Question for people in bands

[token]

I'm starting to think about getting a booking agent for my band. Have any of you had experience with this? What should I know? I'm kinda in the dark here. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.

[Franklin]

There are a couple things to consider, well a lot actually, but here are some.

1) You'll want a complete press kit, one to find a booking agent and one for them to use

2) They mostly want party bands or specialty acts that they can more easily sell

3) Most booking agents I've dealt with have specific venues they work with, they are not out pounding the pavement looking for gigs

4) The gigs they will look for are ones that generate cash, not exposure for your band

5) Before you sign anything, make sure other people look at the contract. I've seen one that would only make the initial contact for the venue, but the band had to make all the booking arrangements and the agent would get 15% any time we performed at that venue or within 5 miles of that venue "in purpetuity" -forever. I would not sign that contract. Another I saw also was guaranteed 10% of all profits the band would make in any endevour (CDs, touring, etc) on any music or performance made during the life of the contract -which had no expiration date and had to be cancelled by mutually agreement only!

[KARSEN]

You really only need one if they have the ability to get you in places that you or your bandmates cannot..and worth it to them if they can get a certain gaurantee level of payment so they make money..they will have a set rate, say 20 percent of show..which is alot if you are not not making tons...splitting between four or five members AND the agent..so think about the worth that they bring (IE..new venues you cant get) With EPKs bands can get info and demos smoothly to clubs talent dept or person..no cumbersome press kits to send and get lost etc etc..DEF need an EPK..most clubs of a certain level only take those now..they dont want a bunch of folders and big envelopes and disks cluttering shit up:lol:

[irie]

as the person who got all of the band submissions for vibes, i'll have to agree 100% with Karsen. physical press kits end up looking like a bin of manilla envelopes. much like this bin of mine :lol: could you tell which press kit is yours? ;)
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u201/iriekate/IMG_0127.jpg

also, if youre able to,you should also put a clause in your contract that allows you to fire the agent after so many months if you're not happy. like, after 6 months, if you haven't reached such-and-such goals, they're out.

PS, neither Karsen or I are in bands :lol: :lol:

[Bern Blackburn]

I would advise you to try to keep 100% of your retail sales (ie: shirts, cds, stickers, etc.) This way when you're out on tour, you still get beer/gas money if you play a beat night but manage to sell some merch. It's not much, but it'll keep you fed and moving.

Only sign a contract with someone who will get you gigs that you can't get by yourself. Sorry if this sounds redundant, but I've met far to many agents/promoters that think they're doing a big favor by booking a show at the bar I've played at for years. Some agents only take a cut out of the shows that they book, some try to get a piece of every show you play. I would advise the former. Why pay an agent if they didn't book the gig?

Definitely make sure you have firing power in your contract. Remember, your agent works for you. Therefore you should retain the right to fire them if it's not working out.

Hope this helps.