Independent Nashville-based record company Big Loud (Morgan Wallen, Hardy ) has launched a joint venture with a new alternative rock label called Severance Records.
Severance Records, also based in Nashville, is helmed by industry veterans and 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.
He counts additional experience in leadership roles at Island Def Jam, after starting his career at Virgin Records.
Easterlin has worked with artists like 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, Bailey Zimmerman, and more for over 25 years.
Robertson joins Severance 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 exec, Robertson signed Shinedown, Paramore, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Knox, and A Day To Remember among other acts, and helped develop talent including GAYLE, Collective Soul, Seven Mary Three, Matchbox 20, and many more.
The new label’s flagship signing is Texas rock band Dexter and The Moonrocks.
Dexter and The Moonrocks are booked by Mike Krug (WME), managed by Chris Schoemann (Lion’s Claw Entertainment), and Joe Greenwald (Marketing & Promotion).
“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.”
Mike Easterlin
“Stevo and I could not be more excited to be joining the Big Loud family,” Easterlin said.
“(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.”
“Mike and Stevo have championed some of the most exciting, culture-driving music of the last two decades.”
Seth England, Big Loud
Big Loud Partner / CEO Seth England added: “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’.
“We’re grateful to partner with them and build a legacy together with Severance.”
“When Mike (Easterlin) and I laid the groundwork for Severance Records, we were driven by a genuine love for rock music and an instinct to follow its evolving path.”
Steve ‘Stevo’ Robertson
Severance Co-President Steve ‘Stevo’ Robertson said: “When Mike (Easterlin) and I laid the groundwork for Severance Records, we were driven by a genuine love for rock music and an instinct to follow its evolving path.
“In an industry that seemed to have momentarily turned away from rock, we felt a strong undercurrent – a shift back towards the authentic sounds of guitars and raw attitude.”
Added Robertson: “Dexter and The Moonrocks struck a chord with us immediately. While being influenced by greats like Nirvana and Kings Of Leon, they’re a bridge to the future of rock, blending influences from rock legends and contemporaries like Rainbow Kitten Surprise and Colter Wall.
“Their sound is the DNA of Severance Records – rediscovering and redefining rock with a fresh perspective, especially with a nod to Southern roots.
“We’re shaping a unique culture. Our focus is alternative – alt-rock, alt-pop, alt-country, and indie rock. We’re drawn to authentic, unconventional sounds. Dexter and The Moonrocks are at the forefront of that. As our first signing, they represent the distinct sound of Severance Records.”
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