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UTA acquires EDM agency Circle

Circle, which represents some of the biggest names in electronic dance music, is now a division of United Talent, although its non-EDM agents have reportedly been let go

By Jon Chapple on 18 Apr 2018

Marshmello at Mad Decent Block Party, 2016, Circle Talent Agency

image © Charito Yap/The Come Up Show

United Talent Agency (UTA) has made what it calls an “aggressive move” into electronic music by acquiring Circle Talent Agency, the leading independent booking agency for electronic dance music (EDM) artists.

The deal, terms of which were not disclosed, expands the agency giant’s global music reach by bringing into the fold influential EDM DJs such as Marshmello (pictured), Kaskade, Excision and Illenium. Circle co-founders Steve Gordon and Kevin Gimble become UTA’s co-heads of electronic music, working with global head of music David Zedeck, who joined from Live Nation last July.

However, Dave Brooks at Billboard reports LA-based Circle’s non-EDM agents and artists, including Dead Kennedys, Insane Clown Posse and Warren G, were excluded from the deal, with up to ten touring agents laid off before the acquisition was announced. A source close to the situation confirms to IQ that while Circle’s electronic division is joining UTA, “the rock group did not make the transition”.

“The acquisition of Circle Talent Agency is a tremendous addition for UTA as we continue to build momentum in our music business,” comments UTA CEO Jeremy Zimmer. “Electronic music is now a multi-billion dollar business and one of the fastest-growing genres.

“Electronic music is now a multi-billion dollar business and one of the fastest-growing genres”

“Having Circle, its talented agents and incredible roster under our umbrella, immediately establishes a major connection for us with the next generation of music fans, and UTA as a leader in the dance space. We are thrilled to have this agency and its great artists joining our company.”

In a joint statement, Gordon and Gimble add: “We have watched UTA evolve into a major entertainment company with global reach and we felt now was the perfect time to combine our resources to provide even greater opportunities for our clients. We’re excited to join a growing music team that shares our client-first values.”

Existing UTA Music clients, many of which were inherited after its 2015 acquisition of the UK’s the Agency Group (TAG), include Guns N’ Roses, Muse, Post Malone, Lenny Kravitz, G-Eazy, Mariah Carey, DJ Khaled, Paramore and Bring Me the Horizon.

“Steve, Kevin and the team at Circle started a business in a niche genre that has gained cultural relevancy around the world,” comments Zedeck. “They have done a tremendous job developing their artists into international touring superstars. I look forward to working with them to expand our global business and offer their clients a broad scope of opportunities across the agency.”

 


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