Archive for May, 2009

Family (Music) Business

Sunday, May 31st, 2009
David Hooper asked:


If you’re a musician or songwriter, your manager and your attorney should always be two different people, your agent and your manager should always be two different people, and you, your manager, and your agent should all have different attorneys, all of whom should work at different law firms.

But that’s not all…

Your manager shouldn’t be in your immediate family. In other words, don’t get a parent or spouse to do the job of a professional. Management is a real job that requires real skills.

Parents ***** things up. They believe the publicist-generated hype, are too close to the situation, and are often living their own dreams through their “client.”

Worked with a 15-year-old maybe two years ago. She was a very nice, very attractive, and very talented singers. She was good and everybody who heard her demo wanted to help her. In fact, she was so good that a couple of major labels were interested. Everything looked bright for her.

But her father… That guy was a passive-agressive jerk who made it very difficult to get anything done. He was extremely high-maintenance and was constantly taking up valuable resources that would have been better used on his daughter and her career.

My time is too valuable to deal with idiots, so I stopped working with her.

A few months later, at SXSW, her name came up in a conversation. I was talking to an established music attorney who was interested in her, but had reservations because “her father is a real *******.”

Obviously, this could happen with somebody you are not related to, but it’s not likely, especially if you’re careful about selecting somebody to work with. Professionals in this business understand how to work with people and know how to do it in a way so that things get done.

You wouldn’t get your relatives to play on your record, so why have them do something that is just as important?

This rule also applies to your spouse, by the way. Watch Spinal Tap and you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about. While the movie is a joke, the situation when it happens in real life isn’t nearly as funny



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Career Paths for Music Majors

Saturday, May 30th, 2009
Gemma Lee asked:


Career Paths for Music Majors

Have you ever heard the saying “those who cant play teach”? Well Then you have only heard one of the many career paths that possible for music lovers. Gone are the days of minimal opportunities for the musically talented. You only need to look at the list to realize that the music industry is full of opportunities. The following are careers that are taken by those whose passion is music:

Performing

Disc Jockey

Orchestral Musician

Opera performer

Musical theatre

Band Musician

Solo Singer

Chamber ensemble

Studio musician

Conductor

Radio announcer

Busker

Children’s entertainer

Jazz Band

Teaching

Music classroom teacher

Studio teacher

Music therapist

Studio teacher

Composing

Film music director

Orchestrator

Composer

Jingle writer

Managing

Concert promoter

Music Attorney

Promoter

Talent agent

Tour manager

Music retail assistant

Band manager

Stagehand

Music Technology

Instrument designer/ restorer

Music Software Programmer

Recording technician

Piano tuner

Music Animation

Sound engineer

Music and Literature

Critic

Music Publisher

Orchestra librarian

Music journalist

There are many opportunities for greatness in the world of music for those who are truly passionate. You only need to use your imagination.

This article was written by Gemma Lee from www.shinemusic.com.au teachers of piano, saxophone, violin, singing, drums, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, flute and clarinet



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How To Find Jobs In Music

Friday, May 29th, 2009
Rita Henry asked:


Have you always dreamed about working with music, but weren’t sure where to look for jobs in music and the music industry? The good news is that there are a lot more jobs in music than most people think. Performing positions include working with a studio band, playing with an orchestra and playing with a band at weddings, dances and local clubs. Outside performing, there are many other jobs in music that help support musicians from education through selling their music. The bad news is that those jobs in music are a little harder to find than most jobs. If you’re hoping to score yourself one of those jobs in music here are some hints and tips to help you along.

1. Yes, you’ll find some jobs in music in the newspaper ads.

Look under Professional in the Sunday job listings for the best luck, but ads for companies hiring in the music business are few and far between. You’ll have far better luck if you subscribe to some of the industry’s professional papers and magazines. If you’re looking for a job teaching music, for instance, regularly check the job listings in papers aimed at teachers and education professionals.

2. Internet job search sites are a good place to find jobs in music…

…but skip the big name sites. http://Monster.com and HotJobs! tend to attract hordes of applicants – which the music companies have already. One difference is music teaching and music therapy jobs. If you’re looking for jobs in music therapy or education, the big boards are likely to have far more job leads for you than they will for performers. The same holds true for those seeking jobs in accounting, management or advertising within the music industry. Even then, though, you’ll have better luck at job sites aimed directly at performers and the music industry like http://www.performingjobs.com and http://www.findagig.com.

