US live music agency giant William Morris Endeavor (WME) has acquired is Australian rival Artist Voice, signalling an increase in its ambitions for the Asia-Pacific region.
Artist Voice was founded in 2010 by CEO Brett Murrihy with Matt Gudinski as part of Michael Gudinski’s Mushroom Group to book local and international music acts for tours and performances throughout Australia and Asia.
The company, which has offices in Sydney, Melbourne, and Hong Kong, boasts clients including 5 Seconds of Summer (pictured), Angus & Julia Stone, Broods, Chet Faker, Chvrches, Cloud Control, D.D Dumbo, Empire of the Sun, Jagwar Ma, Jarryd James, Kimbra, Matt Corby, Meg Mac, Neil Finn, Paul Kelly, Raury, Tegan and Sara, The Jezabels, The Naked + Famous, The Sleepy Jackson, The Temper Trap, The Vines, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and ZHU.
WME’s acquisition ends Mushroom Group’s shareholding of Artist Voice, which will be absorbed into WME’s music division.
Murrihy will become WME’s Head of Asia Pacific for Music reporting to WME Music Head Marc Geiger.
“We have admired what Brett has built at Artist Voice, and are incredibly excited to welcome him and his team to WME | IMG,” said WME’s Head of Music Marc Geiger.
“We share the same passion for our artists and entrepreneurial approach to business that made this partnership a natural fit. This addition will help us continue to elevate the level of service we are committed to providing our clients around the world.”
Said Murrihy: “I am excited to join Marc and his incredible team. This acquisition will significantly enhance the opportunities for all of our artists and their management, and I look forward to remaining at the forefront of the live music landscape and expanding our footprint throughout Asia Pacific.”
Chairman of the Mushroom Group, Michael Gudinski said: “We have enjoyed a strong working relationship with William Morris Endeavor over the past 35 years and William Morris Endeavor opening its doors in Australia can only help put further international attention on Australian artists. I wish William Morris Endeavor every success and look forward to continuing to work closely with Marc and Brett in the future.”
With offices in Melbourne and Sydney, WME sister company IMG already represents some of Australia’s leading sport and entertainment clients. In addition, WME | IMG’s partner company Droga5 has its second largest office in Sydney.
IMG also has offices in cities including Hong Kong, Beijing, Delhi, Mumbai, Singapore, Seoul, Shanghai, and Tokyo.
Earlier this year WME | IMG acquired management firm Dixon Talent, with a roster including Jimmy Kimmel, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, and Bill Simmons, as well as MADE Fashion Week, golf firm ICON sports management, and Global eSports Management (G.E.M.).Music Business Worldwide
