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Music Works Int’l starts booking in North America

After five years of booking only internationally, Reading, Massachusetts, boutique agency Music Works International (MWI) has announced its expansion into the US and Canadian booking territories.

Heading up the new domestic division is Gunter Schroder, an 18-year industry veteran who most recently served as vice-president of international at the Kurland Agency.

MWI founder Katherine McVicker comments: “I started this agency five years ago with no idea that we would grow so quickly. Developing the North American market is the natural progression for us.

“Having Gunter join our group of focused and growth-oriented industry professionals makes us a better agency all around.”

“Developing the North American market is the natural progression for us”

“It is an honour to join forces with the MWI team,” adds South African-born Schroder, who has worked with artists including Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin, Sonny Rollins and Ornette Coleman.

“I have admired Katherine’s career for a long time, and share her vision for developing a comprehensive global strategy to further develop the careers of our clients.

“We are poised to move into the new decade stronger and fiercer, and have some exciting plans in the works outside of simply being just a booking agency. More will be revealed soon.”

Music Works International’s jazz-focused North American roster includes House of Waters, Nigel Kennedy, Ambrose Akinmusire, Robin McKelle, Bob Reynolds, Hamilton de Holanda, Peter Cincotti and Sona Jobarteh.

 


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Gunter Schroder named VP, international, at TKA

Veteran booking agent Gunter Schroder has been named vice-president of the international division of jazz agency The Kurland Agency (TKA).

Schroder will oversee the US agency’s booking operations in all territories outside of North America. He most recently served as TKA’s booking agent for Europe, the Middle East and parts of Africa.

“Gunter has a long and distinguished history at TKA,” says agency CEO Ted Kurland. “It was clear from the beginning that he was going to be an outstanding addition to our staff. He rapidly progressed to an international agent position and diligently spearheaded our growth in his territories. He has done a wonderful job building and expanding our international booking platform and the tours for our clients in those countries he books. In many cases, Gunter was responsible for introducing our clients into those countries for the very first time.

“His hard work and tenacity is greatly beneficial to our overall efforts to serve our clients on a worldwide basis, and I am confident he will continue to contribute a great deal in his new leadership role as well.”

“TKA is dominant in jazz, but we are rapidly expanding the roster into other genres”

South African Schroder joined TKA in 2002 as a receptionist, becoming executive assistant to Kurland in 2004 and a full-time agent in 2006.

“I am honoured to be named VP of the international division and very thankful to Ted for believing in me all these years,” he comments. “We have a good team that I am very proud to be a part of.

“TKA is dominant in jazz, but we are rapidly expanding the roster into other genres, including Americana, blues, roots, Latin, and soul and R&B. In addition to our marquee acts, we have, over the past couple of years, also signed some great young talent. Despite being a boutique agency, we are booking shows in such diverse markets as Iceland, Azerbaijan, Colombia and, of course, China. TKA has a very strong global presence that I look forward to continuing to develop.”

Artists on The Kurland Agency’s roster include Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin, Sonny Rollins, Ravi Coltrane, Wynton Marsalis and banjoist Béla Fleck.

 


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