Agent John Pantle Joins Sound Talent Group

– John Pantle

John Pantle is joining forces with veteran booking agents Dave Shapiro, Tim Borror, and Matt Andersen at the newly formed Sound Talent Group.

Pantle left his position as VP of concerts at APA, as Pollstar reported earlier this month, and a source with knowledge of the situation said the departure was amicable. Pantle had been with APA since 2009, and he was promoted to VP of concerts there in 2015.

While Pollstar hasn’t received an official announcement detailing which clients made the move to STG, over the years Pantle has repped Run DMC, Public Enemy and Natalia Lafourcade, who are all listed on the new agency’s roster page.

The trio of Shapiro, Borror, and Andersen announced the launch of Sound Talent Group Nov. 5, currently with offices on both coasts and approximately 100 clients including Galactic Empire, Animals As Leaders, Trivium, Lamb Of God many others. The three co-founders were most recently at United Talent Agency, and The Agency Group before that, which was acquired by UTA in 2015.

“After years of working for major agencies, we have learned a lot and we got to a place where we decided that it would be great to do things on our own terms. We put clients first. It’s not just about getting the job done,” Shapiro said in a statement. “I want us to be a part of each other’s lives and careers for the long haul. I want us to grow and find new avenues to service our clients in more fun and creative ways – not just booking tours – being a part of the business as a whole.”

John Pantle sent the following statement to Pollstar: “I’ve known Tim and Dave for more than a decade, and worked with both of them in the past. Their dedication to their craft rings true, and it eminates through their rosters and their strategy. I’m stoked to be a part of the new team, and I can’t wait for the challenges ahead.

“Sound Talent Group is the perfect mix of experience, youth, and strategy. The future is bright, and I’m proud to be part of the team.”

Prior to his time with APA, Pantle worked with UTA, The Agency Group and House of Blues.

The formation of Sound Talent Group adds to a year of already busy agency moves, with the venerable Buddy Lee Attractions in Nashville announcing its closing and the surprise of WME Nashville co-head Rob Beckham leaving his position.