3. Do some research and approach the companies where you’d like to work directly.

It takes a lot of nerve, but then, that’s what this business is all about, isn’t it? If you’re serious about finding jobs in music production, performance or promotion, you need to show the hiring agents you have what it takes. If you can’t promote yourself, why would they think you can promote someone else? Get out there and do your research to find record labels, production companies and indie companies that you’d like to work with, and then get your resume out into the hands of the people who make the hiring decisions.

4. For teaching and education jobs, approach school departments directly.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in music education are going to be one of the fastest growing segments of the music industry through 2014. If your ambition is to teach music, organize a school band or head up a school orchestra, the direct approach is the best. Research school departments to find out which are (or may be) hiring, and find out the names of the people who make the decisions on hiring music professionals for the schools. Try to make personal contact before sending your resume so that when your resume arrives on the desk, they’ll already be looking for it.

5. Networking is the one strategy that always works.

Especially in jobs in music promotion and production, where your value lies in how well you can network to get the word out about the bands that you’re promoting. Join local professional associations, hook up with agents and performers and get to know the movers and shakers in your local music scene. That’s the best way to get your foot in the door.

6. Take advantage of school resources.

If you’re in school, take advantage of school resources to get placements as an intern with a radio station, production company or other media company. On the job experience is invaluable in music jobs.

7. Be persistent.

The music industry is volatile and ever changing. The company that isn’t hiring today could be looking for five new publicists tomorrow. Keep on top of job openings in the music industry by checking back on directory and job listings often.



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Do I Need an Agent?

Thursday, May 28th, 2009
Linda Lane asked:


This course assumes you do not have an agent, and that you are attempting to secure a record deal on your own. Some of the record companies will not speak with you directly, and will require that you have representation for them to entertain any possibility of working with you. Those record companies we will filter out of our list of contacts. One of the key phrases to look for are “We accept unsolicited material”.

The next step to obtaining a record deal is to identify those record companies who are currently signing artists with music genres similar or the same as yours. A simple search on the Internet will yield far more record companies than you could ever hope to approach in a lifetime. So whittle down the list. Research the companies to find out what artists they have signed, and what type of music they specialize in. If you are a Rap artist, contacting a company that pretty much carries only country artists would be wasting both yours and their time. Be selective at this point. If a record company is vague about what they do, move them to the bottom of your list.

Bill Lamb, a respected music journalist has compiled a list of these top 4 record companies and the top10 independent record labels in the arena of Pop and Dance music.

Top four Record Companies

1) Universal Music Group

The Universal Music Group sells more music than any other major label. They accounted for 25.5% of the market in 2005, according to the IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry www.ifpi.org) The group’s well-known label imprints include Geffen, Interscope, Island, Motown, and Universal. Key artists are:

• Black Eyed Peas

• Mariah Carey

• 50 Cent

• Gwen Stefani

• Kanye West

2) Sony BMG Music Entertainment

Sony BMG Music Entertainment is the second biggest major record label in music sales. They accounted for 21.5% of the market in 2005. The company’s well-known label imprints include Astralwerks, Capitol, EMI, Mute, and Virgin. Key artists are:

• Kelly Clarkson

• Alicia Keys

• Outkast

• Shakira

• Britney Spears

3) EMI Group

The EMI Group is the third biggest major record label in music sales. They accounted for 13.4% of the market in 2005. The group’s well-known label imprints include Arista, Columbia, Epic, J, Jive, and RCA. Key artists are:

• The Beatles

• Coldplay

• Gorillaz

• Rolling Stones

• Robbie Williams

4) Warner Music Group

The Warner Music Group is the fourth major record label in music sales. They accounted for 11.3% of the market in 2005. The group’s well-known label imprints include Asylum, Atlantic, Lava, Reprise, Rhino, and Warner Bros. Key artists are:

• Green Day

• Madonna

• Alanis Morissette

• My Chemical Romance

• Rob Thomas

This Information is Brought to You By “EZ Record Deal”, the ultimate guide to getting a record deal. Visit EZ Record Deal now by going to http://www.EZRecordDeal.com



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Music Contracts and Clauses

Thursday, May 28th, 2009
Veronica Lane asked:


There is no perfect music contract for every single situation. First and foremost, it is important that you have a wide variety of music contracts to choose from and that you and all parties involved understand the content within each specific music contract . There are hundreds and hundreds of music contract clauses to pick from but we are going to review some of the standards that should always be included. If need be, you can add clauses or take away where is needed.

