Wasserman Music has signalled the expansion of its hip-hop/R&B division worldwide with the hiring of two new executives across its global festivals and artist representation teams.

New York-based Jazmyn Griffin joins as a director on the agency’s global festivals team, where she will focus on hip-hop and R&B-driven festivals and concerts and support the development of the department’s new marketing arm.

Previously, she served in festival promotion and talent buying roles at C3 Presents and Live Nation, helping to grow hip-hop and contemporary music-driven events across the US.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Jazmyn to our global festivals team at a time of tremendous growth for the division and for the festivals market around the world,” says Adam Brill, Wasserman Music SVP, global festivals. “Her history of success working with all facets of the business makes her uniquely well-suited to help further our growth across the hip-hop and R&B festival landscape, and beyond.”

The company has also appointed Tessie Lammle as a Los Angeles-based director and agent

In addition, the company has appointed IQ New Bosses 2021 alumnus Tessie Lammle as a Los Angeles-based director and agent, with a focus on hip-hop and R&B acts.

Lammle previously spent nearly a decade at UTA, where she was booking agent for a roster of emerging and established artists across all genres. A founding member of UTA’s La Femme Majeure event series, she has also helped develop numerous programmes to empower the next generation of female leaders.

“Tessie is as talented and hardworking as they come, and her genuine passion for music and developing unique strategies to help artists meet and exceed their goals shines through in everything she does,” says Wasserman Music EVP & managing executive James Rubin.

“We’re excited to have her join the team to help fuel the surging growth of our hip-hop and R&B division, but her skills and interests go well beyond so we can’t wait to watch her keep growing and evolving along with the company.”

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The International Festival Forum (IFF) has unveiled details of its 11th edition, set for 9-11 September in London.

In addition to moving forward to late summer, organisers plan to revamp its south London campus layout to better accommodate an expected 1,000 booking agents and festival professionals.

IFF is set to return to its campus format, which spans across Omeara and Novotel London Bridge, for the third year running. The central location brings attendees together for live performances across two stages, pop-up agency offices, speed meetings, hot-topic conference sessions and keynotes, parties, lunches, dinners and more.

The invitation-only event, organised by the International Live Music Conference (ILMC), has been the world’s leading annual platform for buyers and sellers since its conception in 2015. Over 750 festivals, tens of thousands of artists, and dozens of countries are represented at the multi-day event, held during the key late summer booking period.

“This year we will be expanding the campus’ footprint”

“As IFF enters its second decade, we’re thrilled that it has established itself as the principal place where the world’s top agents and festivals meet to do business,” says ILMC/IFF head Greg Parmley. “This year we will be expanding the campus’ footprint, while keeping the same cap on attendee numbers, ensuring that people have more dedicated space to network and ink deals for 2026 festival lineups.

“We can’t wait to see everyone again in London this September.”

Agency partners for this year’s edition include ATC Live, CAA, ITB, Primary Talent, Pure, UTA, Wasserman, WME, and X-ray Touring. Past performances at IFF have included Lewis Capaldi, Tom Grennan, Sam Ryder, Raye, Loyle Carter, English Teacher, and others.

Associate partners for 2025 include Tysers Live, iTicket Global, TVG Hospitality, and LMP Group.

Full details, including attendance criteria, are at iff.rocks, and the aftermovie can be viewed here.

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Booking agency and management firm EBB Music has officially expanded to the UK with the addition of agents Polly Miles and Jule Konrad.

The dual appointment will provide the Amsterdam-based company with an experienced team of bookers on the ground in the UK as it continues to build its reputation in the European market.

“For several years now I have worked with the EBB team, as a promoter and a UK booking agent,” says Miles. “I’ve always admired their unique and diverse roster along with their professional and approachable way of working.”

Miles and Konrad will bolster EBB’s eclectic European roster with acts such as Lady Wray, WITCH, Pachyman, Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band, Thumpasaurus and YARD.

“For me EBB excels in embodying two of my core values: carving out a space for artists who break boundaries, defy labels, and redefine the norm as well as nurturing talent from the very start to full-fledged success,” adds Konrad. “Having collaborated extensively on artists in the past, I’m proud to represent the UK office alongside my long-term colleague, Polly.”

