London-based music publicity company Cosa Nostra PR is expanding into the US by establishing operations in Los Angeles.
The firm has hired respected former Head of PR at Live Nation UK, Charley Bezer, to lead the expansion in LA.
Bezer takes up the title of Cosa Nostra’s Vice President of PR, US.
The company says the move will result in the ‘first transatlantic specialist PR offering for heavy music’, and will service both rock and metal artists as well as events.
During her nine years at Live Nation UK, Bezer (pictured) ran PR and strategy for the company’s UK festival portfolio – including Download and Wireless.
She also oversaw publicity for all of Live Nation’s UK touring output, covering acts including Drake, Rihanna, Beyonce, Aerosmith, Black Sabbath, Mötley Crüe, Fleetwood Mac, Dolly Parton, Biffy Clyro and Avenged Sevenfold.
“I’m truly thrilled to welcome Charley to the Cosa Nostra family. In the current climate, it’s hard to find experienced, proactive and progressive publicists who care not only about quality and details, but share a passion for the genre we specialize in.”
Michelle Kerr, Cosa Nostra PR
Cosa Nostra PR was set up in 2012 by Michelle Kerr and Kirsten Sprinks, who served a respective 17 and 12 years at Roadrunner Records’ UK press office.
The company has worked with artists such as Slipknot, Korn, Alter Bridge, Slayer, Black Stone Cherry, Lamb of God, Halestorm, Machine Head, Killswitch Engage, Trivium and Gojira among others, in addition to UK events such as Bloodstock Festival, which saw its first ever weekend sell-out last month.
Kerr said, “I’m truly thrilled to welcome Charley to the Cosa Nostra family. In the current climate, it’s hard to find experienced, proactive and progressive publicists who care not only about quality and details, but share a passion for the genre we specialize in.
“Charley is the epitome of that and with her helming the set-up of our US operation, we are now able to offer our quality levels of publicity both domestically and on a transatlantic basis, which is a very exciting prospect.”
“This is the natural evolutionary step for Cosa Nostra to take; allowing us to deliver market-specific campaigns for our clients and still maintain a cohesive message.”
Kirsten Sprinks, Cosa Nostra PR
Sprinks added: “This is the natural evolutionary step for Cosa Nostra to take; allowing us to deliver market-specific campaigns for our clients and still maintain a cohesive message.
“The challenge was always how to achieve it whilst maintaining the high standards and exceptional results that we have a hard-earned reputation for. Having Charley on board allows us to achieve that and so much more.
“Charley’s experience and skills in the industry, combined with exactly the kind of love for the heavy music genre that Cosa Nostra was founded on, make her the perfect person to represent us and our clients. I’m delighted to have her working with us.”
“Having offices on both sides of the pond means Cosa Nostra will be in the unique position to provide clients with truly aligned campaigns – with one team spanning both territories – and offer a forward-thinking alternative to traditional and somewhat dated music PR offerings.”
Charley Bezer, Cosa nostra PR
Bezer said: “I couldn’t be more honored to have been asked to work with Michelle and Kirsten overseeing Cosa Nostra’s US expansion. They are two of the very best in our profession. Their roster speaks for itself and they share my vision for what Music PR can and should be.
“Having offices on both sides of the pond means Cosa Nostra will be in the unique position to provide clients with truly aligned campaigns – with one team spanning both territories – and offer a forward-thinking alternative to traditional and somewhat dated music PR offerings.
“We feel it’s time for the game to change and I cannot wait to get started.”Music Business Worldwide