1. Clearly define the time, date, amount of compensation of performance and have a signature from both parties.

2. Precisely define the expectations of the performance. What do you expect and what does the performer expect? How many breaks? How long should the minimum performance be?

3. Set the location, date and time. This is obvious but necessary so everyone is on the same page.

 4. Payment. How will the parties be paid? Is it a fixed amount, percentage of door? When will the artist be paid? What is the method of payment? This is a crucial part of a music contract because after all, money can cause people to become angry if the terms are not unmistakably defined.

 5. Identify who has the recording, reproduction, transmission and photography rights in the music contract .

6. A merchandise clause is always essential. Some venue have different terms for the sale of merchandise so this needs to be revised to match the venue they will be performing at.

7. If the gig is out of town, you need to define who will cover the cost of meals, transportation and lodging.

8.  In a music contract , sound and production, how and who needs to be stated. Do you provide or do you allow your artist or band to choose who?

9. Acts of God are often mentioned to protect everyone involved. This includes weather and/or illnesses. 

10. What if there is a cancellation? How will it be handled? Will there be a penalty? Cancellation policies need to be clearly defined in all music contracts . 

 11. Depending on the performer, royalties and licenses is a clause that needs to be added, especially if the work is copyrighted.

12. Next, in music contracts any specific requirements or restrictions directed toward the performer needs to be undoubtedly stated. Dress, language, smoking, drinking or anything along those lines.

13. If there is an agent involved their terms need to be included as well. What kind of compensation do they receive? Do they have any sort of obligations?

14. Finally, a clause for insurance and security should be written. Who provides or should have what?

Obviously, there are many more types of clauses that can be included in music contracts . These are your very basic but should always be included in your basic music contract. It is up to you to decide which clauses apply to each situation. But as long as everyone is clear on all terms then your music contract will be fair and of high-quality.



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100s of Music Industry Contacts

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009
vmusicbook Inc asked:


www.vmusicbook.com sells an e-book, which provides solutions for most issues that unsigned musicians experience.

VmusicBook was created for those who wish to set up and successfully run an independent music business, especially for the URBAN markets such as Hip-Hop, R&B, Drum & Bass and all other Dance genres including UK Grime.

VmusicBook is one of the first music resources of its kind. It is said to be the most comprehensive and detailed directories sold online giving you direct access to 100s of important contacts.

VmusicBook is an invaluable business tool for unsigned talent looking to turn their talents or skills into a legal business. No matter what you do if it is creative and entertaining then this is without doubt for you.

The VmusicBook was made for unsigned artists and musicians, label owners, music producers, songwriters, engineers and mangers. Get your music or songs into television, films and commercials.

100s of Music Industry Contacts can be made available from a number of different quality sources. However, being a musician or a music entrepreneur, the way you acquire these contacts along with the number of useful contacts you have, plays an important role in distinguishing you from your competitors as well as in achieving success. In addition, it is important to know that different types of contacts can only be useful for different types of projects. Many novel and potential talents can be developed by making use of 100s of Music Industry Contacts.

100s of Music Industry Contacts includes the various music industry directories as one of the source of its contact. These resources are available to you in 2 formats. These formats include books that can be ordered through the mails and the second one is the online databases that you can download. Always remember that the more contacts you make, the more are your chances of becoming successful as an artist/musician or a music entrepreneur.

There are 100s of music industry contacts directories that you can download from the internet and use them to your advantage. You can access various contacts and all publishers can update it instantly. Thus, you do not have to waste time in contacting those people who no longer exist in the relevant department. The music business directories contains a number of resources for record labels, venues for live Gigs, number of CD distributors, booking agents, managers, publishers, radio stations, etc.

Sometimes, these instant download directories also include a host of extra resources. Many record labels accept the demos, but then the submissions are limited to mailed CD’s. However, some labels may be more receptive to the materials sent by emails. A good directory will unlock these digital doors and you should take an opportunity to use these doors. With these digital doors, you will be able to contact the record labels faster, with less expense and at a high volume.

The important parts of music industry include licensing companies, publishing companies, record companies, management companies, music services, media, record labels, industry organizations and artists. Being aware of how these components function together makes it easy for you to find out new ways to enter musical industry. These different companies have similar departments with individuals who are more aware of many other major contacts of the targeted record label.

