2022 Impact 50: Carole Kinzel

Music Agent
CAA

As one of the most distinguished agents in the music business, Carole Kinzel has put in 31 years at Creative Artists Agency and established a roster that boasts some of the world’s biggest artists including Dua Lipa, Radiohead, Lana Del Rey, The Cure and Tori Amos. She got her start in the industry as an associate at Philadelphia’s Electric Factory Concerts, followed by stints as a music agent for ICM and then Triad Artists.

It’s clear that Kinzel has found long-term success in the live business by approaching her work with care and the heart of a music fan.

Reflecting on Dua Lipa’s sophomore LP, the dance-pop masterpiece Future Nostalgia that was released at the height of the pandemic and boasts hit after hit, Kinzel told Pollstar, “Everyone just grabbed onto that album, including myself. That album got me through more treadmill workouts than anything could have. … I always say it was like 37 minutes of pure joy and aerobics. [laughs] And I think everyone felt the same way. ‘Don’t Start Now,’ everything about it was just so perfect. If you had to write a song to bring people joy during such a dire time, this was definitely it.”

During the pandemic, Lipa grew her fanbase, prompting Kinzel and the team to route her 2022 “Future Nostalgia” tour in major U.S. arenas across North America from early February through April, after initially looking at booking amphitheaters and midsize venues.    

 “I have worked with Dua since she played 250-seaters and to see her command that [arena] stage was thrilling!” Kinzel says.

The veteran agent is also passionate about helping the next generation, serving as board member for CAA’s Music Mentorship Program.

“I’m working with a group of music agents and meeting with potential interns and future employees,” she says. “We are constantly striving to hire a diverse and intelligent group of people who will hopefully become the future agents and leaders of our company. I also continue to work with my female associates to make sure we always have a seat at the table and input in the operation of our department.”