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Paradigm’s Third Coast
Third Coast brings to Paradigm’s roster such artists as
The agreement marks the third boutique agency acquisition for Paradigm since the Los Angeles-based agency, which is already well-established in film and television artist representation, began moving aggressively into the music world with the purchase of Monterey Peninsula Artists, and its offices in California and Nashville, in November 2004.
Paradigm acquired New York City-based Little Big Man nearly two years later.
“I’ve always wanted to grow our business, when we wanted to grow it, in a first-class way: Not from the ground up, but by blending cultures that are compatible,” Gores told Pollstar at the time of his philosophy about growth and acquisitions.
“We’re bringing the entire roster,” Third Coast President Mike Snider told Pollstar. “I’ve already sat down and met with those guys and everybody is thrilled. I’ve met with all of my staff, and [Paradigm is] allowing us to pretty much operate as we do with a little more clout and power and strength. All the agents are excited, the staff is excited and the bands and the bands’ managers are excited.”
“By acquiring Third Coast Artists we continue to affirm our commitment to Nashville, which is such a unique and important music market with some of the most talented artists, musicians and songwriters in the world across all music genres,” Gores said.
“When we started Third Coast Artists 10 years ago, we wanted to build a Christian music roster and agency that looked and felt a lot like Monterey Peninsula Artists and used them as a guide,” Snider said. “Ironically, 10 years later, Fred Bohlander who founded Monterey Peninsula Artists with Dan Weiner, which was also acquired by Paradigm, was the one who initially approached us about joining them at Paradigm.
“Fred and Dan sold their gem of an agency to Sam Gores and Paradigm five years ago and they could not be happier with how things turned out and that gave us all the comfort we needed to make this deal,” Snider said.
The Third Coast staff will move into Paradigm’s Nashville office “just down the street,” according to Snider, once the deal closes.
“We’re trying to figure out space at the current Paradigm office here in Nashville. I brought all my staff over to stare at it. They’re going to try to remodel some space, kick out a few walls and make us comfortable. They’re not just shoving us in; they’re allowing us to stay in our own space until we’re ready to make the transition.”
Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed. A spokesman for Paradigm told Pollstar execs of both firms expect the deal to close before the end of the year.