UNIVERSAL REPUBLIC ENTERS PRODUCER MANAGEMENT FIELD

Universal Republic Records and Twenty First Artists (another UMG-owned company) have jointly launched Twenty First Republic (TFR), a new management division for U.S.-based producers and engineers. The announcement was made today by Universal Republic President/CEO Monte Lipman and Co-President/COO Avery Lipman, Twenty First Artists CEO Colin Lester and Sandy Roberton, CEO of Worlds End Management.

In its first venture, TFR will handle clients from Worlds End, while Roberton will operate TFR on a day-to-day basis. Worlds End clients now being repped by TFR include Larry Klein, Nick Launay, Stephen Lipson, Tim Palmer, Atticus Ross, Peter Katis, George Drakoulias and Matthew Wilder.

With offices in N.Y. and L.A., Twenty First Republic will be overseen by Roberton and Tom Mackay, who will also continue EVP A&R for Universal Republic. The company will combine the creative resources of Universal Republic and the extensive management experience of Twenty First Artists to discover, nurture and develop the careers of producers and engineers. That includes facilitating new revenue-generating business while creating cross-marketing and promotional opportunities for its clients.

Said Monte Lipman: “As we continue to expand our business, we are going from strength to strength with Colin through this innovative venture. Through Twenty First Republic, we will be tapping into music and the creative process in its purest form, while leveraging the resources of our company to find production talent and extend their reach in the marketplace.”

Commented Lester: “This is an exciting new venture and a watershed moment for Twenty First Artists. It opens up a myriad of opportunities for our business. By combining the scale and reach of Universal Republic in the U.S. with the management and brand development experience of Twenty First Artists, we are creating the preeminent leader in this fast-growing area of the business.”

Added Mackay: “Worlds End is one of the most respected management companies in the music industry, and this has everything to do with Sandy’s innovation, his entrepreneurial approach and the tremendous success he and his team has achieved. We’re delighted to be working with them and one of the most distinguished rosters of clients in the business.”

Stated Roberton: "We're excited to be joining Monte, Colin, Avery and Tom for what we believe to be the next step in the evolution of our business. Twenty First Republic has the reach and influence to not only continue but enhance the quality of representation that we've provided for so many years at Worlds End."