Big Loud Launches Severance Records & Signs Flagship Act

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Pictured (L-R): Big Loud Rock/Big Loud Management’s Greg Thompson, Severance Records’ Steve “Stevo” Robertson, Mike Easterlin, Big Loud’s Joey Moi and Seth England. Photo: Brayln Kelly

Big Loud has launched new joint venture Severance Records, a Nashville-based, independent, modern rock label helmed by Co-Presidents Mike Easterlin and Steve “Stevo” Robertson.

Easterlin most recently served as Co-President of Elektra Entertainment after serving as President/GM at two of the company’s cornerstone labels, Fueled By Ramen and Roadrunner Records. His previous career stops also include leadership roles at Island Def Jam and time at Virgin Records. He has fostered the careers of Bailey Zimmerman, Smashing Pumpkins, Lenny Kravitz, Blur, The Killers, Nickelback, Panic! At The Disco, All Time Low, Twenty One Pilots, The Band Camino, Paramore, Shinedown, Tones And I, Young The Giant and more for over 25 years.

“Stevo and I could not be more excited to be joining the Big Loud family,” Easterlin shares. “[Big Loud Partners] Seth [England], Joey [Moi], Craig [Wiseman] and [Big Loud Rock/Big Loud Management Partner & President] Greg [Thompson] have been so supportive from the first time we met about building this partnership together. Watching the company that Big Loud has become in the country space only drives Stevo and I to want to make Severance Records the same kind of force in the alternative space. Our goal is to be rooted in Nashville, but global in vision.”

Robertson joins the joint venture after a 25-year tenure with Atlantic Records, last serving as GM/SVP of A&R, Pop/Rock for the label’s Nashville presence. Across his career as an A&R executive with an ear for alternative hits, he signed Shinedown, Paramore, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Knox and A Day To Remember, among other acts, and helped developed talent including Gayle, Collective Soul, Seven Mary Three, Matchbox 20 and more.

“Mike and Stevo have championed some of the most exciting, culture-driving music of the last two decades, so when the opportunity to work with them in this capacity came up, it was an instant ‘yes,'” adds England, CEO/Partner, Big Loud. “We’re grateful to partner with them and build a legacy together with Severance.”

Severance Records recently signed flagship act Dexter and The Moonrocks. The self-proclaimed “sad space cowboys” are piquing the interest of fans with their edgy take on southern rock.

Liza Anderson
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