Other 100s of Music Industry Contacts include network. Take efforts to find out if there is someone who has connections to the music stations. You may be just a few steps away from the station managers, record executives or the concert promoters. It is a trick that requires a great deal of time and work, but if you take it seriously, it will definitely produce good results for you.

There is not a single resource that will provide you with all the important music industry contacts in one place, Vmusicbook can be really helpful for you. You can maximize your 100s of Music Industry Contacts by proceeding step by step towards it. First go locally, then state and then at the national level. You cannot skip the local and the state stations and earn yourself a secure place at international level. First contact your local work stations and then proceed gradually towards the next.

There are 100s of Music Industry Contacts available to you. You just to have wait for the right opportunity and once it arises, you have to make proper use of it to fulfill your goals.

Coutesy of www.vmusicbook.com ©VmusicBook, Inc. 2008



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How to Become a Dancer on TV Music Videos

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009
Ryan Heddik asked:


You see the dancers on TV dancing behind Britney or Justin Timberlake. You’re inspired to take up dancing so that you can become just like your idols. And you find that pretty soon, you wouldn’t mind being up there yourself dancing with your very idols.



Sounds cool doesn’t it? Dancing in music videos or doing backing dancing is the dream of most aspiring dancers and if you’re reading this probably yours as well. After all when you’ve danced in a music video, that’s when you know you’ve made it, right? But how do you actually do it and find yourself on TV screens across the country?

Well there are a variety of ways. Some of them super glamorous such as being spotted by a very intelligent scout who obviously knows talent when they see it and says that’s you.

If this happens to you, congratulations, you’ve truly had it made. But for the rest of the people out there, there are ways to appear in a music video that are within your control. Being scouted is generally the exception rather than the rule.

The most common route is to go and find a good agent or agency who will find dance auditions for you. Most top dance jobs come through agencies who will put you forward for jobs that match your skills and attributes.

The first rule of thumb when applying for dance agencies is to make sure you’re good enough. There is no point in auditioning for agencies if you’ve just stumbled into the industry and just picked up 1 or 2 dance moves from a dance class. Auditions are tough and you’ll need to be good to go through.

Different agencies work differently. Most will ask you to send through your CV and professional pictures. If they like the look of you and what you have to offer they may offer you a place on their agency immediately. Especially if you’ve done a lot of high-profile work or are otherwise a well-known dancer.

It’s more than likely though that most agencies will invite you to an audition to become represented by their agency. There are often many dancers at these auditions, especially for the well known agencies where it’s not unusual to have several hundred auditionees.

If you do well at the audition they may then decide to take you on. And then they’ll start putting you forward for work and sending you to auditions where you’re auditioning for specific jobs such as music videos.

There are some agencies which will insist that you do not need any experience. You should be cautious with these agencies. By all means have a look to see what they have to offer, but exercise special caution. Many operate on the basis that you give them some money to get a place on their agency books, and then they won’t send you on any auditions at all. Generally you should not pay to join an agency, if you do make sure they have a good record and send their people to good auditions.

There will also sometimes be open auditions and castings which means that you do not need to be with any agency and anyone is free to attend the audition. Open auditions can be very packed, but if you don’t have an agent yet then you’ll have to go to these auditions to start building up your CV and if you want to find work. They can be advertised in newspapers, websites and notice boards.

So all in all, it is possible to succeed and get work without being represented by an agent or agency, but a good agency can help your career tremendously by sending you out on a lot of quality music video auditions which can only be attended via an agency.



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Top 25 Transfer Music From Ipod To Computer Links

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009
Sydney Nelson asked:


Transferring music from your iPod to your computer is easy to do if you have the tools. Unfortunately, the iPod is designed to prevent us from sharing our music. Which is understandable, because the music industry is reeling from the technology which allows us to copy music CDs, and reducing their profits.

But the problem is longstanding, ever since the old cassette tape players were used to record music, straight from the radio.

So, what should you do if your computer with all your iTunes goes on the bum, or even worse, just breaks. You’re stuck, without any way to transfer your tunes to your new computer.

Until now!

As technology goes, there are always folks who will find a way to beat the system, and this article will outline 25 options for transferring your tunes from your beloved iPod to your computer. Some are either freeware or shareware and the others of course, come with a nominal price tag.

