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Management

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

American agent Brian Swanson is joining the Canadian company as a Senior Agent. He brings with him popular acts like Smash Mouth, Spin Doctors and Mike Dawes.

Smash Mouth, one of agent Brian Swanson's clients coming to Paquin

Smash Mouth, one of agent Brian Swanson's clients coming to Paquin

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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."

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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.

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Dan Hawie
Courtesy Photo

Dan Hawie

Record Labels

Dan Hawie Promoted to Managing Director of Last Gang Records by MNRK Music Group

Formerly with Dine Alone Records and Nevado Records, the Toronto-based label exec joined Last Gang in 2017 where he served as director of marketing and A&R.

MNRK Music Group has announced the promotion of Dan Hawie to managing director of Last Gang Records. Effective immediately, Hawie will oversee Last Gang’s finances and assume expanded leadership across A&R and brand strategy. Based in Toronto, he will report to Randy Derebegian, vp of artist development, and Chris Moncada, coo of MNRK Music Group.

"I’m incredibly honoured to carry the legacy of Last Gang forward," Hawie says. "Twenty-one years in, our ‘Us Against The World’ mentality continues to fuel everything we do. Foundational artists like Death From Above 1979, Metric, and Mother Mother are still shaping culture today, while our new guard, including Bella Poarch, Ho99o9, Loving, and Mondo Cozmo, continues to push boundaries and move the culture forward. I’m grateful to help preserve that independent spirit, and especially proud to champion such incredible art with the same passion and belief as the artists creating it.”

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