x

The latest industry news to your inbox.


I'd like to hear about marketing opportunities

    

I accept IQ Magazine's Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy

UTA launches Christian music division

Leading global talent company UTA has announced the launch of a dedicated Christian music division.

The Nashville-based arm will be led by Jonathan Roberts, who joined UTA in May and possesses more than a decade of experience in Christian-focused music acts.

“We are witnessing an unprecedented moment in the music industry, where Christian music is resonating with wider audiences,” says Roberts. “UTA’s roster of Christian artists reflects the growing demand for the genre and we are thrilled to be part of this exciting moment alongside these artists.”

The division will serve as an extension of UTA’s Heartland initiative, founded in 2020 by UTA agent Nick Barnes, and will tap into the company’s music network and resources, spanning from music crossover to brand partnerships.

“We are leveraging the full strength of the agency, bringing together agents who are inspired by the genre and its connection with fans”

“UTA is deeply committed to the growth of the Christian music division,” says Scott Clayton, UTA partner and music co-head. “We are leveraging the full strength of the agency, bringing together agents who are inspired by the genre and its connection with fans.”

The agency’s growing roster of Christian artists includes acts such as Brandon Lake, Phil Wickham, Forrest Frank, Lecrae, Elevation Rhythm, Mosaic MSC, Bodie, Sam Rivera and Gio.

In June, UTA appointed veteran entertainment and tech entrepreneur and executive Bob Roback as COO. The company also expanded its sports portfolio with the acquisition of Representatives Of Outstanding Footballers (ROOF).

UTA also acquired the UK’s Curtis Brown Group in 2022 and opened new offices in London last year. Its pop and rock music clients include the likes of Bad Bunny, Take That, Dolly Parton, Florence and the Machine, Guns N’ Roses, Halsey, Jason Derulo, Lil Nas X, Lil Wayne, Wizkid, Lizzo, Paramore, Post Malone and Jonas Brothers.

 


Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.

Scott Clayton joins UTA as co-head of global music

UTA has confirmed the appointment of renowned music agent Scott Clayton, who joins as co-head of its global music division and as a partner.

The move will see Clayton and existing co-heads Sam Kirby Yoh and David Zedeck form a powerhouse leadership trio spanning UTA’s New York, Los Angeles and Nashville hubs.

“Scott is the epitome of what we look for in a leader at UTA: he is a strong advocate for artists and has a long history of supporting and mentoring colleagues,” says UTA CEO Jeremy Zimmer. “Sam and David have done a great job building a world-class team and we are very excited for Scott to join us as we continue to grow our music practice.”

Nashville-based Clayton was previously a partner and co-head of the music division at WME and has guided the live careers of artists including John Mayer, Zac Brown Band, Kings of Leon, Dead & Company and Train.

Kirby Yoh and Zedeck jointly add: “We are excited to have Scott join us as a co-head of the music group. He is a relentless champion for his clients, and we know that he will bring that same energy to UTA. He is a dedicated leader who has played a significant role in building so many people’s careers and we look forward to collaborating with him as we continue to build our team and do great work for our clients.”

Over the past few years, I have witnessed the incredible job UTA has done to expand and elevate the music department

Prior to his four-year WME stint, Clayton worked at CAA for 17 years as a co-head of their Nashville office, served as co-chair of the city’s Music City Music Council and is a member of the Nashville public radio board of directors.

“Over the past few years, I have witnessed the incredible job UTA has done to expand and elevate the music department,” says Clayton. “Sam, David, and the team have shown true innovation and leadership during this unprecedented time and have really delivered for their artists across all genres. I am very excited to be joining a company that has built a culture that is grounded in transparency with colleagues and in service to clients.”

Clayton’s hire follows a series of major moves by UTA’s music division. New hires include agents Jeffrey Hasson, Brett Saliba, Matt Korn and Emily Wright, who are based in Nashville; Los Angeles-based agents Matt Meyer and Robbie Brown; director of creative strategy Rebecca Prochnik and London-based agents Carlos Abreu and Max Lee.

In March, the company also acquired UK-based Echo Location Talent Agency, founded and led by Obi Asika, who now serves as co-head of UTA’s UK office alongside Neil Warnock.

 


Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.

Scott Clayton set to join UTA after WME exit

WME has confirmed the departure of music co-head Scott Clayton, who is expected to join rival agency UTA.

Clayton, has worked with artists including Kings of Leon, John Mayer, Dead & Company, Train and the Zac Brown Band, was co-head of CAA Nashville prior to switching to WME in 2017.

At WME, Clayton was partner and co-head of its Nashville office and also led the Beverly Hills-headquartered agency’s rock division, working with its global music team to identify new rock signings and support its existing clients.

He was one of three music co-heads at the company, alongside UK-based Lucy Dickins and US-based Kirk Sommer, who remain in their current roles.

We appreciate all of Scott’s contributions to the agency

“We appreciate all of Scott’s contributions to the agency over the past four years and wish him all the best,” says a WME statement.

WME’s worldwide head of music, Marc Geiger, left the agency after 17 years in 2020, while co-head of music Sara Newkirk Simon moved into a consultancy role in the wider Endeavor business..

UTA has not commented on Clayton’s rumoured appointment, which has been reported by Variety.

 


Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.

Matthew Morgan follows Scott Clayton to WME Nashville

Update (28 Nov): As expected, Buster Phillips has also joined WME, the agency confirmed today.

 


Matthew Morgan has become the second CAA Nashville booking agent this week to make the move to rival agency WME.

Morgan, who was previously co-head of Creative Artists Agency (CAA)’s festival department, joins Scott Clayton at WME’s Nashville, Tennessee, office, where he will serve as a music agent.

Morgan (pictured) joined CAA in 2004 and has worked with acts as diverse at Gavin DeGraw, Pussy Riot, the Script, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Zac Brown Band and Rival Sons. It is not yet known which, if any, acts will join him at William Morris Endeavor (WME)..

A third CAA Nashville agent, Buster Phillips, is also understood to have left the company, although WME has not revealed if he is similarly making the switch.

 


Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.

WME poaches ex-CAA Nashville co-head Scott Clayton

Scott Clayton, most recently co-head of Creative Artist Agency (CAA) in Nashville, Tennessee, has joined rival agency William Morris Endeavor (WME) as partner and co-head of its Nashville office.

Clayton joins fellow co-heads Rob Beckham, Joey Lee, Greg Oswald and Jay Williams in overseeing the daily operations for the Nashville office, and will also lead the Beverly Hills-headquartered agency’s rock division, working with its global music team to identify new rock signings and support its existing clients.

“Scott is unquestionably one of the most respected executives in the live music industry, having identified and worked with many great rock artists,” says WME’s head of music, Marc Geiger. “We are seeing many different genres of music thriving out of Nashville right now, and with Scott’s addition we are in a great position to take advantage of the market opportunities available to us.”

“Overseeing the rock business from this city speaks to its importance and the city’s continued expansion”

Jay Williams adds: “We have long admired Scott as a competitor, and are proud to now call him our colleague. His understanding of where the business is heading and how WME can provide even greater services to its clients make him an ideal fit. We look forward to bringing his leadership and insight to our colleagues and clients.”

Clayton, who over the course of his career has worked with artists including John Mayer, Dead & Company, Kings of Leon, Train and the Zac Brown Band, comments: “Over the course of my career I’ve been proud to watch the music community in Nashville grow into a global force.

“Overseeing the rock business from this city speaks to its importance and the city’s continued expansion. WME has demonstrated a strong commitment to Nashville and the rock genre, and I look forward to working to create new opportunities for all of our clients.”

 


Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.