The Cadillac Three’s Jaren Johnston and Neil Mason have entered into a joint venture partnership with Warner Records for their new Nashville-based label, War Buddha Records. Its first signee is singer-songwriter Rett Madison, who just wrapped up a run of shows with St. Paul & The Broken Bones and will hit SXSW later this month.

“For as long as I've known Jaren and Neil, they've never taken a conventional path,” said Warner Records CEO & Co-Chairman Aaron Bay-Schuck. “They’ve been fearless in their pursuit of great art, never compromising integrity or authenticity in their approach to their artistry or collaborations as songwriters and producers for other artists. As we continue to build the Warner Records brand as one that is always a safe and encouraging place for artists who dare to be different, take risks and have a point of view, it made total sense to partner with War Buddha on its mission to do the same. We are very excited to welcome Rett Madison as the first artist from this partnership, and we can’t wait to see what other unique and amazing talent Jaren and Neil discover.”

Johnston and Mason are founding members of The Cadillac Three, which has put out five albums on Big Machine Records. Also a Grammy-nominated songwriter, Johnston has nine Country radio #1 singles, with writing and production credits for Tim McGraw, Keith Urban and Eric Church, to name a few. Mason has penned songs for the likes of Urban, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons.

Seen wondering how HITS is still in publication are (l-r) Warner Records COO/Co-Chairman Tom Corson, Mason, Johnston, Madison and Bay-Schuck. The irony of Warner's "highest standards" messaging and the weed leaf emblazoned on Johnston's T-shirt is not lost on us. A "joint" venture indeed.