Los Angeles
WASSERMAN MUSIC LAUNCHES
Wasserman today debuts Wasserman Music, having completed a transaction to acquire Paradigm Talent Agency’s North American live music representation business. The new business unit is devoted to the representation of music artists and their development. Wasserman Music and its marquee roster of world-renowned artists joins the Wasserman team united by a universal vision, common values, and a singular sense of purpose. The intersection of sports, entertainment, lifestyle marketing, culture, and music comprises the foundation of Wasserman’s business and has fueled its success for close to 20 years. The announcement was made by Casey Wasserman, Chairman and CEO of Wasserman.
“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 is our shared commitment to cultivating a culture of forward progress so this new business appropriately reflects the artists and fans we serve,” said Wasserman. “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.”
Structurally, Wasserman Music will be operated as a unit of the larger Wasserman organization and will be led by Casey Wasserman, his existing executive management team, and a seasoned group of executive agents. Marty Diamond, Jonathan Levine, Jackie Nalpant, Sam Hunt, Corrie Martin, Lee Anderson, and Matt Rodriguez will focus on executive oversight of the business on a day-to-day basis. Tom Windish, Joe Rosenberg, and Lori Feldman will round out the team to provide business development, operational, and marketing support, as well as expertise and connectivity in operating and integrating all branded entertainment. The business will open with a strong balance sheet, more than 130 employees, and plans to expand assertively as the live entertainment business rebounds in 2021 and 2022.
Wasserman Music has made a commitment to build a more inclusive business and as such will benefit from Wasserman’s track record and dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a starting point, Wasserman Music has forged a partnership with the national advocacy organization Color Of Change. The agency is one of the inaugural industry leaders who signed onto the organization’s #ChangeMusic Roadmap, an initiative that challenges leaders in music to move the industry beyond conversation and intention and towards actionable racial justice. Additionally, Wasserman Music will have broad access to the tools, solutions, and social change strategies advocated by Wasserman’s Inclusion Council and its women-focused unit, The Collective, as they work to embody a more inclusive business.
While the formation of Wasserman Music marks Wasserman’s foray into artist representation, the new company will draw on Wasserman’s marketing and analytics pedigree, advising, and activating strategies for brand clients in the music business. Wasserman Music agents have spent decades working seamlessly together forging their distinct approach to artist representation. They have longstanding relationships with a diverse array of the world’s most impactful artists, many of whom they have worked with from day one to grow their careers and develop massive, life-long fan bases. With the launch of Wasserman Music, these artists will now have access to the unparalleled suite of resources already in place at Wasserman.
Wasserman Music and Wasserman will coordinate on a Music meets Method model whereby artists’ touring, content, partnerships, and enterprise will be supported by analytic and insight platforms. These platforms include proprietary data, performance sentiment, brand and business health and impact, and other strategic marketing and technology approaches to enable talent success and harmony. The new music unit brings the opportunity for Wasserman to amplify its existing marketing offerings to brands looking to connect with consumers via music and sports programs. The result will be a turbocharged consultancy that delivers perspective to brands considering an investment in the high return touchpoint of music.
Wasserman Music will also benefit from Wasserman’s robust platform dedicated to the development and furthering of its represented talent’s brands and careers. A large array of client services such as individual brand strategy, talent and artist marketing, short and long-form content development, licensing, literary, social media strategy/management, public relations, and philanthropic planning will be immediately at the service of Wasserman Music’s represented artists. The combination of music, sports, and lifestyle representation will serve to propel Wasserman’s existing signing, servicing, and selling capabilities and opportunities.
Some of the artists on Wasserman Music’s roster 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, Tyler Childers, Kaytranada, Normani, Run the Jewels, Tash Sultana, Diplo, DJ Snake, Flume, Jack Harlow, ODESZA, and Skrillex.
Wasserman was represented by Sullivan & Cromwell LLP and Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as Wasserman’s exclusive financial advisor.
Paradigm was represented by Venable LLP.
Wasserman is a partner to the world’s most iconic brands, properties, and talent in their endeavors across sports, entertainment, and culture. The company has a central purpose to transform the businesses and careers of clients. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Los Angeles, Wasserman operates across six continents with offices in more than 20 cities worldwide. Learn more at TeamWass.com or follow on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Wasserman Music can be followed on Twitter and Instagram.
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Media Contact:
Melissa Zukerman
Principal Communications Group
melissa@pcommgroup.com
