Live music agency Paradigm has merged London-based CODA Agency into its business.
Los Angeles-HQ’d Paradigm first acquired a stake in CODA in early 2014, when the companies joined forces to pool their expertise and resources on a worldwide basis.
Since then, CODA has expanded including the launch of the sports agency CODA Independent Sports last year.
CODA Agency now officially takes Paradigm’s name as the two companies fully integrate to “focus on artist development and long-term career building”.
CODA partners Alex Hardee, Tom Schroeder, James Whitting and Dave Hallybone will continue to lead the London office.
Paradigm said that CODA would share its emphasis on core values including “intelligent and attentive client service, artist-centric and globally-focused representation, nimble response to an evolving industry, work/life balance and gender equality”.
“CODA and Paradigm have had tremendous success throughout our five-year partnership, creating opportunities and building enduring careers for a roster of exceptional talent,” said Sam Gores, Paradigm Chairman and CEO. “We look forward to the next chapter as one global company, driven by agents who share an unwavering focus on the artists we represent and the art they create.”
“We look forward to the next chapter as one global company, driven by agents who share an unwavering focus on the artists we represent and the art they create.”
Sam Gores, Paradigm
“The success of Paradigm’s partnership with CODA has shown there are no longer borders in the global music industry — or within our two companies,” said Marty Diamond, Paradigm’s Head of Global Music. “Now as one company, we will continue to leverage our integrated approach in everything we do.”
“We have achieved the impossible: we found some Americans that we actually get along with,” joked CODA partner Alex Hardee.
Fellow partner Tom Schroeder added, “We are A&R leaders, building creative plans for our clients in an industry that is in a constant state of change. Merging with Paradigm enables us to evolve and challenge a very dynamic marketplace. With this larger Paradigm platform, we can span the globe without losing our personality, ambition, individualism and innovative approach.”
“We are A&R leaders, building creative plans for our clients in an industry that is in a constant state of change.”
Tom Schroeder, CODA
Earlier this month, CODA announced an exclusive U.K. partnership with Instrumental, an AI-driven talent discovery business that provides the agent team with data and insights into the world of developing musical talent.
The initiative will continue as part of Paradigm. Separately, the strategic relationship previously formed between CODA and Independent Talent Group will continue under the leadership of Paradigm’s London partners.
CODA also recently undertook several innovative initiatives to push positive change in the live music business. Along with client and BBC host Annie Mac and other partners, CODA established the Equalising Music Pledge, an industry-wide initiative aiming to achieve greater gender balance in the music industry.
Paradigm’s roster of artists includes Halsey, Imagine Dragons, Janet Jackson, Billie Eilish, Kacey Musgraves, Tiësto, Liam Gallagher, Missy Elliott, Shawn Mendes, Sia, Normani, Zedd, Kenny Chesney, Jess Glynne, Above & Beyond, Machine Gun Kelly, Disclosure, Bob Weir, Years & Years, Charli XCX, Estate of Johnny Cash, Bastille, Louis Tomlinson, Alan Walker, Sturgill Simpson, Buddy Guy, Old Dominion, and Hayley Kiyoko.
With CODA’s roster merging into Paradigm’s, the agency now also handles international representation outside North America for Bon Iver, Ellie Goulding, FKA twigs, Lewis Capaldi, Liam Payne, Mark Ronson, Pusha T, Rag’n’Bone Man, Rita Ora, Robyn and Take That. Prior to becoming one agency, Paradigm and CODA shared more than 500 clients.Music Business Worldwide