“Our expansion into the UK is a major milestone for EBB Music”

Amsterdam-based EBB currently represents artists such as Altın Gün, YĪN YĪN, Too Many Zooz, Ali, Ile, Otoboke Beaver and Jambinai.

As part of the UK launch celebrations, EBB Music will be hosting a special welcome drinks reception at The Great Escape Festival in Daltons, Brighton on 16 May.

“Our expansion into the UK is a major milestone for EBB Music,” says CEO/co-founder Ronald Keizer. “With our established European and worldwide connections, we are positioned to bring a fresh, diverse roster of artists to the market.

“Our aim is to provide unparalleled booking services to our partners, while also offering artists exciting new opportunities to perform on global stages, along with offering extra service. We are happy to be working with Polly and Jule on expanding business in Europe.”

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Music streaming service Mixcloud has announced the acquisition of booking platform Encore.

The UK companies say the deal will unite the companies in an effort “to build tools for communities to grow, monetise and connect through music”. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Founded 15 years ago, Mixcloud is home to 25 million monthly active users and serves as a global platform for DJs, radio communities and music producers.

The acquisition also sees Mixcloud co-founder Nikhil Shah join Encore as its new chair, having been an angel investor in the company since 2019. Shah will provide strategic guidance as Encore enters a new phase.

“We are excited to welcome Encore into the Mixcloud family,” says Nico Perez, CEO of Mixcloud. “Both companies share a deep passion for music, and by working together to use Mixcloud’s global reach and resources, we can provide even greater support to musicians and creators, helping them to earn a living and connect with their audiences in new and innovative ways.”

“I’m excited about unlocking the next chapter of Encore’s growth with the support of Mixcloud”

Since launching in 2014, Encore says it has facilitated more than 50,000 bookings, helping musicians earn £25 million (€22m) through live performances. The firm will continue to operate as an independent brand under the Mixcloud umbrella, booking musicians, bands and DJs for a variety of events.

“This is a big moment for us at Encore,” says Encore CEO James McAulay. “Teaming up with Mixcloud, a company we’ve long admired who have made an enormous impact on music culture, feels like the perfect next step.

“I’m excited about unlocking the next chapter of Encore’s growth with the support of Mixcloud to build a larger ecosystem and deliver more opportunities, earnings, and tools to our incredible musicians.”

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Ex-Marshall Live Agency head Stuart Vallans has announced the launch of boutique agency TRUST. Artists.

With a roster including The Meffs, Gallus, Cucamaras, Hotel Lux, Snake Eyes, Carsick and Aiko, among others, the new agency is focused on developing artists’ careers across the UK and Europe.

Vallans, who boasts more than 20 years’ experience of booking bands, has parted ways with Marshall – the British music company best known for its guitar amplifiers and speaker cabinets – and gone solo, taking the live agency arm of the business with him.

Having helmed Marshall Live over the last four years, Vallans believes the time is right to go solo as he bids to take it to new heights.

“The new agency is being built using the model of many of my friends’ European boutique agencies”

“My vision for TRUST. spans back nearly two decades, having worked with many incredible artists and many, many talented industry professionals, I’ve always wanted to do things my own way,” says TRUST. Artists owner Stuart Vallans. “The new agency is being built using the model of many of my friends’ European boutique agencies; working with a smaller roster of bands, but having tighter relationships with them.

“I personally believe there is always a better way of doing things, a much more agile way of booking shows, something I will be working on at TRUST. to further all my artists’ careers.”

Commenting on the move, Trust clients, punk duo The Meffs say: “From day one of being our agent, Stu got behind The Meffs and everything we stand for. We’re a team. Nothing has ever been too much trouble and no opportunity has ever been too big to fight for. Stu’s famous phrase is ‘let me dig in’ and we never have doubt that he’s going to dig! Trust is the core value that bands need from an agency, and it’s guaranteed with this diamond.”

