The Agency for the Performing Arts (APA) is cutting several music agents from its roster, including Head of Music Bruce Solar.
“In the past year we have added 21 agents, including many that joined our touring department,” the talent agency says. “This past week we notified a handful of agents, most of whose contracts were expiring in 2023, that we weren’t going to renew their deals in order to give them time to find their next opportunity. We appreciate all that they have contributed to APA and wish them the very best going forward.”
The rapid growth of the touring industry after the pandemic has led APA to restructure its focus. It most recently promoted several fresh agents in February 2023. “As APA grows, so do the needs of our clients,” said Becca Wilson, one of six new promotions in the APA touring division. “The entrepreneurial spirit at APA has fostered an environment that gives young talent the opportunity to blossom and further their careers. I can confidently say this is not a place where agents get lost in the shuffle.”
Also part of that promotion streak included Jon Moss and Griffin Perkiel as agents and Paul O’Loughlin, Max Rosenfield, and Nina Swint as coordinators in the music department. The outgoing Head of Music Bruce Solar joined APA as EVP Worldwide Music in 2015 after spending 14 years with The Agency Group. He was promoted to partner and Co-Head of Worldwide Music in 2018, becoming solo Head of Music in 2021.
So what’s the scuttlebutt on the reorganization efforts? A potential merger between APA and Artist Group International (AGI) is one suggestion.
There’s no official confirmation from either company, but industry talk suggests a potential deal could be underway. Both agencies received major 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 into APA in September 2012.