Long-standing agency Adastra has announced a merger with boutique agency Regent Music.
Working under the new name of Strada Music LLP, the two agencies are now working together representing artists in the folk, roots, world, jazz and Americana genres including The Unthanks, Peatbog Faeries, Colin Hay and Barbara Dickson.
Alongside Partners Chris Wade and Phil Simpson, live agents Graham Smout, Polly Bolton and Leila Cooper will be working a roster of more than 80 artists. Strada Music will be based at the old Adastra base in North Dalton, East Yorkshire.
“It’s a very exciting prospect,” said Simpson (pictured), who founded Regent Music in 2012. “Not only have we all been friends for years, but when you’re able to collaborate, pool resources and share costs we have the opportunity to make something very special indeed.”
Wade launched Adastra in 1987, and it has gone on to specialise in folk, roots, world and acoustic music, as well as developing the well-established Beverley Folk Festival.
Regent Music merged with GPS Music in 2014, bringing a wider variety of names including Michael Chapman, Luka Bloom and Lindisfarne to a roster overseen by live agent Graham Smout.
“I am very excited about this fantastic new merger which will enable us to continue to represent our artists in the excellent way for which we have become known, as well as expanding the roster of artists we are able to represent,” added Chris Wade. “We are now also branching out more into the jazz and classical genres with recent signings including Jacqui Dankworth who will be amongst good company alongside the likes of Martin Taylor and Juan Martin who we have a long history of representation for.”
