Access All AreasLondon-based Primary Talent International is returning to its roots as an independent music talent agency.
The leading UK-based artist booking agency, with 460 clients including The 1975, The Cure, Lana Del Rey, Noel Gallagher, Jack Harlow, alt-J, Dropkick Murphys, and Patti Smith, will continue to operate from London, while also maintaining a presence in Los Angeles and New York City.
In 2020, the company sold to ICM Partners, which was subsequently acquired by Creative Artists Agency. The transaction to re-establish Primary’s independent status was led by managing partner and CEO Matt Bates (pictured) along with former ICM founding partner and COO Rick Levy, who will continue to act as a senior advisor to Primary.
Under the new construct, Bates will oversee all aspects of the agency, and serve as managing partner and CEO. Veteran agent Ben Winchester will continue to serve as a board member along with Bates and Levy.
As part of the new management configuration, the agency has promoted Primary agents Laetitia Descouens, Sally Dunstone, Martje Kremers and Ed Sellers, to partners. It said they will be joined by veteran agent Simon Clarkson, who will be based in Los Angeles. The agency, which currently numbers 35 employees, said it will announce additional agents in the coming weeks.
“The pandemic changed the landscape of the music touring business, and we felt it was beneficial to return to our roots as the UK’s largest independent music talent agency,” said Bates. “Adding to the strength and experience of the original Primary agent team, we are excited to bring aboard the next generation of talented agents to join as founding partners. In this new incarnation, Primary will be even better positioned to support the evolving careers of our artists and guide them wherever needed.”