A Compelling Desire for Success
The thrill of live performance is intoxicating. The adrenaline rush, the connection with the audience, the sheer joy of expressing yourself through music – it's what drives many musicians to pursue their passion. But what happens when the excitement wears off, and you find yourself struggling to book gigs? The answer often lies in finding a booking agent. But is now the right time? And how do you even begin the process? This comprehensive guide will provide you with the tools, strategies, and insights to answer these questions and more.
The Right Time for a Booking Agent
The cold, hard fact is that the right time to get a booking agent is often when you no longer need one. Confused? Let's break it down:
Selling Out Shows: You need to be selling out your shows, hitting the pavement, and doing the work required to have hundreds of fans itching for tickets.
New, Independent Agents: If you find an independent agent or intern passionate about your music, you might convince them to work for you, but not for the standard 10 to 15% commission rate.
Realistic Expectations: Understand the financial dynamics. If you're earning $150 to $300 per night, an agent's 15% commission might not be tempting enough.
Don't worry; there are attainable steps you can take to get an agent to book your band. It requires hard work, but if you're committed, read on.
Get Your Act Together
Master Your Performance: Play every note of your set forwards and backwards, in your sleep. Iron out kinks, work on stage presence, and gather feedback to fine-tune your show.
Make Your Brand Market Ready: Agents don't want to figure out your image for you. Be clear on your mission, purpose, colors, fonts, logos, and more. Your branding should be consistent across all channels.
Find the Right Fit
Research Prospective Agents: Don't waste killer pitches on agencies that don't align with your genre or needs.
Know Your Numbers: Provide prospective booking agents with data, especially ticket sales, to help them plan their next course of action.
Nice-to-Haves
A Manager: Many agents prefer to talk with another industry professional.
A Track Record: Previous experience or a successful national tour increases your chances.
A Draw: Conventional views hold that you need to draw at least 100 attendees in several cities.
Booking agents are not cruel gatekeepers. They are professionals passionate about their work and want to work with bands they can get excited about. Yes, there are boxes to check, but these are things you should be considering whether you're working towards becoming a successful independent or signed band. So, if you want an agent to book your band, it's time to get to work!
Take the Next Step in Your Music Career
Ready to take your music career to new heights? Visit Music Advice's Free Modern Artist & Songwriter Toolkit to get your free in-depth guide to everything you need to know about having a successful career in music. For additional music career resources, industry contacts, video lessons, and streaming playlist contact information, explore Music Advice's Plans & Pricing.
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