This is often a sticky situation:
The booking agent thinks “It’s my job to try and get you shows”
The artist thinks “It’s the booking agents job to get us shows”
Maybe upon first or second reading it seems like a match made in heaven. But there is a huge disconnect here.
For the agent…by definition a booking agent is someone who books shows. Not someone who attempts to book shows, but actually books shows. If you are not booking shows you are not a booking agent…you are simply trying to be a booking agent, which is a world of difference. So. Are you a booking agent?
For the artist or manager…now that you see the difference you can initiate the conversation and adjust expectations accordingly. Not in a nasty way but a clear way. We need someone to book shows, not to try and book shows.
For anyone in the music business…there is a job opening. It’s a long job title, but it’s highly paid and lots of people will be calling you if you do a good job, and you can start tomorrow. Job title: Person Who Raises Hand And Takes Responsibility For Artist Getting Shows, Both Opening And Headlining As Necessary.
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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabe@gabethebassplayer.com