This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Business News Live Business
The Wasserman Music agency formally opens for business
By Chris Cooke | Published on Thursday 22 April 2021
LA-based sports marketing and talent management firm Wasserman yesterday formally launched its new music-focused booking agency, which has been created via the acquisition of the music division of the Paradigm agency.
The sports and media business of Casey Wasserman confirmed it was acquiring the music side of Paradigm last month, although rumours that that deal was being considered had been circulating since at least last May.
Like all talent agencies, Paradigm was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting shutdown of studios and live entertainment. Though Paradigm more than most was criticised with the cost-saving decisions it made – and the way those decisions were communicated – as the COVID shutdown got underway early last year.
Although most established in the sports sector, the Wasserman company has been expanded its interests into other areas of the media and entertainment sectors in more recent years, meaning its interest in Paradigm’s music division wasn’t entirely surprising. Wasserman is obviously banking on the live music sector reviving quickly once COVID restrictions finally start to lift in many countries later this year.
Having completed the Paradigm deal yesterday, Wasserman formally unveiled his new music division, to be known as – simply – Wasserman Music. With a team of about 130 people, the new standalone music unit of the Wasserman group will be headed up by Marty Diamond, Jonathan Levine, Jackie Nalpant, Sam Hunt, Corrie Martin, Lee Anderson and Matt Rodriguez, with Tom Windish, Joe Rosenberg and Lori Feldman providing business development, marketing and operational support.
Confirming all this, Wasserman said: “I have worked side-by-side with this remarkable group of people to build a blueprint for success and I am continually impressed with their tenacity and care for both their clients and the business”.
“But most important”, he added, “is our shared commitment to cultivating a culture of forward progress so this new business appropriately reflects the artists and fans we serve. This is a dynamic opportunity to create new collaborations between the family of brands and talent that Wasserman currently represents in a meaningful and impactful way, and I am excited to get started”.
Artists on the Wasserman Music roster at launch include Kenny Chesney, Coldplay, Billie Eilish, Imagine Dragons, The Lumineers, Dave Matthews Band, Janelle Monáe, Kacey Musgraves, Old Dominion, Phish, Ed Sheeran, Lorde, Sturgill Simpson, Black Pumas, Brandi Carlile, Kaytranada, Diplo, DJ Snake, Jack Harlow and Skrillex.
