Donehower Named SVP/A&R, Big Loud & Mercury

• Big Loud Records and Mercury Records have jointly named Wes Donehower as Senior Vice President, A&R. This unique dual role originated from the successful strategic alliance between Big Loud Records and Mercury Records, which have worked closely together across artists like Big Loud’s Morgan Wallen, and as part of Big Loud Records’ wider distribution deal with Mercury Records.

The announcement was made by Big Loud Records Partner & CEO Seth England and Mercury Records Chairman & CEO Tyler Arnold. “Wes has an exceptional track record of discovering and signing game-changing talent, and he’s firmly established himself as one of the industry’s top A&R executives,” said England. “I respect his work ethic, his creative instincts, and the impact he makes on the culture. We’re honored to welcome him into the Big Loud family through our partnership with Mercury.”

Arnold remarked, “Wes is an incredible A&R executive who has an innate ability to work across every genre. He has great instincts, but more impressively has a gift of building long lasting and genuine relationships with artists. We’ve shared a lot of great moments already, and I’m so excited to team up with Wes for many years to come.”

Donehower most recently served as SVP, A&R at Republic Records, where he spearheaded the deal to bring Jelly Roll to the label in partnership with BMG and Broken Bow Records. He also led A&R for Republic on Jelly’s latest album, Beautifully Broken. Donehower earlier worked in A&R at Columbia Records, where he signed everyone from Lil Nas X and Russ, to Koe Wetzel and Quinn XCII.

Donehower said, “Tyler and Seth have set a standard for our business with their dynamic and artist centric approach. It’s a privilege to work with both the Mercury and Big Loud teams. I’m looking forward to continuing to build new relationships in country music while fostering my longstanding partnerships across all genres.” [Image by Toby Tenenbaum]