Chip Hooper
Worldwide Head of Music
Paradigm Agency
POWER MOVE: A joint venture with AM Only adds EDM superstars like Skrillex and David Guetta to a powerhouse roster that runs from DMB to BEP.
THE RUNDOWN: At the close of 2011, while everyone around the world was ringing in the new year, Paradigm was having its own celebration, thanks to a newly signed joint venture with powerhouse electronic dance music booking agency AM Only. Hooper, who oversees a 40-agent team working a roster of more than 700 artists, was instrumental in making the EDM deal happen and bringing in dozens of new clients, including Tiësto, David Guetta and Skrillex.
“In his 30-plus-year career, Chip has shown that he can develop an artist or two,” says AM Only CEO Paul Morris, citing Hooper’s insights as a primary reason for partnering with Paradigm amid offers from other top talent firms. “As our artists go from nightclubs and festivals into larger venues, Chip’s knowledge of the different rooms and deals is invaluable.”
The AM Only deal has already generated many millions from live revenue, but it’s just one of Paradigm’s major accomplishments in 2012 thanks to Hooper, who personally books Dave Matthews Band and Phish, as well as managing agents who handle tours for Coldplay, the Black Eyed Peas, Aerosmith and Toby Keith.
Indeed, a year rarely passes without Paradigm artists appearing in the top 25 highest-grossing tours, and 2012 was no exception. Last year, Coldplay ranked fifth among the year’s highest-earning tours, grossing $147 million from 67 shows, while DMB hit No. 11, pulling in $41.4 million from 41 concerts, according to Billboard Boxscore. Phish also had a stellar year, grossing nearly $26 million from 33 shows.
“I’m helping steer agents, from young people getting started to people further along in their careers with strong rosters,” Hooper says.
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