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Wasserman Music acquires Paradigm’s UK live music business

Artist booking agency Wasserman Music has acquired talent agency Paradigm Talent Agency’s UK live music representation business.

As part of the move, long-time UK partners Dave Hallybone (middle left), Alex Hardee (middle right), Tom Schroeder (right) and James Whitting (left) have joined the Wasserman music managing executive team.

The London-based partners founded CODA Agency in 2002 and partnered with Paradigm in 2014, before fully operating under the Paradigm name in 2019. The agency’s roster includes artists across the rock, pop, electronic and hip hop genres.

Casey Wasserman, chairman and chief executive of Wasserman, said: “I am incredibly proud to reunite Alex, Dave, James, Tom and their team with the full force of our Wasserman Music group.

“They not only persevered through a once in a lifetime pandemic, but prioritised 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.”

Marty Diamond, Wasserman Music executive vice-president and managing executive, added: “We couldn’t be more excited to be back under the same name as our long-time 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.”

Wasserman Music boasts a roster that includes artists such as Billie Eilish, Bastille, Liam Gallagher, Normani, Sia and Pharrell. With the addition of Paradigm talent, the agency will now handle international representation outside of North America for artists like Bon Iver, Lewis Capaldi, Mark Ronson, My Chemical Romance, Sean Paul and Shawn Mendes.

London partner 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.”

Image: Chloe Mallett