Scooter Braun takes on Sheppard for America

As Brisbane band Sheppard get set to release their first global single Geronimo in mid-July, they’ve added firepower to their corner. Their Sydney-based manager Michael Chugg has brought on US manager Scooter Braun to be part of the team to help break the US market.

“Scooter Braun is part of the management team for the Americas,” Chugg confirmed to TMN.

Chugg co-manages the band worldwide with London-based Steve Strange of Strange World Management. Strange is also an agent for Coldplay, Eminem, Snow Patrol, Queens of the Stone Age, Jimmy Eat World and Bright Eyes.

Braun manages acts including The Wanted, Carly Rae Jepsen, Ariana Grande, Cody Simpson, Justin Bieber and Psy. He also runs School Boy Records. Last week he expanded his activities by launching a production company called The Creative Studio to create music videos, ads and marketing clips, and long content for films and television.

Chugg said that Braun approached him about getting involved in Sheppard’s strategy for the United States, convinced that Geronimo can repeat its Australian Number One triple Platinum success. Chugg is convinced Braun has the success and music industry peer respect that can open a lot of doors for the Australian act.

Last week Braun posted his personal excitement about Geronimo on Instagram: “Sometimes you hear a song and on 1st listen you know it’s a smash No. 1 record. This is one of those things. So good #tune.”

Sheppard, who have been touring Australia with Keith Urban, are tonight among those performing at the APRA awards in Brisbane.