Canada's Paquin Artists Agency Announces U.S. Expansion

A major Canadian agency is making moves south of the border.

Paquin Artists Agency, which represents 250 international artists, has announced that American agent Brian Swanson is joining the agency's ranks as a Senior Agent.

The California-based agent is bringing his whole client list, including popular acts like Smash Mouth, Spin Doctors and Mike Dawes. Swanson comes to the company from Northstar Artists and has previously worked with Paquin on shared clients including Alan Doyle and Matt Andersen.

“I’ve worked in conjunction with Paquin over the last 15 years, handling touring across the USA for many of the artists on the Paquin roster,” says Swanson. “It’s very exciting knowing my entire roster will now have the same support behind them as our shared clients."

The announcement indicates Paquin Artists Agency, a division of Paquin Entertainment Group, is looking to expand into the U.S., following a series of recent ventures that have boosted Paquin's business within Canada. The company already has an office in Nashville, spearheaded in 2020 by artist manager Michelle Szeto. [Paquin Entertainment Group is an agency partner of Billboard Canada.]

Last fall, the agency announced a partnership with Quebec talent agency Preste Spectacles & Tours, giving it a stronger foothold in the Francophone space. Earlier in 2023 Paquin acquired competitor APA Canada. The company has also developed its Exhibition & Theatrical division, with internationally touring shows like Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet.

Paquin, which also has offices in Toronto, Winnipeg, Montreal and Vancouver, represents some of Canada's best-known artists, including Jann Arden, BadBadNotGood, The Reklaws, Tanya Tagaq, Bryan Adams and more.