How Does One Get A Booking Agent?

jazzy mary · October-27th-2006, 01:21 PM

A friend of mine, who is a vocalist, is wondering how one goes about getting a booking agent. He lives in New York, but, of course will go wherever for a gig. Can anyone recommend anything? Thanks.

Mike Schwartz · October-27th-2006, 01:36 PM

I wouldn't get into a bunch of recs on a public board...........probably breaks a rule or two regarding non_JC promotions.

I suggest that those who may help might do so in PM's and e-mails.

I'll try to take the time to send some.....running now.

jazzy mary · October-27th-2006, 01:50 PM

Oh, I didn't think of that! Anyone who would like, pls. pm me. I'm going to clean out my in-box now so I'll have plenty of room for all those pms!

Thanks.

hornplayer · October-27th-2006, 02:31 PM

One generally submits product (cd - press kit) to agents with a cover letter and hopes!

Mike Schwartz · October-27th-2006, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hornplayer

One generally submits product (cd - press kit) to agents with a cover letter and hopes!

This may not be the case...agents take on clients under numerous circumstances. One doesn't 'have to' have a CD and kit to start off. These may be ideas and things to be developed or suggested, but one can begin with far more modest supplies.

Peterdubya · October-27th-2006, 03:20 PM

I don't think I'm breaking any JC rules here....

It's tough to do and depends on the artists goals.... if the artist does not have a CD or anything like that, I would not expect an agent to do anything except get them local gigs. A local agent who books in that town only booking gigs in that town only.

To get gigs across the country, the artist would really need to have some product, get radio play, and be willing to play for very little reward until they get known.

Hornplayer is correct in that regard....looking at similar artists on a similar level in the big jazz scheme of things, and seeing who books them might be a help too.

jazzy mary · October-27th-2006, 03:40 PM

Yes, my friend has all that. He's been in the "biz" for a long time and has 3 or 4 cds. He has a great press kit--he just doesn't know to whom he should send it. That's really the gist of my question. We'd love names, addresses etc. Pls. pm me if any of you know of any.

Thanks!!

jazzy mary · October-27th-2006, 05:50 PM

Does anyone know where I might find a list of agents and/or bookers?

Pete C · October-27th-2006, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzy mary

Does anyone know where I might find a list of agents and/or bookers?

Yes, it's called Google.

Jazz booking agents would be good keywords. You might find pages like this:

http://dmoz.org/Business/Arts_and_En...Managers/Jazz/

jazzy mary · October-28th-2006, 05:19 PM

Thanks, Pete!!