Marshall Live Agency was one of a number of new booking agencies to pop up during the pandemic, alongside the likes of Mother Artists, One Fiinix Live, Route One Booking and Runway Artists in the UK, as well as Arrival Artists, Mint Talent Group and TBA Agency in the US and Rebel Beat Agency in Spain, in 2020, amid a wider fragmentation of the global agency sector in response to the Covid shutdown.

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UK-based independent booking agency Upsurge has hired Philippe Van Leuven from Bandwerk in Belgium as the company’s first EU agent.

Van Leuven brings a roster that includes Death Lens, Ruby Haunt, Trauma Ray, Wrong Man, Soft Blue Shimmer and Chase Petra.

“Joining Upsurge is a very logical step to keep developing and growing the acts I’ve been working with the last few years,” says Van Leuven. “In an already competitive market, it also feels natural to combine forces. I very much admire Upsurge’s existing roster and their artist-focused approach. I’m super pleased to be able to reinforce the team and bring my own personal touch to the already amazing line-up.”

Upsurge, which is overseen by tour coordinator Flick Price-Thomas, has grown to a team of five since its inception by Eddie Griffiths in July 2022. The firm has booked artists on festivals such as Download, 2000Trees, Outbreak, Full Force, Resurrection, Summer Breeze, Copenhell and Damnation.

“Upsurge was born out of a love for alternative music and putting on shows”

“Upsurge was born out of a love for alternative music and putting on shows,” says Griffiths. “There’s so many incredible artists coming through those scenes and the underground, so with Upsurge I wanted to provide a home for these types of artists for touring.

“The stellar network of independent venues throughout the UK and Europe plays a very key role in what we do and is vital to our artists. I’m stoked to be part of an incredible team of Flick, Oscar, Lee and now Philippe who all share that same passion as I do and do it for the love of it.

“I didn’t expect things to grow like they have over such a short period of time and I’m truly honoured that Upsurge gets to work with so many of our favourite artists. This is all down to the hard work of our growing team.”

The agency’s roster includes the likes of Superheaven, Fiddlehead, Wicca Phase Springs Eternal, Speed, Split Chain, Bug Bath, Knives, Sick Joy, Pure Hex, Present, Panik Flower, Shooting Daggers, Splitknuckle, Stiff Meds, Out Of Love, Plastics and Cruelty.

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Independent live music agency One Fiinix Live has announced the appointment of seasoned live music professional Bex Wedlake as its newest agent.

Wedlake, whose appointment is effective immediately, is based in the US but will work closely with company’s UK team.

Her roster includes Black Stone Cherry, Dance Gavin Dance, Dayseeker, Des Rocs, GWAR, Halestorm, Haru Nemuri, Hoobastank, K.Flay, New Years Day, SkyeChristy, The Subways and Tiny Moving Parts. She will represent these artists in international territories outside of North America.

“We are delighted to welcome Bex to our company,” says One Fiinix Live founder and CEO Jon Ollier. “Not only does she bring with her an incredible wealth of experience and a fantastic roster that aligns perfectly with our aspirations, but Bex has time and again spotted and developed new talent with a remarkable hit rate.

“We see Bex as a valuable addition to our team, someone who is incredibly well connected and whose skill set complements that of the existing team very well”

“We see Bex as a valuable addition to our team, someone who is incredibly well connected and whose skill set complements that of the existing team very well. We really feel like we are building something very special here and we are all so excited for Bex to be a part of that.”

London-headquartered One Fiinix Live, which added veteran US agent John Pantle to its ranks last month, was launched by Ollier in November 2020, following his departure from CAA. The UK-based global booking agency represents acts including Ed Sheeran, Ms. Lauryn Hill, 2Cellos, Calum Scott and Hauser.

“This industry is based on human connection and innovation, qualities embraced and celebrated by Jon and the progressive team at One Fiinix Live,” adds Wedlake. “In just three years they have built an agency that embodies expertise, professionalism and respect. I am thrilled to be joining such an exciting and forward-thinking company and I look forward to immersing myself and my clients in a culture of inclusivity and elevation.”

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Multi-faceted music company ATC (All Things Considered) Group has agreed terms for a “new, expanded office” in Los Angeles.

The new office is said to offers 30% additional capacity, with the team set to relocate from its existing LA base later this month as the firm continues to grow its US operations.

