Chad West's journey in the music industry is a testament to vision, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From his early days managing a producer's career in Philadelphia to his influential role at Warner Chappell, West has consistently championed artists and navigated the ever-evolving landscape of music publishing.
Early Beginnings in Philadelphia
Chad West got started in Philadelphia when he was 21 years old. His best friend “Chad Wes” was a producer and asked him to manage his career. Kareem “Biggs” Burke was the first major record CEO to hear his creative vision.
Joining Warner Chappell
West was hired by former Warner/Chappell GM, Jason Boyarski, in New York. At the time, he was consulting for Notting Hill Music Publishing, where Livvio Harris gave him his first shot publishing. The position became available and Zvi Edelman a friend & his Lawyer at the time, and his friend, Juan Madrid, recommended him for the position. They campaigned extremely hard for him.
Warner Chappell stands for providing deep expertise across a range of creative services and the most innovative opportunities for songwriters and copyright holders worldwide.
Key Values of the Company
- Integrity
- Trust
- Honesty
- Reliability
- Dedication to Excellence
Navigating Challenges and Achieving Success
Despite facing personal challenges, including the loss of his grandmother and a broken engagement, West's professional life has been marked by significant achievements. His writers, including Aloe Blacc, Nico and Vinz, Priscilla Renea, Mike Will, Ross Golan, Key Wane, The Exclusives, K Camp, Pierre Slaughter and Wiz Khalifa, all had number 1 records this past year! He is also extremely proud of PARTYNEXTDOOR, Rae Sremmurd, ILOVEMAKONNEN, Logic, Vaults, Vance Joy and Knox Brown - they are each artists who are blowing up this year and he is proud to know that they signed them before they released their hit music. It’s a beautiful thing to watch their development and see the world take notice.
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West remains optimistic about the future, despite the tough times in the music business. Despite those challenges, he tries to not let his creative visions be hampered by the budgetary constraints of today’s music business. He is personally willing to lose his job for what he believes in, you have to have that in your soul to be a true A and R.
He was also inspired by his writer Ross Golan taking his career in a different direction this year, and executing a one man musical called “The Wrong Man”.
The A&R Role at Warner Chappell
To thrive as an A&R at Warner Chappell, one must be strong and motivated. It’s a 24 /7 commitment. You must have a different and special motor in yourself to work for Jon Platt. You thrive if you fight hard for what you believe in. Be a risk taker and work your roster.
Inspirations
West draws inspiration from a diverse range of artists on a visual and creative level, including:
Kanye West, Sia, Jay - Z (my favorite artist), Miguel, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, The 1975, Ty Dolla $ign, Rihanna, Missy Elliot, Timbaland, Drake Brandy, Jesse Ware, Jazmine Sullivan, Pink, Pharrell Williams, Chris Brown, Kevin Cossom and Jess Glynne.
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Social Responsibility in the Music Industry
West believes that people can be more socially responsible for the health of our music industry community by buying music. He thinks its imperative that we support the artist. They put their heart and soul into making the music we listen to everyday. We should all understand as fans and consumers of music that for most artists, music is a very personal journey. They let you in to so much of their personal lives and the best ones make it relatable to your own situations. If we don’t support, it will affect the quality of the music.
Also, leaders need to help build the next young leaders. He always strives to reach back and help the next person out, in any way that he can be of service.
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