BOOKING AND AGENTS 101<\/p>\n
This is an excerpt from the commentary booklet included in the
\nEntertainment Source Library Version 3.1 published by Cumberland
\nMusic Group, Inc. Nashville TN. (Used by permission)
\nIt was written by Greg Forest, editor of the “ESL”, and was compiled
\nfor the Music Arts Forum by Mike Lawson.<\/p>\n
There is a simple, one page “standard booking agreement” in the
\nMusic Industry Library here in the Music Arts Forum. There is
\nnothing fancy about it, but it has been upheld in small claims courts.
\nIf you need something a little more complex (stipulations about sound,
\nlighting, and deli trays, for example), add a rider sheet to the
\ncontract listing what else you need to have covered under the agreement
\nand put “see attached rider” on line 9. Line 11 and one half of lines
\n11 and 12 can be deleted if the band is doing its own bookings. <\/p>\n
You may notice that this short form doesn’t have clauses covering default
\nby war or acts of God. In my twenty-five years in the business, I have
\nyet to see an artist burned for his money by an act of war or God. It
\nis usually something a little less earth-shattering: i.e., a jerk club
\nowner who double-booked his room after finding a cheaper band and forgot
\nto inform you. The intent of this short contract example is clear.<\/p>\n
In retaining an agent, the three questions that should be addressed are:<\/p>\n
1. Do I really need an agent?
\n 2. If so, for how long and how much?
\n 3. What can this agent do for me that I can’t already do for myself?<\/p>\n
There is a great deal that a well-connected agent can do in furthering the
\ncareer exposure (and earnings) of a performer. There is also a lot of damage
\nthat can be done to a touring act after a string of 150 motel lounges in
\nthe Southwest. Who are the agent’s other clients, and how do they appear
\nto be doing? Can you earn enough money to keep the agent on the phone
\nbooking you or will you be the agent’s B or C team? The most prudent way
\nto approach an agent would be on a trial basis – say, six months or so.
\nIf after this initial term, both parties are still satisfied, then a longer
\nagreement could be executed. You will have to use your own best judgement
\nin securing an agent. <\/p>\n
