TFA INSIDER | Vol. 2

On May 17, Billboard honored Jeff Craib, Tom Kemp, and Joel Baskin as 2025 Global Power Players - a prestigious recognition of their influence and leadership in the global entertainment industry. To mark the occasion, we sat down with the trio to reflect on a transformative year at TFA.

as there a standout moment or milestone that defined the year for you?

Jeff: Not one single moment as there tends to be a lot of moments every year that make up an over-all theme. This year, it was the mantra: "Do more and better work for fewer clients and projects." I kept that front of mind and it paid dividends across the board for me, the company, and the artists.

Tom: It must be the wrapping up of Sum 41, it was a tour that took a great deal of preparation and was bittersweet, culminating with two sold-out shows at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. That being said, I was so happy to be a part of the final chapter and will always be thankful to the whole band for the ride.

Joel: Anytime we can help execute a touring strategy that assists a client in achieving their own milestone moment is a privilege to be a part of.

Being named a Billboard Global Power Player is a huge recognition. How does it feel to be acknowledged in such a way by your peers and the industry?

Joel: It's always a great honour to be recognized for representing our country globally and be recognized for the hard work the entire team here does on behalf of all our clients.

What was a defining moment for you professionally this year?

Tom: Watching the growth of our staff. We have evolved as a company, and there are a ton of new faces that are shaping where we are going as a company. We have a young and vibrant group of agents and administrators who are signing and servicing a growing roster. Internally, I am watching people move into new roles of leadership, managing and developing the company and making us a more efficient business, that is exciting.

Were there any artists you worked with who had breakthrough moments this year?

Tom: T would highlight the momentum that Goldie Boutilier is building. She is authentic and a force of nature. In a short period of time, she has made the industry in both. Europe and North America pay attention.

It is still early days, but the songs Goldie is writing are world-class. Her success is driven by great music and an amazing team around her, all pushing forward. It's truly a collaborative endeavour. Watch for her new release, Goldie Montana, it will not disappoint.

Did you take any strategic risks that paid off this year? Tell us about one.

Joel: Yes, there were multiple times we either added additional plays in a market or upgraded venues. We used all the data analytics and careful [...]

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