The Agency Group appoints electronic music Agent Ben Kouijzer

17 October 2014 - Press release

The Agency Group appoints casino entertainment pioneer Seth Shomes to develop and operate newly created Casino Division

London:  London adds new electronic music Agent Ben Kouijzer

NEW YORK, NY – October 15, 2014 – The Agency Group today announced the appointment of casino entertainment pioneer Seth Shomes to develop and operate its newly created Casino Division.  Shomes is one of the touring world's premier independent music agents, and as Founder and CEO of Day After Day Productions, he has come to represent a diverse roster of the world’s greatest artists, entertainers, personalities and theatrical productions.

“Seth has a comprehensive understanding of the casino booking business and has worked closely with many of our agents over the years in identifying opportunities for our roster of artists,” stated Natalia Nastaskin, CEO of The Agency Group’s US Operations. “With Seth a part of our team, we look forward to the exponential expansion of our casino booking business.”

“After running an independent music agency for almost 20 years, I am excited to join the fantastic team of agents at The Agency Group as I have always been impressed with their integrity and creativity when it comes to booking their artists,” said Shomes.  “When the opportunity arose to head up a Casino Division for The Agency Group, I felt it was a great fit for both parties and I look forward to working successfully with their talented team of agents and artists for years to come."

After graduating cum laude from Tufts University in Boston, Shomes’ career started in the mailroom at the esteemed Associated Booking Corporation (ABC) in New York where he trained under legendary agent Oscar Cohen.  In November of 1996, he opened Day After Day Productions (DADP) with a core expertise of booking, producing and buying talent for entertainment events in casinos.  In addition to representing his exclusive client roster, Shomes has produced hundreds of high profile casino events that have featured all genres of entertainers from Donny Osmond to Snoop Dogg to Robert Plant.  He has also worked with different rock radio stations to implement casino radio promotions for icons such as Pearl Jam and Green Day, and created and produced an event that launched a new Collective Soul album from The Golden Nugget in Las Vegas. 

As head of the newly formed casino division, Shomes will bring many of his current clients to The Agency Group including 98 Degrees, Bruce Willis & The Bruce Willis Blues Band, Jeff Bridges & The Abiders, Jeff Timmons, Jermaine Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, Men Of The Strip, Rob Thomas’ Sidewalk Angels Foundation, Scott Weiland, Skid Row, Staind, Sylvia Browne Remembered, and more.

LONDON - October 15, 2014 - Today we are pleased to announce that Ben Kouijzer joins The Agency Group as a Live Agent in the London office, expanding the company’s increasing roster of artists in the electronic field.  Kouijzer has previously worked at MN2S Agency for the past four years, booking a diverse roster of talent for the likes of James Lavelle (Unkle), The Orb, Kerri Chandler, Sky Blu (LMFAO), Leftwing & Kody, 808 State, Taboo (Black Eyed Peas) to name a few.  Kouijzer brings some of this roster with him to The Agency Group, namely;  James Lavelle, The Orb, Herve, Cassio Kohl, Chaos in the CBD, Alle Farben, Fehrplay, Copy Paste Soul, Joel Culpepper, KlangKuenstler, Maps, Ferreck Dawn, Let The Machines Do The Work, Petrichor, Quell and Saux.  Previously Kouijzer studied music technology and audio systems design.

“I’m honoured to join the team at The Agency Group, I have a huge amount of respect for the Agents  and the artists that they represent.  I’m surrounded by experience which is key for my development as an Agent. I’m excited about the new doors opening for my clients and genuinely thrilled to be part of the family here”