With over a decade of industry experience as a booking agent, Allen Roper is pouring his expertise into a brand new venture: RoundTable Artists, elevating his former firm The Art Agency to the next level. Both a booking agency and management firm, RoundTable Artists represents acts Nationwide from all across the music spectrum—spanning from their roots in the jam community, to EDM, reggae, country, Americana, and more-– including a foothold in the Appalachian music scene put on the map by Whizzbang Management, featuring several of their clients on the Artist roster.
RoundTable Artists represents The Brothers Gillespie, Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle, Charlie Brown Superstar, crypto WAVE radio, Darrin Hacquard, Eric Bolander, Funk You, Jaden Decker, Jeremy Short, Jimmy Wooten, Kyle Kelly, LITZ, Root Shock, ROXY ROCA, Sneezy, Tand, The Kind Thieves, The Talismen, Wayne Graham, and William Matheny.
The company’s foundation is based on a simple, thoughtful principle, “The RoundTable represents the philosophy of partnership,” says Roper. What does that mean to the RoundTable mission? “The recognition that we’re all in this together. Fostering healthy partnerships with our clients, but furthermore, with our promoters, artist managers, agents…and really, every vested interest involved. It truly does take a village.”
From his start in 2010 doing regional freelance booking, Roper began working with Hoplite Music from their initial launch in January 2012. There, he participated in early career development for acts including Big Something, Dopapod, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Spafford, Turkuaz and others. In February 2017, he opened his own company, The ART Agency—Artists of the Roundtable—where he conducted business for the following two years before joining as an agent at Madison House. In 2020, he reopened The ART Agency, which has now evolved into RoundTable Artists.
In late 2022, Roper decided it was time for a change. “I wanted to create something greater than myself,” reflects Roper, “and build a supportive team where I could be in a position to better serve my clients, as well as embrace new opportunities as they arose.” Enter Jason Miles, a longtime employee of Jay Goldberg Events and industry veteran with 30 years of diverse music background under his belt. “He brings a wealth of experience and a monumental network to the table but it was his genuine character and passion for others that drew me to him the most,” says Roper. From there on, RoundTable Artists started to materialize. Soon to follow, Michael Krell joined rank, who has quickly become Roper’s right-hand man and a junior agent with a growing roster of his own.
Matt Kolinski, who co-manages Funk You with Roper (Kolinski also serves as the co-manager of Goose and is a partner at APON Artists and Nectars Presents) commented, “It’s always a pleasure to work with this team. They are truly some of my favorite people and their professionalism is second to none.”
“Jason [Miles] has been bringing music to the midwest for a long time,” comments Vince Herman of Leftover Salmon, “He knows what bands need to make it all work and I am sure he can help your band do what you need to do.”
“Jason Miles is a well rounded individual who understands all the various facets of this crazy industry. Having worked all sides for production and management, to promoter and Talent Buyer, Miles has a unique understanding of what it takes to break an artist in today's biz, and has the drive and ambition to follow through,” says Ian Goldberg (producer of Summer Camp / Jay Goldberg events.)
“Ever since our worlds collided years ago, I have been a huge fan of Allen,” said Ian Thornton, CEO of Whizzbang Booking and Management, “His thoughtfulness and philosophy around what he does is something that I very much align with and I couldn't be happier to work with him, especially as he starts this next step with RoundTable Artists.”
As this team steps into a new chapter, the future is looking bright for RoundTable Artists. Make sure to keep your eyes on this emerging talent roster.
For more information, please visit www.experienceRTA.com.