Wasserman Music acquires Paradigm’s UK live music business

US-based talent agency Wasserman Music has acquired Paradigm Music UK’s live music representation business.

Wasserman Music launched in April 2021 with the acquisition of Paradigm’s North American live music representation business.

As part of the deal, UK partners Dave Hallybone, Alex Hardee, Tom Schroeder and James Whitting have joined the Wasserman Music Managing Executive team.

The addition of the London-based team to Wasserman Music reunites the British team with their longtime colleagues in North America, after Paradigm merged London-based CODA Agency into its business in 2019. Paradigm first acquired a stake in CODA in early 2014.

Since founding CODA Agency in 2002, the London-based partners have built what Wasserman calls “Europe’s leading agency business for music talent”.

With two dozen agents and a total staff of 72 people, they represent a roster of artists in pop, rock, electronic, hip hop and more for touring and brand partnerships.

Ron Burkle’s Yucaipa was a minority partner in the company.

Wasserman Music’s roster now includes globally represented artists Baby Keem, Bastille, Billie Eilish, Brent Faiyaz, Disclosure, Drake, Frank Ocean, Fred again.., Imagine Dragons, Kacey Musgraves, Kenny Chesney, Liam Gallagher, Louis Tomlinson, Normani, ODESZA, Old Dominion, Pharrell, Sia, Skrillex, Sturgill Simpson, SZA, Turnstile, Wet Leg and Zedd, among many others.

With the UK client roster merging into Wasserman Music, the agency now also handles global representation outside North America for artists including Bon Iver, FKA twigs, Lewis Capaldi, Liam Payne, Mark Ronson, My Chemical Romance, PinkPantheress, Rag’n’Bone Man, Rita Ora, Robyn, Sean Paul, Shawn Mendes, Take That and X Ambassadors.

Wasserman now operates across more than 30 offices in 14 countries on three continents.

“I am incredibly proud to reunite Alex, Dave, James, Tom and their team with the full force of our Wasserman Music group.”

Casey Wasserman

“I am incredibly proud to reunite Alex, Dave, James, Tom and their team with the full force of our Wasserman Music group,” said Casey Wasserman, Chairman and CEO of Wasserman.

“They not only persevered through a once in a lifetime pandemic, but prioritized their clients and partnerships in a way that is consistent with our values and commitment to talent.

“With this group now under one banner, we now have a truly scalable and serviceable global music practice and look forward to strengthening our platform together.”

“We couldn’t be more excited to be back under the same name as our longtime partners in London.”

Marty Diamond, Wasserman Music

Wasserman Music EVP & Managing Executive Marty Diamond, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to be back under the same name as our longtime partners in London.

“We share common values and a deep commitment to artist development, and with live music coming back huge this year, we’re confident that together we can secure the health, success and growth of our clients’ careers throughout the world.

“We have persevered and continued to excel in our global efforts during this incredibly challenging time, and we have worked closely through it all to provide continuous service to our clients.”

“Casey and his team are the most ambitious we have ever met, and their reach and vision is inspiring. We have always seen ourselves as the alternative, and that fits better today than ever before.”

Tom Schroeder

London partner Tom Schroeder said: “The pandemic was incredibly testing for the industry. It really made us all look at everything we have achieved and where we were going.

“What we saw in Wasserman was a company very different from others – dynamic, fast-moving, open, and honest. The commitment from our staff was incredible, and I couldn’t be more proud and determined to continue our journey.

“Casey and his team are the most ambitious we have ever met, and their reach and vision is inspiring. We have always seen ourselves as the alternative, and that fits better today than ever before.”

“The UK music partners are an exceptional group, and we congratulate them on this new chapter.”

Sam Gores

Sam Gores, majority shareholder of Paradigm Music UK, added: “The UK music partners are an exceptional group, and we congratulate them on this new chapter.”Music Business Worldwide