EKU MIO

Okay, so this is not really having to do with anything we are planning, but I wanted feedback from peers of my field. As you all may know I am a booking agent in training with a couple of bands around Richmond. Today, one of my bands informed me that my services would be cut back because they want to use Gigmasters (check out gigmasters.com). I checked it out, and though it is an awesome site that I might use myself...BUT....they put me out of a business!!! What do you all think about this site? Pros/Cons, give me your feedback.

There is no way I can work for the fees the ask for, and they have awesome ways of contact and messaging. I guess I only wish I didn't come up with it first. But what about the personallness of having an agent speak on your behalf? What is up with this???? Lemme know some thoughts.

Ok, so I checked out the site and I'm still not 100% familiar with it...are the bands becoming their own booking agents? It looks like a great tool for someone who might not be part of the booking conference scene, but who's gonna negotiate fees? A website can't talk a good talk, you know. Plus it's always great to have a face to associate with the band's business. As someone in the music industry field, I see where it could be a useful tool, but I don't understand why your time would be cut back. I think you could more effectively use this sight to book more gigs for them, so why cut you off?

Just my thoughts.

~Brandi

Haley, Gigmasters is a good idea to "get shows" for a band. But without everything else you were doing FOR them. I don't think they'll be able to just rely on this.

dan

Guys,

Gigmaster is only the start of your hurdles to overcome. That is one of thousands of new tools and technologies out there that bands and aspiring artists can use to promote themselves and cut out the "middleman." So what do you do.....?

"The key to survival in any situation is the ability to adapt....." Source: Some old dead chinese dude that conquered a lot of stuff.

You have got to keep your finger on the pulse with the latest and greatest in your business. Just like when the whole Napster thing happened. The record industry almost died. They wanted the Supreme Court to come in and rescue the day. Fact is ...., it never happened. They found a way to adapt.... the birth of the $1.00 mp3 download.

Point is...I think it is important for all of you to embrace the new opportunities and resources out there, find a way to leverage them for your business, make your job easier, and keep you on the cutting edge of your industry. More importantly, and most importantly...have you built a RELATIONSHIP with your artists that is strong enough to where they will ALWAYS come to you for direction in their pursuit of their dreams? If not...., you have some work to do

Caleb

I guess moreover, my concern is that my bands may start to use me for my education in the music biz...but not be willing to give credit where credit is due when my advice is taken. I use bookings to earn money, all of my other advice is somewhat a bonus in that situation. When I no longer book, but I am helping out with contracts and stuff, part of my paycheck is cut out.

I guess my adaptation is to create some sort of exclusivity contract, or start charging a fee for each contract I review or create. I am all for bands saving money and taking the initiative to get familiar with the business, but if you aren't ready...take some advice. Hey, legal advice isn't free! You are paying for expertise, and by no way am I claiming to be an expert, but I know what I am doing. I do know that gigmasters isn't the answer to all bands' needs, but being an agent, a manager, and a musician are three DIFFERENT jobs. They each require their own amount of specific talents and education. I guess I really need to put my best face forward in order to convince musicians that having an agent is the best way to go. And I believe it is!

You hit the nail on the head. You need an exclusive contract. That's the way it goes. Most of all you deserve one. Don't attorneys charge about $100 /hr. ? Sounds like you are on the right track!

Right On Caleb.