Philip Stevens for 27 years, can you imagine? like, what even is your exit strategy at this point? 
but seriously, Jess Keeley seems like a pro 
she's worked with some big names, so fingers crossed it all works out 
It's cool that Jess Keeley is coming in with so much experience under her belt, but we'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out. Will Butler still be able to rock out the same way or will he try something new? Only time (and hopefully some killer new music) will tell! 
but now Jess Keeley is taking the reins and I'm excited to see how she'll shape Butler's future, 20 years of experience is no joke! I love how she's keeping the legacy alive with Stevens though, it's like a smooth transition, no abrupt changes. can't wait to see what new music we get from John Butler 
! I mean, 27 years is like, ancient in the music industry, right? And good riddance to the stress and complexity, lol. I'm low-key surprised Butler didn't kick him out sooner tbh. Anyway, Jess Keeley sounds like a total pro, having worked with those big-name artists and all 
. I reckon she's got her work cut out for her though - no pressure or anything! 
. Fingers crossed this new partnership brings some fresh vibes to Butler's music. Could we see a comeback album or something 
What's gonna change with Jess Keeley coming on board? Is she just gonna copy what Stevens did? I got a feeling she'll bring something fresh but also be smart about not rocking the boat 
Philip Stevens has been with him since the late 90s and it's crazy to think about how much he's influenced John's career over the years 
But at the same time, i'm kinda relieved that John is moving on to new pastures lol. Jess Keeley seems like a total pro tho 
. I mean, the guy's been with Butler for over 27 years, which is insane! He's like a father figure to him or something. I've seen some of his live shows and he's always super passionate about music, so it's cool that he's moving on to focus on family life.
. I've heard great things about her work with other artists like Shania Twain and Lykke Li. She seems like a total pro and has some big shoes to fill, but I have faith in her. Butler's got an amazing team behind him now, and it'll be interesting to see how this new partnership plays out.
? And another thing, can't we get some decent change now? Like, Butler's been with Stevens for 27 years - that's a looong time! 