America’s WME agency expands Aus presence, buys Artist Voice

Powerful American agency WME (William Morris Endeavour) has entered the Australian market by buying out Artist Voice.

The Australian company, set up in 2010 by Matt Gudinski and Brett Murrihy as part of Michael Gudinski’s Mushroom Group, will now be known as WME.Its roster includes 5 Seconds of Summer, Chvrches, Empire of the Sun, Kimbra, Neil Finn, Jagwa Mar, Matt Corby, Meg Mac, The Jezabels, Paul Kelly, Tegan & Sara, and The Temper Trap.

“We have admired what Brett has built at Artist Voice, and are incredibly excited to welcome him and his team to WME IMG,” WME Head of Music Marc Geiger said. “We share the same passion for our artists and entrepreneurial approach to business that made this partnership a natural fit. This addition will help us continue to elevate the level of service we are committed to providing our clients around the world.”

Murrihy will have the title of Head of Asia Pacific for Music, reporting to Geiger. He is responsible for expanding and managing WME’s music expansion into the Asia Pacific. He will be joined by six agents from Artist Voice. Matt Gudinski has ended his relationship with the agency but will remain Executive Director of the Mushroom Group.

WME already has a presence in Australia and the Asia Pacific through its tie-up with sports and events company IMG.

Chairman of the Mushroom Group, Michael Gudinski said, “We have enjoyed a strong working relationship with William Morris Endeavor over the past 35 years and William Morris Endeavor opening its doors in Australia can only help put further international attention on Australian artists. I wish William Morris Endeavor every success and look forward to continuing to work closely with Marc and Brett in the future.”

Artist Voice has offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Hong Kong. WME has offices in five American cities and London. It represents names in music, movies, television, theatre, digital and publishing, and also the National Football League. Acts represented include Pharrell Williams, Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga, Pearl Jam, Jack White, Redfoo, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sam Smith, Ice Cube, Alicia Keys, Antony & The Johnsons, James Bay as well as Australian-based Kimbra, The Temper Trap (for South America), Nervo and Hugh Jackman.

Financial details were not disclosed.