Livestream business Driift, the company behind recent ticketed online shows for the likes of Nick Cave, Niall Horan, Laura Marling, Dermot Kennedy, Kylie Minogue and Biffy Clyro has hired Adam Shore as General Manager US.
Shore joins from Red Bull and the Red Bull Music Academy where he was Head of Global Programming (Music) for eight years.
There, he delivered event concepts for artists including Solange, Bjork, Brian Eno, FKA Twigs, Megan Thee Stallion, Erykah Badu, Rosalia, Robyn, St Vincent, Gucci Mane, Kamasi Washington and more.
Shore will be tasked with expanding Driift’s North American operations and developing new partnerships in the world’s largest market for live events.
Launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by ATC Management’s Ric Salmon and Brian Message, since June 2020, Driift has collaborated with artist management teams and partners including CAA, BMG, WMG, UMG, DICE, Universe/Ticketmaster and Pulse Films, selling more than 400,000 tickets to fans in more than 150 territories.
Last weekend (December 12), Driift hosted its first show outside the UK, with Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli breaking livestream records for a classical event by selling more than 70,000 tickets for his performance from the Teatro Regio di Parma opera house.
The company also recently expanded its operations into Australia and New Zealand.
Today (December 17), Driift presents Courtney Barnett live from Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building and Katie Melua live from London’s Rivoli Ballroom on December 18, before a New Years Eve re-run of Kylie Minogue’s Infinite Disco.
Alongside ATC Management, Beggars Group are founding investors and shareholders in the business.
Prior to Red Bull, Shore developed a range of music initiatives for Adult Swim and Toyota’s Scion brand, co-founded VICE Records (signing The Streets, Bloc Party, Justice, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Chromeo) and managed artists Best Coast and Jay Reatard.
He also produced the Blackened Music and Tinnitus events series, and spent seven years at TVT Records working closely with Guided By Voices, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Gil Scott-Heron, Autechre, Juan Atkins and more.
“This is a key hire for Driift and an indication of our confidence that unique, high-quality livestream shows are here to stay.”
Ric Salmon, Driift
Ric Salmon, CEO, Driift, said: “We are delighted to welcome Adam to the team.
“This is a key hire for Driift and an indication of our confidence that unique, high-quality livestream shows are here to stay.
“As we look to increase Driift’s presence in North America, Adam’s experience and track record of working with artists to create bespoke and innovative live productions will be truly invaluable.”
“In a little over six months, Ric and Brian have put together an incredible team and built a highly-collaborative artist-friendly business.”
Adam Shore
Adam Shore added: “In a little over six months, Ric and Brian have put together an incredible team and built a highly-collaborative artist-friendly business.
“Driift is already a byword for quality and innovation, and I look forward to helping US artists realise the potential of this new and exciting art form. We have big plans for 2021.”Music Business Worldwide