Talent management firm YM&U Group has promoted Matt Colon, manager of superstar producer and DJ Steve Aoki, to Global President of Music.
Colon will continue to directly oversee the US Music Division and will expand his role by leading global strategy and integration across the world, creating synergy between the UK and US Music divisions.
He will also lead growth strategy for the organization with new manager acquisitions and key hires.
Globally, YM&U’s roster of talent includes Common, Steve Aoki, blink-182, Travis Barker in the US and James Arthur, Gary Barlow, Years & Years and Jesy Nelson in the UK.
Previously, Colon held the position of Managing Director of US Music.
He joined YM&U group in 2017, when Deckstar, which was co-founded by Colon, was acquired by UK-born talent management firm James Grant Group.
In 2018, James Grant Group sold a majority stake in its business to private equity firm Trilantic and rebranded as YM&U.
In 2017, Colon received a Grammy Nomination for his work on Steve Aoki’s I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead documentary for Best Music Film.
In 2007, Matt Colon and Steve Aoki partnered with Lawrence Vavra, Paul Rosenberg, and the late DJ AM to co-found Deckstar.
Previously Colon was Vice President of Marketing at premiere electronic/dance music magazine, BPM and street-art and fashion publication, Vapors.
He began his career in the music industry in the late 90’s interning for seminal hip hop record label, Def Jam and eventually working at influential dance music label Moonshine Music, where he rose to Director of Marketing before his time at BPM.
During his time at BPM, Colon began managing DJ and record label owner Steve Aoki in 2005.
“I am delighted that Matt has agreed to lead YM&U’s Music business globally.”
Mary Bekhait, YM&U
Mary Bekhait, YM&U’s Group CEO said: “I am delighted that Matt has agreed to lead YM&U’s Music business globally.
“He has a history of being at the forefront of emerging cultural and tech trends, is a strategic and astute leader and possesses great taste. Bringing our music divisions even closer together will enable us to better serve our global clients and provide more opportunities for our colleagues. I am excited for the next chapter.”
“With this new role I hope to empower our team and more importantly our clients to have the confidence that we’re equipped for the challenge.”
Matt Colon
Colon added: “I have always approached management from a global perspective when it has come to my own clients.
“As access to entertainment has increased, along with more opportunities for artists, the need for a global footprint has become increasingly apparent for clients in the digital age.
“With this new role I hope to empower our team and more importantly our clients to have the confidence that we’re equipped for the challenge.”
In March, Y&MU Group launched a new division, YMU Arts, to specialize in representing digital artists and traditional artists.
Earlier this month, Blockchain-based music investment platform Royal, co-founded by YM&U management client Justin Blau, aka musician and producer 3LAU, closed a $55 million Series A round.Music Business Worldwide
