Since joining UTA in early 2022, music agent Janet Kim has been representing AleXa, eaJ, DNCE, Jeff Bernat, Johnny Orlando, Mad Tsai, Michaela Jae and Paris Hilton, among others. Kim (see here with eaJ and manager Jeff Burns) has also been working alongside Global Co-Head of Music, David Zedeck to expand the agency’s K-Pop roster with new signings which include “Gangnam Style” producer/artist PSY and newer K-Pop acts including Monsta X’s subunit Shownu and Hyungwon, CRAVITY and BILLLIE.
Currently, Kim is working on plans for the global star and K-pop legend PSY to return to the States 10 years after his viral hit “Gangnam Style” became the first YouTube video to surpass 1 billion views. Meanwhile, she's stoked for Paris Hilton's show at L.A.'s The Fonda Theatre on 6/7.
As part of the UTA Private/Corporate/Special Events team, Kim works to deepen client-brand relationships via artist bookings including corporate events, charity galas and private parties. She is also part of the Pride team in the Music department, where she works alongside colleagues Zoe Williamson, Emily Roberts and Tessie Lammle booking the UTA roster at global LGBTQ+ events and festivals.
Kim also serves as part of UTA’s Inclusion Group and is a mentor in the agency’s SYNC Mentorship Program.
Millions of fans know Japanese artist YOSHIKI as the unbridled androgynous drummer/leader of rock/metal outfits X Japan and THE LAST ROCKSTARS. Millions more know him as a restrained, tuxedo-clad classical pianist/composer. Countless more know him from his best-selling Hello Kitty doppelganger, “yoshikitty.” Add to these his 2022 reality-competition TV series, YOSHIKI SUPERSTAR PROJECT X, his clothing line, YOSHIKI-branded Visa and MasterCard, a wine deal with Robert Mondavi, Jr., Champagne produced by Maison Pommery and an energy-drink collab with Coca-Cola Japan.
The YOSHIKI fandom cuts a wide swath—literally—and they thronged on the street in front of L.A.’s Grammy Museum in hopes of catching a glimpse of the enigmatic artist as he arrived for an intimate media event boasting music, announcements and conversation.
The evening kicked off with a press conference and the announcement of YOSHIKI’s Classical 10th Anniversary World Tour With Orchestra, which kicks off on 10/10 at Tokyo’s Garden Theater and includes dates at London’s Royal Albert Hall, the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles and NYC’s Carnegie Hall. Two new music releases were also announced, including the 7/21 release of a new “Requiem” and the 7/28 release of “Angel,” X Japan’s first new single in eight years.
With the business of formal announcements in the rear window, YOSHIKI took to the stage in the Clive Davis Theater and settled himself in front of his “crystal” Kawai piano.
During a Q&A segment moderated by the GRAMMY Museum’s Chief Curator and VP of Curatorial Affairs Jasen Emmons, the enigmatic artist spoke frankly about the 2022 death of his mother and how composing his new classical single helped him cope with his feelings of grief and loss.
When asked about his early-rock influences, YOSHIKI charmed the audience with a childhood memory of being completely overwhelmed the first time he saw an image of the band KISS. Decades later, KISS would invite him to sit in on drums at their Tokyo Dome performance.
To close the evening, YOSHIKI returned to his transparent baby grand (one of only five in the world) and was joined on stage by a string quartet and guest vocalists for a performance of his new classical single, “Requiem,” along with other original compositions.
YOSHIKI’S Classical 10th Anniversary World Tour With Orchestra is on sale now. For dates and ticket information, click here.
Better Noise Music has announced three promotions at the top of the company.
London-based Dan Waite becomes CEO of the company, while N.Y.-based Steve Kline adds the title of President to his existing role as COO and founder Allen Kovac is named Chairman.
“Dan and Steve step up at a time where Better Noise Music have been #1 Mainstream rock label for 5 years in a row,” said Kovac, who is also the founder/CEO of 10th Street Ent., and most recently established Better Noise Films.
Waite, who recently marked his sixth year at Better Noise Music, is also Chair of Impala’s Digital Committee and sits on the AIM Digital Committee.
Prior to joining BNM, he was Head of Talent for Time Inc. and NME, worked with screen talent at BBC Studios and was Head of Programming for AEG at The O2 Arena, among other roles.
Meanwhile, Kline, who adds President to his title of COO, which he's held since 2016, has worked under the Kovac Media umbrella for 18 years, first at 10th Street Ent., and since its inception in 2006, BNM where he was SVP, Marketing & Promotion. He also previously served as VP of Promotion of Clive Davis’ J Records and VP West Coast Promotion of Columbia/Sony Music.
BNM is home to mainstream rock acts like Five Finger Death Punch, Dirty Heads, The Hu, Asking Alexandria, Bad Wolves, From Ashes to New and Nothing More.