A couple of the links are actually for transferring photos from your iPod to your computer so I included the link below as an extra. It allows you to transfer tunes and videos between iPods. Lots of folks have more than one iPod and would like to simply copy thier favorites from one iPod to the other or thier friend’s iPod.

iPod 2 iPod

http://www.topshareware.com/iPod-2-iPod-download-39933.htm

Many people own more than one iPod. iPod 2 iPod is an application that allows you to transfer your music and video between them.

Macintosh Operating System

iLinkPod

http://www.ilinkpod.com/

iLinkPod is first of all a unique tool that creates a permanent and direct access from your Desktop (and your iPod or wherever you want) to the hidden folders in which iPod stores your audio files. So you don’t need iLinkPod or any other utility to access your hidden audio files on the iPod, you’ll have access to them through a common folder on your Desktop (and iPod too).

iPod Viewer 3.0.1

http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/15864

Transfer songs to and from your iPod.

Expod0.3

http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/30994

With Expod you can copy any or all of your songs (or videos) off your iPod, using whatever file naming convention you like.

PodView 1.5

http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/29287

Play music, movies, photos at full screen and import content from your iPod.

iPodDisk

http://ipoddisk.ourbiti.com/index.php/download/

iPodDisk is a tool designed to make it easy and intuitive to copy music from your iPod. You copy music off your iPod in the Finder, like a regular disk drive.

Senuti

http://www.fadingred.org/senuti/

Get music off of your iPod onto any computer.

PodUp 1.0.0

http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/31475

PodUp is an application which copies all your music files from your iPod to a folder of your choosing, without having anything to do with iTunes.

Mac and Windows Operating System

iPodRip

http://www.thelittleappfactory.com/application.php?app=iPodRip

iPodRip supports recovering your songs and playlists, playback of audio files and much more. iPodRip is compatible with Mac OS X 10.2 and later, and Windows XP and 2000. Trial version available.

Music Rescue (Upgrade to the previously called PodUtil)

http://www.kennettnet.co.uk/software/podutil.php

Music Rescue is a shareware utility for copying songs from your iPod to your computer. PodUtil is compatible with Mac OS X and 9.x, and Windows XP and 2000.

iPod Music Liberator

http://www.zeleksoftware.com/products.htm

The iPod Music Liberator allows you to copy music, playlists, and ratings from your iPod to any computer, filling in a missing feature of iTunes. It supports Mac OS X and Windows XP, 2000, NT and 98.

TuneRanger 0.9.5 Build 270

http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/32865

TuneRanger connects iTunes-running computers over a network, allowing music, video, and playlists to be merged from one iTunes library to another seamlessly.

iPod Access Photo 1.2

http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/32383

iPod Access Photo allows you to select individual photos and albums to be moved back onto your Mac computer or an external hard drive.

iPod Access

http://www.ipodaccess.com/ipodaccess/upgradeofferWin.html

The premier application for copying music, videos and playlists from your iPod back to your Windows PC.

Microsoft Windows PC

Microsoft Windows PC

iPodCopy

http://www.topshareware.com/iPodCopy-download-42821.htm

iPodCopy allows you to copy music, video, podcasts and photos from your iPod back into iTunes or onto your PC hard disk. Also can copy playlists, artwork, ratings and play counts from your iPod into iTunes.

xPort

http://www.topshareware.com/xPort-transfer-19893.htm

xPort is the ultimate backup tool for your iPod. It enables you to easily transfer your all your songs from your iPod to your PC and it enables you to download lyrics, list your songs, create m3p playlists%u2026

CopyTrans (formerly CopyPod)

http://www.copytrans.net/

CopyTransTM is the ultimate backup and recovery tool for your iPod songs. It requires Windows XP or 2000.

CopyTrans Photo

http://www.topshareware.com/CopyPod-Photo-download-39841.htm

CopyTrans Photo allows you to transfer, backup, copy or download your photos from your iPod to your PC effortlessly.

xPodClone

http://www.topshareware.com/xPodClone-download-37702.htm

xPodClone is the ultimate backup tool for all your devices, it clone easily folders, dvds, cds, directories, ipod. You only have to drag and drop your files into the xPodclone window.