London-headquartered ATC opened a New York hub in February 2022 and also has an office in Copenhagen, Denmark.

“We are delighted to have secured our new premises in Los Angeles, which provides our teams with a fantastic urban working environment to collaborate with our artists and creative partners,” says MD Adam Driscoll, as per Alliance News.

“Our new Los Angeles hub complements our presence in our other global locations”

“Our new Los Angeles hub complements our presence in our other global locations, including our recently opened New York office, and supports our growth ambitions by recruiting and retaining the best talent in the industry.”

ATC Group’s divisions include booking agency ATC Live, ATC Management, ATC Services, ATC Experience and livestreaming company Driift.

In late 2023, ATC appointed director of business affairs Emma Stoker as executive director to the board and improved its asset base with the acquisition of a 60% stake in merchandise company Sandbag.

ATC listed on the Aquis Growth Market in London in December 2021 after raising £4.15 million in its initial public offer (IPO). The group recorded a profit on revenue of £12.1 million (€13.9m) in its first full year as a a public company, but subsequently announced a loss of £1.1m for the first six months of 2023 due to higher costs.

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International booking agency Midnight Mango has welcomed Rich Quarterman to its team of booking agents.

Quarterman, who also brings considerable experience as an artist, has quickly built a talent roster including The Great Malarkey, Josienne Clarke, Year of the Dog, Marcus Bonfanti, and Luke Jackson.

“For as long as I remember I have loved live music with a passion. I’ve played at venues all over the UK and have met some amazing people, and had some amazing experiences along the way. So for Midnight Mango to give me the opportunity to work in the field is a dream come true,” he says.

Midnight Mango continues to grow its agent freelancer platform, launched in 2020 to bring new agents to the company on a freelance basis

“I’m looking forward to working with the incredible team at MM, and to be representing artists that I truly love and care about is a pleasure and a privilege.”

Midnight Mango continues to grow its agent freelancer platform, launched in 2020 to bring new agents to the company on a freelance basis, supporting them financially through the pandemic period while allowing them to retain control over their rosters and income.

Quarterman follows in the footsteps of Barry Stewart, who represents acts including The Undertones, Skipinnish, Shooglenifty and Sharon Shannon, and Duncan Chappell, agent for the likes of Ranagri, Fred’s House, Annae Renae, Calum Gilligan and The Dunwells, in joining the UK-based firm’s growing team this year.

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Primary Talent International is returning to being an independent music talent agency following a management buyout.

Primary was sold to ICM Partners in 2020, which was subsequently acquired by CAA. The deal to re-establish Primary’s independent status was led by managing partner and CEO Matt Bates along with former ICM founding partner and COO Rick Levy, who will continue to act as a senior advisor to Primary.

The UK-based booking agency, whose roster includes almost 460 clients including The 1975, The Cure, Lana Del Rey, Noel Gallagher, Jack Harlow, alt-J, Dropkick Murphys, and Patti Smith, will continue to operate from London, while maintaining a presence in Los Angeles and New York.

“The pandemic changed the landscape of the music touring business, and we felt it was beneficial to return to our roots”

“The pandemic changed the landscape of the music touring business, and we felt it was beneficial to return to our roots as the UK’s largest independent music talent agency,” says Bates. “Adding to the strength and experience of the original Primary agent team, we are excited to bring aboard the next generation of talented agents to join as founding partners. In this new incarnation, Primary will be even better positioned to support the evolving careers of our artists and guide them wherever needed.”

Under the new set-up, Bates will oversee all aspects of the agency, and serve as managing partner and CEO. Agent Ben Winchester will continue to serve as a board member along with Bates and Levy.

The agency has also elevated current Primary agents Laetitia Descouens, Sally Dunstone, Martje Kremers and Ed Sellers, to partner status. They will be joined by veteran agent Simon Clarkson, who will be based in Los Angeles. The firm currently has 35 employees and expects to announce further additions to the team in the coming weeks.

Other clients on the company’s books include Imanbek, Mitski, Rina Sawayama, Two Door Cinema Club, Wolf Alice, and Ziggy Marley.

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