Music is your life, but the music business is probably something you’re not quite as passionate about. An experienced and dependable booking agent saves you a lot of headaches while helping to optimize your career growth.
Here’s a helpful overview of what a booking agent does along with how and when you should utilize one.
What Does a Booking Agent Do?
The term “booking agent” is relatively self-explanatory. Booking agents schedule and coordinate an artist’s live musical appearances, ranging from concerts and festivals to after-parties and private performances.
Does this sound like a glorified travel agent? Far from it. A good booking agent isn’t going to just grab every opportunity that comes along. Here are some intangible but crucial elements that factor into a booking agent’s job:
- Up-to-date knowledge regarding the ins and outs of contracts, including bonuses and options
- A solid reputation within the music business and the finesse to leverage relationships appropriately
- A sophisticated read on the marketplace, where you fit in and how to reach your audience
- An ability to plan strategically, striking a balance between optimum exposure and oversaturation
Booking agents may work independently or as part of a larger agency such as CAA, which represents a diverse range of artists in the music business, including Ariana Grande, Foo Fighters and Kanye West.
A single person sometimes serves as both agent and manager. However, California law draws a distinct line between the two functions. Booking agents must obtain a specific license and managers are expressly forbidden from acting as an agent.
When Should I Hire a Booking Agent?
While Hollywood often perpetuates the romantic notion of an “overnight success,” establishing yourself in the music business is hard work. If you want to move beyond a hobby or sideline to a career in music, it’s essential to surround yourself with a skilled team, including a booking agent.
As in other entertainment fields, getting a foothold in the music business can seem like a bit of a conundrum. You need an agent to get bookings, but the better agents prefer clients who have a track record through performances or streams. Having a solid base demonstrates commitment and a willingness to invest time and effort.
The Music Business, Simplified
Want to make an impression on booking agents? Contact us at Clear Lake Recording Studios to learn how our staff and equipment can help you create a polished product.