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28 Apr 2008

AGENTS

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Posted By : Dark Horse | Comments : 5

I'm interested what people think about using agents for gigs.

Do they act in the best interest of a particular band,or are they just concerned with getting a booking without thought of suitability for venues?

I ask this because in the very dim and distant past we had experiences where we would travel miles to find that we were playing to a most unsuitable audience.Also how many eatablished venues now book bands through an agency?

Comments


# Posted by Jezebel`s Alibi - 28/04/2008, 22:02 (GMT)
We almost signed with an agent but they were really trying to push backing tracks which I think takes the 'live' out of live music. Also most places we play say they like the fact that we don't use them. (Probably different for bands, obviously...) I also think, had we signed, the venues would not have been suitable. It would be nice, though, not to have to make so many phone calls!!!


# Posted by BLUES COLLECTIVE - 28/04/2008, 23:15 (GMT)
Yes phone calls..... "you have reached the answerphone of? please leave a message and I/we will get back in touch with you" NOT!!


# Posted by Matt - 29/04/2008, 12:42 (GMT)
hmmm, I suppose there are good and bad agencies. To be honest i've only heard scare stories, but it tends to only be when things go wrong people will write/complain etc.

We've been approached a few times by different agencies, and we're currently thinking about going with a couple of them. So long as there are no tie-ins or commitments it can't be that bad, can it?


# Posted by Twin Lizzy - 29/04/2008, 16:04 (GMT)
In My experience there are some agents out there who are generally pretty fair if you can get the right one/s.

Cheers
TWIN LIZZY


# Posted by The Imposters - 30/04/2008, 00:43 (GMT)
As mentioned before .... there are good ones and bad ones .....

BUT .... IF YOU DO GO WITH AN ANGENT >>>>>>> READ THE SMALL PRINT ON THE CONTRACT BEFORE AGREEING TO ANYTHING, EVEN JUST A "ONE OFF" BOOKING.

IT CAN TIE YOU IN TO PAYING THE AGENT COMMISSION IF YOU PLAY THAT PARTICULAR VENUE WITHIN THE FOLLOWING 12 MONTHS OF THEM GIVING YOU A BOOKING ...... had this happen quite a lot over the years !!!


BEST THING TO DO IS .......

Get yourself a promo pack, Band handout, LIVE CD, Cards etc etc and go knocking on doors !!! the worst they can ever say to you is no, at best you find new venues AND you dont end up paying 15% or over of your earnings to an Agent !!!

Using this method over the years has opened up a surprisingly large number of venues that we probably would never have played at, and some bloody good gigs too !!!!

Regards

G

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