Xplay 2

http://www.mediafour.com/products/xplay/

XPlay makes it possible to not only add music to your iPod but copy music back off the iPod. With XPlay you can use both Mac and PC formatted iPods.

iGadget (formerly iPod Agent)

http://www.ipodsoft.com/index.php?/software/ipodagent

You’ll be able to transfer all kinds of data to your iPod, including driving directions, contacts, appointments, email, notes, tasks, podcasts, RSS news feeds, weather forecasts, daily horoscopes, movie show times, gas prices and more! You will have the tools necessary to copy songs off your iPod and back onto your computer.

Tansee iPod to PC Transfer

http://www.topshareware.com/Tansee-iPod-to-PC-Transfer-download-45653.htm

Transfer music from iPod to computer.

Tansee iPod Photo Transfer

http://www.topshareware.com/Tansee-iPod-Photo-Transfer-download-45654.htm

Backup/transfer photos from iPod to computer.

Tansee iPod video to PC Transfer

http://www.topshareware.com/Tansee-iPod-video-to-PC-Transfer-download-45655.htm

Transfer video audio from iPod to computer.

iBack

http://www.topshareware.com/iBack-download-49338.htm

Copy your songs & videos from your iPod to any computer.

Kandalu X Cube

http://tc.versiontracker.com/product/redir/lid/1007753/sendform.php3

Kandalu X Cube is a user friendly utility that quickly and easily allows the transfer of music files from your iPod to the computer.

In Summary

There you have it, all the resources you need to get your tunes and pictures off your iPod. There are other more expensive options available, but these are a very good starting point, especially since most are either free or have a very nominal fee attached.

If I had to pick only one, I’d pick the iGadget because it’s a full featured utility with so many other useful functions in addition to the file transfer function.



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Why Get Music Agents?

Monday, May 25th, 2009

Why is it that playing live is so important and consequently, why should we even think about ways to get music agents?

Since the beginning of time, playing live music has always been an incredible way to connect with our fellow man.

There is something so quintessentially “human” about performing live for others.

Something so real….

Not only is it the test of a good band, its also a great way to connect with potential fans as well as existing ones.

Playing live serves as a great feedback tool.

When you are playing your songs to a relevant audience, you can gauge what works and what doesn’t.

Playing live not only made me a better musician, it made my band’s recordings better.

It enabled us to spread our reputation and allowed us to sell merchandise and earn money from performing.

Yes, touring can sometimes be grueling, but it can also pay very well.

So why get music agents?

Well you don’t have to get music agents, but they can really help.

When first starting out, we would try to get shows and hustle around just to get to play a show to nobody.

Getting the agent changed the game dramatically.

Lets briefly look at what an agent actually does:
The agent makes plans with the band, label and artist, and then books the tour.

The agent will often make all of the arrangements with the promoter of a particular show or group of shows.

In my own experience, both agents and promoters were a really important part of the team that coordinated the initial launch of our career and also dramatically expedited our rise to success.

It took a while for us to get the music agent - we were originally introduced to ours via our manager, but it took us playing a few key shows for him to take us on.
Once we had the agent in place, it was incredible how many great opportunities opened up - support tours and even shows with bands that we grew up listening to.

Usually tours would be booked with a specific goal in mind - initially to build a fan base or to gain profile…and later on to promote a forthcoming release.

The agent would meet with the management, record company and the publicist to decide on a strategy.

Then, he would book a tour around that strategy with the goal of getting maximum impact for both ticket sales and the bands’ agenda.

One of the key reasons to get music agents, especially at this time of saturation, is that the agent will help you to establish credibility as a live act and will get you on to shows that will get you on the radar of others who can further assist you.

More specifically, the agent will be one of the key people that can help turn you from being a band who others perceive as just a “band” to a band that people perceive as professional.

They will help you to get on other people’s tours, to get slots at hard to access festivals, to play at events etc..

Here’s an interesting point though - there are a few bands, big bands mostly, who don’t have an agent. They have got to a point where people come directly to them, and so have no desire to work with an agent.

These would probably be the exception rather then the rule, but for the sake of being thorough - its worth mentioning.

Agents not only have relationships with key people  - e.g., festival organizers, bands, managers etc, but they also have bartering power.  They are able to use existing successful clients of theirs to get favors for their upcoming clients, e.g., “I will get you “Big Band” (big act..) for your festival main stage, but you will have to put on “Small Band” (starting out band) on the small stage.

They can also offer you DJ shows or other non-traditional activities that can be VERY lucrative, e.g., corporate events..

Growing your live profile is a tangible and bankable entity - and for many acts is one of their main revenue streams. Getting an agent can really help expedite this.

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