Subsequent to the buyout, JGG has appointed Machine founder Iain Watt as MD of its UK music division.
James Grant Group runs talent management offices on both sides of the Atlantic, incorporating Hall Or Nothing (Manic Street Preachers, The Script) in the UK and Deckstar (Blink 182, Steve Aoki) in Los Angeles.
Other current clients of JGG include James Arthur, Take That, Morrissey, Bush, Cheat Codes and Rancid.
In his new role, Watt will oversee the UK business, reporting to JGG CEO Neil Rodford, while working closely with a US division headed by Deckstar founders Matt Colon and Lawrence Vavra.
Watt will work alongside Martin Hall, who has been elevated to the position of Executive Chairman at JGG with a remit to actively expand the firm’s music division in the UK.
Watt, who founded Machine in 2002, said: “I am delighted to bring Machine Management into the James Grant Group; the additional resources and expertise they bring to the table will be invaluable to my team and my clients, while our collective rosters perfectly combine to give us a presence in pop, rock, dance, electronic and urban music.
“In my role as Managing Director of the UK music division, I am looking forward to focusing on continuing its growth, and am excited about developing a management platform and team with Matt and Lawrence in the US and Martin in the UK that services our clients’ needs globally with resources in London and Los Angeles.”
“I am excited about developing a management platform and team with Matt and Lawrence in the US and Martin in the UK that services our clients’ needs globally.”
Iain Watt, Machine Management
Deckstar co-founder Matt Colon said: “I’ve been a fan of Machine Management for quite some time now. Iain Watt has put together a well-regarded team with a sought-after artist roster of pop, indie, dance and urban acts.
“Combined, our collective roster and teams present an unparalleled global management solution for a new generation of artists who want to thrive in this digital era.”
Hall Or Nothing founder Martin Hall said: “I look forward to working with Iain to help evolve our UK music management division.
“Our collective roster, expertise and contacts put us in a great position to attract new clients and develop IP opportunities in a rapidly changing business landscape.”
The senior management team at Machine consists of respected UK industry figures such as Martha Kinn, Phil Morais and Sophie Bloggs.
“We now have in place an experienced and progressive management team on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Neil Rodford, JGG
JGG boss Neil Rodford commented: “I am delighted that Machine has chosen to join us. We look forward to working with them to improve what we do for our artists.
“We now have in place an experienced and progressive management team on both sides of the Atlantic.”
The James Grant Group consists of eleven brands assimilated under one umbrella: Deckstar, Furniss Lawton, Hall or Nothing, James Grant, James Grant Management Inc., James Grant Music, James Grant Sport, Machine Management, OJK, Rabbit and Troika.
An in-depth career retrospective with Iain Watt will appear in the upcoming issue of Music Business UK – a premium quarterly magazine serving the British business from MBW.
The Q3 2018 edition will be with subscribers later this month. If you’re not already signed up, subscribe here.
[Pictured, main: Clean Bandit.]Music Business Worldwide
