CARLESS TO DRIVE WARNER A&R

Steve Carless has joined Warner Records in the newly created post of President, A&R. The hotly pursued exec/manager starts 12/1 and reports to Co-Chairman/CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck.

Steve-O will work closely with Warner Records’ A&R team, as well as EVP/Head of Business & Legal Affairs Julian Petty and EVP of Urban Music & Marketing Chris Atlas.

“Steve-O has one of the most brilliant A&R minds in our business—driven by an innate ability to identify and nurture emerging artists and champion superstars,” Bay-Schuck said. “He’s been behind the success of countless hits and the development of next-generation talent. Combined with his experience in artist management and other areas of the business, he’s a true Renaissance man and a fantastic addition to the Warner Records senior executive team.”

Most recently, Carless ran his own SC Company, driving projects for artists such as Beyoncé and Polo G, whom he co-manages. He was also EVP of A&R at Republic Records.

Carless said, “I’m thrilled to be joining Aaron, Tom and the entire Warner Records team at such an exciting time in both the label’s growth and the evolution of our business. My focus will be on rising Black creators as they need to know they have advocates in positions of power who can be mentors and will support them as they navigate the music world and devote themselves to making game-changing music. With belief and resources, we will create multiple avenues for creative entrepreneurs and artists of every stripe.”

Carless joined Def Jam Recordings, working as Director, Lifestyle & Radio Promotions, in 2004, moving to Atlantic in 2012, where he oversaw projects for YG and Jeezy; he was also President of Jeezy’s Atlanta-based CTE World Recordings. He returned to Def Jam in 2015 as Senior Director, A&R & Special Projects, before being named SVP A&R, Artist Relations & Development.

In 2014, Carless co-founded the Marathon Agency and began managing the career of the late Nipsey Hussle. In 2019, he worked with Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment to help A&R her The Lion King: The Gift and the Black Is King visual album.

Also a passionate activist, Carless organized the Republic Records Action Committee and was a member of UMG’s Task Force for Meaningful Change.