The Agency for the Performing Arts (APA) is cutting several music agents from its roster, including music director Bruce Solar.
“Over the past year we’ve added 21 agents, including many who have joined our touring division,” the talent agency said says. “Over the past week we informed a handful of brokers, most of whose contracts expired in 2023, that we would not be renewing their contracts to give them time to find their next opportunity. We appreciate everything they have contributed to the APA and wish them all the best in the future.”
The rapid post-pandemic growth of the travel industry has prompted the APA to restructure its focus. Most recently, several new agents were promoted in February 2023. “As APA grows, so do our customers’ needs,” said Becca Wilson, one of six promotions to the APA touring division. “The entrepreneurial spirit at APA has created an environment that gives young talent the opportunity to thrive and advance their careers. I can say with certainty that this is not a place for agents to get lost in the hustle and bustle.”
This promotional series also included Jon Moss and Griffin Perkiel as agents, and Paul O’Loughlin, Max Rosenfield, and Nina Swint as music department coordinators. Outgoing music director Bruce Solar joined APA in 2015 as EVP Worldwide Music after spending 14 years with The Agency Group. He was promoted to Partner and Co-Head of Worldwide Music in 2018 and will become Solo Head of Music in 2021.
So what is the reorganization effort about? A possible merger between APA and Artist Group International (AGI) is a proposal.
There’s no official confirmation from either company, but industry talks have suggests A possible deal could be underway. Both agencies received large investments from The Yucaipa Companies, a private investment firm owned by Ron Burkle. Yucaipa acquired AGI in January 2012 and made a significant non-equity investment in APA in September 2012.