Farber Goes All-In On VERSION III
• Independent label and management company VERSION III officially announces its next chapter, with co-founder Ben Farber joining the company full-time alongside co-founder Josh Epple. After nearly two decades working across artist development, streaming, digital strategy, and audience growth, most recently as VP of Streaming Strategy & Revenue at Warner Records, Farber has departed the major label to dedicate his full attention to VERSION III and its growing roster of artists.
Founded in 2021 by Farber (left), Epple (right), and Andrew Cramb, VERSION III was built on a simple but increasingly rare idea: artists deserve a transparent and authentic partner that is willing to take a non-traditional approach to development. The company operates as both a record label and management company, working closely with artists to build sustainable careers while maintaining creative integrity and authentic connections with their audiences.
“We started VERSION III because we wanted to build the kind of company we would have wanted to work with if we were artists,” said Farber. “The goal has always been to create a transparent partnership where we’re willing to take risks, think differently, and develop artists for the long term. After building this company while working full-time at Warner Records, I’m incredibly excited to give VERSION III my full attention. We’ve accomplished a lot so far between the two of us, and we’re just getting started. I’m so grateful for my experience being at Warner Records. The leaders, colleagues, and artists all contributed to preparing me for this chapter.”
Epple added, “Everything we’ve done has been about building something that lasts. We’re not interested in being the biggest company in the room. We’re interested in being the right company for the right artists — and helping them build careers that are bigger than any one song.” [Photo Credit: Josh Telles]
