ERN’s Cadillac Music has appointed publishing executive Dane Schmidt as Senior Director of A&R, as the Nashville-based company expands its team with two additional hires.
The publishing venture, founded in 2023 by artist-songwriter ERNEST in partnership with Big Loud Publishing, has also hired Jordan Marcus as Creative Coordinator/Executive Assistant and Jude Warren as A&R/Executive Assistant.
Schmidt will oversee the company’s roster of songwriters, which includes writers recognized by organizations including the GRAMMY Awards, CMA Awards and ACM Awards, according to the company.
Writers associated with the roster include Chandler Walters, Cody Lohden, Jacob Durrett, Mark Holman, Rafe Tenpenny and Rhys Rutherford.
“I’ve been fortunate to witness the evolution of Ernest as a songwriter, artist and now publisher: his ability for finding and mentoring talent has been both exciting and inspiring to watch.”
Dane Schmidt
Before joining ERN’s Cadillac Music, Schmidt operated his own creative management company, Daschent, which has notched over 25 No. 1s since launching in 2022.
His previous roles also include positions at Sony Music Publishing, Tree Vibez Music and co-founding WeVolve Music.
Commenting on the appointments, ERNEST said: “Everybody on the team at Cadillac feels like family. I have known Dane for almost 12 years, and our journeys in the business started around the same time. He has always been so great with songs and relationships and adds so much value to our team.
“Jordan is a lovely addition and has stepped up in her role – constantly finding songs and putting rooms together. Jude started as my intern, but I knew immediately that I should hire him full-time. His ceiling is limitless. It’s full circle and truly all in the family when it comes to the team we’ve curated.”
“Everybody on the team at Cadillac feels like family. I have known Dane for almost 12 years, and our journeys in the business started around the same time.”
ERNEST
Schmidt added: “Absolutely pumped to join the Cadillac family. I’ve been fortunate to witness the evolution of Ernest as a songwriter, artist and now publisher: his ability for finding and mentoring talent has been both exciting and inspiring to watch. Beyond grateful to work with him to champion great songs, the incredible talent behind them and push the boundaries of what a modern publishing company can be.”
Marcus joins the company after working in live event production at Amazon and running a private chef business. Warren previously interned at King Pen Music and Republic Records.
ERN’s Cadillac Music has quickly established a significant footprint in the Nashville market. The company’s roster contributed to Post Malone’s country debut, F-1 Trillion, including the all-genre No. 1 single I Had Some Help featuring Morgan Wallen.Music Business Worldwide
