artist management/agents
Joseph Pollard White
time for ask the internet:
how does one hook up with an agent or a management agency?
what value is there in having an agent?
what sorts of things does an agent look for?
what should one look for in an agent?
are there management agencies that are specialize in young or
developing talent?
any information or insight will be greatly appreciated!
joe white
seattle, wa
Richard M. Berrong
Talk about perfect timing! There is a very fine article in the "Opera News"
that just arrived today about publicity agents who work with singers. It
is definitely worth your taking a look at.
Richard Berrong
y
Jonathan Helton
>how does one hook up with an agent or a management agency?
It's great if you know someone who can refer you. Failing this, you could
make some calls and show up with tapes in hand. The trick here is getting
them to actually listen to your tape.
A couple of agencies have competitions to identify new talent. The best
example here would be Young Concert Artists, in NYC.
Beware of agencies that charge large fees for listening to you. A good
example here is Great Lakes Performing Arts Agency in Ann Arbor.
>what value is there in having an agent?
Agents have developed connections over the years that you'll never get on
your own. Experienced agents with good rosters keep their people working.
>what sorts of things does an agent look for?
They want to see a product they can sell. They're looking for something
with wide appeal. Artists who have been performing and have some of their
own contacts are especially attractive.
They also look to fill holes in their rosters.
>what should one look for in an agent?
I'd look for someone with a reputation in the music business to introduce
me to a good agent. Failing that, you'll want to go with an agency that
has someone who really believes in what you do. Smaller agencies may work
harder for you, but the trade-off comes in their (usual) limited access to
venues around the country (world).
Many agents charge retainers, and require you to pay all expenses, in
addition to the customary 10-20% commission. This varies considerably.
Just make sure you're getting your money's worth. (i.e. You might not want
to pay a large retainer to an agent who's in a distant city and difficult
to keep track of.)
You should feel like you can trust your agent. Ask to speak to other
clients before you sign the contract. Remember, this is a business
arrangement.
>are there management agencies that are specialize in young or
>developing talent?
Young Concert Artists, NYC is the highest profile group of this nature.
Give them a call and ask them about other agents.
>joe white
>seattle, wa
A good artist-agent relationship can be a boon to both your careers. A bad
one usually only hurts the artist.
Happy hunting!
--
Jonathan Helton
j...@nwu.edu