Veteran agent Joel Zimmerman, who has worked with electronic dance music (EDM) artists such as Calvin Harris, Avicii, Steve Aoki and Swedish House Mafia, has joined Range Media Partners as a partner in the company’s music division.
Range Media said in a press release on Wednesday (February 22) that Zimmerman “helped turn the electronic music scene into a billion dollar industry.”
Zimmerman spent 13 years of his career at WME as the primary agent behind more than 100 superstars and crossover acts. He then transitioned into the global electronic and DJ scene, signing the Weeknd in the early 2010s.
The Weeknd has since catapulted to become a top-grossing artist, with his track Blinding Lights recently surpassing Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You to become Spotify’s most-streamed song of all time.
Zimmerman also worked with clients like Calvin Harris, Pharrell Williams, 88rising, Steve Lacy, Avicii, Martin Garrix, Steve Aoki, Psy, Kygo, Swedish House Mafia, and Deadmau5 (who was also born Joel Zimmerman), among others.
In 2006, Zimmerman launched his own EDM agency, Division One Talent, which later partnered with William Morris Endeavor to bring the company in-house.
“I believe the best and most forward-thinking cultural platform for music talent is at Range. The team’s ability to mobilize with very high-level resources, combined with a truly amazing company culture, makes for the best breeding ground to turn the biggest dreams into reality.”
Joel Zimmerman
“I’m most passionate when I have a vision for an artist’s career path or see where a new market can be created, while having the right set of resources to not only ideate but bring it all to fruition,” Zimmerman said.
At Range, Zimmerman will help accelerate the company’s global music strategy by contributing his expertise in talent representation and mentorship.
“I believe the best and most forward-thinking cultural platform for music talent is at Range. The team’s ability to mobilize with very high-level resources, combined with a truly amazing company culture, makes for the best breeding ground to turn the biggest dreams into reality. I am so excited to be building at Range and to make a positive impact on the continuously evolving industry.”
Range Media Partners, founded in September 2000, is a music, film and television management company that represents some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry including Mariah Carey, Halle Berry, Emilia Clarke, Bradley Cooper, Michael Fassbender, Tom Hardy, Ramy Youssef, Taron Edgerton, and Keira Knightley, as well as directors including Michael Bay, M. Night Shyamalan, Alma Har’el and more.
In 2021, it inked a global distribution deal with Capitol Music Group and Virigin Music & Artist Label Services that saw the launch of Range Media’s own label, representing artists such as ack Harlow, Justin Tranter, Cordae, Midland, Nova Wav, Tyga, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Hailey Whitters, Lauv, MAX, HARV, Sean Douglas, Wondagurl, and more.
Range Media’s music division earned seven Grammy nominations this year, with Nova Wav earning two awards for their work on Beyonce’s Renaissance, and nine No.1 hits.
Nearly a year ago, Range Media welcomed media and IP company A+E Networks as a strategic investor.
“Joel has consistently managed to cut through the noise – and competition – by landing clients lucrative touring, club and festival deals, as well as, crossing them into other entertainment arenas.”
Peter Micelli, Range Media Partners
Range Media Partners CEO, Peter Micelli, said: “Joel has consistently managed to cut through the noise – and competition – by landing clients lucrative touring, club and festival deals, as well as, crossing them into other entertainment arenas. The result of his groundbreaking work has created new pathways and platforms that break future stars and legitimize new music genres.”
“We could not be more excited to welcome Joel to Range. He is the preeminent thought leader in the music industry and a true force of nature, with an inherent ability to identify talent and looming trends. We’re thrilled to add an executive and partner of his caliber to the company.”
Music Business Worldwide
