United Talent Agency announced Tuesday they are acquiring Circle Talent Agency’s electronic roster. This brings big acts like Illenium, Marshmello, Kaskade and Excision under their wing.
As #UTA continues to increase its global music footprint, we are thrilled to announce the acquisition of the leading electronic music agency, Circle Talent Agency. Welcome to our new colleagues – we look forward to working together as #TeamUTA! pic.twitter.com/L4l0nS62Cd
— United Talent Agency (@unitedtalent) April 17, 2018
The acquisition of the industry-leading electronic dance music agency signals UTA’s desire to expand into EDM. They currently hold 90 agents in six offices globally, with clients such as Muse, G-Eazy, Mariah Carey, DJ Khaled, Paramore, Die Antwoord, 21 Savage, X Ambassadors, and Bring Me The Horizon.
CTA’s co-founders Steve Gordon and Kevin Gimble will be working with UTA’s head of music David Zedeck as co-heads of electronic music. Though agents representing EDM artists are moving to UTA, all other staff were let go.
Dave Brooks at Billboard reports a number of staff staff were laid off before the sale was announced, instructed by a lawyer to gather their belongings and leave the building. Non-EDM agents and artists excluded from the deal include Dead Kennedys, Insane Clown Posse, and Warren G.
The acquisition signals a big shift in talent availability. UTA calls it an “aggressive move” into the electronic genre and fans may start seeing more music collaborations from multi-genre talent.
What do you think of the deal? Are you excited for any potential collaboration? Let us know in the comments!
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