11/17/2023
Since Facebook has decided that it won’t show my posts to more than 1% of you, I’m just going to use this as a diary of sorts. It’s cathartic and has been recommended to me for years by my peers.
PSA for bands/entertainers - hell, anyone that requires someone else or a firm to represent you.
Demand that your agent/manager includes you in EVERY email or summerize phone calls for EVERY serious offer. There’s a poison going through the industry right now that is out of control! The “new” young hotshot agents are inflating bands values to way beyond unrealistic levels and just holding out for massive paydays. I’ll share more privately if you’re interested but something has got to change here. Bands, as a direct example, are spending less time working than ever before in most cases because they’re effectively being held ransom to line pockets. And great, if the band doesn’t want to play or is happy with once a quarter performances, cool - not what I’m talking about here.
I implore you to be an advocate of change in this practice. And yes, there are still many straight shooters out there that have been staying true and steady but this new crop seems like they all bought the same “get rich quick” guide off of TikTok and stormed the industry all at once.
And don’t get me started on signing and immediately shelving a band. Nothing makes my silly blood boil more than this. Not sure what I’m talking about? Care to learn? Sure you don’t, but I’m going to tell ya anyway 😂
Short version: band is hyped to sign on to a roster (an agent) with their idols or even friends bands that they’ve shared stages with for years - agency “says” they’re out there looking for work but comes up with nothing because they’re not actually putting in the time and effort, yet the band is paying approximately $1000 a month to retain the agent. Sickening. Then it takes someone that really believes in the band to drum up interest, set the details (offer), and pass that on to the agentor staff for paperwork. Agent gets paid, technically provided a gig so meets their legal obligations and at the same time has done little to no work.
When I was booking I was charging $200 a month per band and worked my ass off for them. Since I’ve worked with such a diverse expanse of genres, it wasn’t like I could just shove every act into the same circuit of venues and expect a proper fit. I had to research a TON to make sure (the best I could) that it was a proper placement.
Before the pandemic, I did work with mainly rock centered acts so I did have that strong network of venues that I’d put bands through…. but most of those places have shuttered since.
Already too long and too many run on sentences, so I’ll leave it here.
As always, I’m completely transparent and will answer any questions to the best of my knowledge privately.
Party on Wayne!
From the waiting room chair with love - Ryan
