Live Nation Looks To Bring More International

Live Nation Looks To Bring More International Talent To Japan With Appointment Of Seasoned Talent Buyer James Smith.

TOKYO, May 24, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Live Nation Entertainment, the world's leading live entertainment company, signals its ongoing investment in Asia as the company's Japan team announced the hiring of long-time talent buyer James Smith as VP, Touring and Festivals. Based in Tokyo, Smith will focus on attracting top global artists to Live Nation's growing number of events across Japan, and will report to John Boyle, President, Live Nation Japan.  For over 10 years Smith has been at the forefront of the music and entertainment industry, successfully securing premiere talent for Japan's largest outdoor music festival, Fuji Rock – which draws over 100,000 fans annually, and has featured international headliners such as Kendrick Lamar, Major Lazer, The XX, and APhex Twin. Smith has also been instrumental in spearheading multiple international tours for artists such as James Blake, Grimes, and Bonobo, playing a crucial role in securing and introducing Japan's market to newly emerging talent, while connecting artists with this expanded fan base.

Live Nation currently operates across 10 markets in Asia including China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, The Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. There is a strong demand for international talent across these regions, and most recently, Live Nation's Bruno Mars 24K Magic World Tour sold out 14 shows across 7 cities throughout Asia. 

"James's knowledge of Japan's music industry runs deep, and he has a true passion to unite artists with fans, existing and new," said Boyle. "His dedication and expertise makes him the perfect addition to Live Nation's team to help us expand our business as we continue to meet the growing demand for international concerts in Asia. I can't wait to see what amazing shows we create together for the people of Japan thanks to his extraordinary vision."

"My ultimate goal is to bring acts from all over the world to Japan, which is why I'm so excited to be joining Live Nation entertainment and begin tapping into their unparalleled artist pipeline," said Smith. "There is enormous potential in this market and I plan to maximize these opportunities for growth with a hands-on and artist-centric approach."

Kendrick Lamar Cover on Jet Magazine

Kendrick Lamar Ushers in a New Audience for JET Magazine

Hip-Hop’s new super star covers annual Black History issue

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO, Ill. (January 24, 2013) — Award season is in full swing. In celebration of the new direction, JET magazine breaks with tradition to feature the young, talented and critically acclaimed rap artist Kendrick Lamar — who has seven Grammy nominations for his latest album Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City — on the cover for the Black History issue.

“I always seen [JET magazine] every time I walked into the house,” said Lamar.  “It was always there.  So I already knew that it had to hold some type of weight.  Being a young cat, I had to know, since this magazine is right here all the time, it must be a powerful magazine. So it’s a privilege just to be a part of it, and for Black History Month, it’s a beautiful thing.” The artist, renowned for delivering thought-provoking lyrics that center around social issues, shares the ways in which his passionate storytelling is impacting lives. In JET magazine’s exclusive interview, the hip-hop star reveals everything from his social responsibility to why the music industry needs more than good hooks and catchy tracks. “Hip-hop plays a huge part in Black history,” says Lamar.  “It’s bigger than music.  Entertainers are actually leading a generation today as role models, whether they want to or not.” Acknowledging that his fans are deeply influenced by what he says, Lamar also discusses being conscious of the messages he delivers in his music. “The songs aren’t for me,” he says.  “They are for that person who needs to hear them. People who live their lives to this music. So I take it a little further than just coming up with a clever line.” Additionally, the rapper opens up about the array of Black men — including iconic figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and those closer to home, such as his father — who molded his character. “My earliest role model is my father, then my uncles Lil Man and Bobby,” Lamar shared.  “These are the cats who I felt handled their business and took care of their family.” He also talks about how hip-hop’s business savvy moguls have chiseled his ambition. “People forget that Jay Z is from the projects – but that inspires me,” continued Lamar.  “If this guy can go from the streets to the corporate world, that lets me know I’m open for anything. ”Readers can read the article in its entirety and more in the February 17issue of JET magazine, on newsstands January 27.

http://www.jetmag.com/entertainment/jet-cover-kendrick-lamar/ 

Courtesy Of: 

Vanessa Arbon of Johnson Publishing Company 

Media & Communications Manager 

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