Dj's.....is it necessary to have an booking agent? [Archive]

Keith Blackstone

08-12-2003, 10:52 AM

Originally posted by JAMIE 3:26:
I am asking this question because it has always pondered me.I know of some cats who just do it all themselves.I also know some folks who use someone else to handles bookings or getting booked.I just can not think of having someone handle everything for me and I have no imput or know what they are setting up for me.

Can anyone shed some light on this subject? Example: You wanna get booked in some city across the country, or in another country... are you going to be the person with the best contacts to make that happen? Most likely not.

A booking agent / manager is usually pretty tied in with the people who can make things happen gig wise... much more effective then you attempting to do it on your own. If we're talking local, or your own network of people that's one thing... but on a larger scale, there are people who can simply do a better job then the DJ can do on their own. Plus these people usually have full time jobs in the industry... either doing PR or artist management or something of the like. They have the time and connections to sit on the phone all day wheeling and dealing... most of us on the other hand have day jobs and families to take care of...

Make sense? smile.gif

[ August 12, 2003, 11:53 AM: Message edited by: Keith Blackstone ]

richierich

08-12-2003, 10:54 AM

As long as they know what you will and will not do. Will not compromise your artistic creativity and put you in FVCKED up situations..it can't hurt. Like playing for a crowd that doesn't really vibe off of your sound. You can always say no to what they have lined you up with. You can just focus on music. I'd RATHER have one but I have not ascended to that plateau yet. They would need to be personable as well .You don't want an asshole that noone likes being responsible for you getting or not getting gigs.

[ August 12, 2003, 11:59 AM: Message edited by: richierich ]

lyot

08-12-2003, 10:57 AM

hey Jamie,

i think it's useless.. For example, we would never have adressed you to come and play in Belgium if you had had a booking agents;. Booking agents suck

;)

Jamie 3:26

08-12-2003, 11:01 AM

Originally posted by lyot:
hey Jamie,

i think it's useless.. For example, we would never have adressed you to come and play in Belgium if you had had a booking agents;. Booking agents suck

;) Gotcha there LYOT.I have worked out some things on my own before.I can't spend the time and footowrk to do it all myself.I have a family,a full time job,side gigs I do.I really need a damn clone.Plus,I am trying to go back to school for the spring semester.

I am really weighing the pros and cons on this.

Nege

08-12-2003, 11:07 AM

Originally posted by JAMIE 3:26:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by lyot:
hey Jamie,

i think it's useless.. For example, we would never have adressed you to come and play in Belgium if you had had a booking agents;. Booking agents suck

;) .I have worked out some things on my own before.I can't spend the time and footowrk to do it all myself.I have a family,a full time job,side gigs I do.I really need a damn clone.Plus,I am trying to go back to school for the spring semester.

I am really weighing the pros and cons on this. [/QUOTE]From this statement it seems like you "NEED" a booking agent.
I guess they can come in handy especially dealing with people that might rip you off(which is more than common these days...)

David Le C

08-12-2003, 11:08 AM

But what if the booking agent is a really cool guy who's in it for the music? :D

Just saying this because I've been thinking to do this.... I mean, DHP is a tremendous resource of unknown and known top dj's...

JMJ

08-12-2003, 11:11 AM

Originally posted by David Le C:
But what if the booking agent is a really cool guy who's in it for the music? :D

Just saying this because I've been thinking to do this.... I mean, DHP is a tremendous resource of unknown and known top dj's... Great idea, as long as you know what you're doing......JMJ ;)

uzibee

08-12-2003, 11:14 AM

A mixture of personal contacts AND a good booking agent is the best. Personal contacts will give gigs regularly, but you have to take a cut on the paycheck (not playing at your market value). A GOOD booking agent will give you work outside of your hometown (more $$$$), but they are a waste of time if you are not already established on the global scene.

Jamie 3:26

08-12-2003, 11:18 AM

Originally posted by uzibee:
A mixture of personal contacts AND a good booking agent is the best. Personal contacts will give gigs regularly, but you have to take a cut on the paycheck (not playing at your market value). A GOOD booking agent will give you work outside of your hometown (more $$$$), but they are a waste of time if you are not already established on the global scene. So I basically have to just put out somethig,hope it blows up and the gigs come a rollin' in?I mean damn,how in the hell does a guy get established?The net is cool.I actually do not like to put mixes on the net due to over-saturation of the same types of music.So,since the agent will not guarantee my any good gigs,cause i'm not established,where does that leave me?

Sounds like a crazy situation....

mdpm99

08-12-2003, 11:24 AM

For starters....you can book yourself to your own homemade party......if you build "the house" they will come.

smile.gif

d

Jamie 3:26

08-12-2003, 11:27 AM

Originally posted by david mancuso:
For starters....you can book yourself to your own homemade party......if you build "the house" they will come.

smile.gif

d I've done that Dave.I have that part taken care of.Trust me,I have accomplished damn near everything I wanted to do here in Chicago.I want to go outside of my area,on the norm.I want to do this for a living,seriously.

JMJ

08-12-2003, 11:28 AM

mdpm99

08-12-2003, 11:39 AM

Originally posted by JAMIE 3:26:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by david mancuso:
For starters....you can book yourself to your own homemade party......if you build "the house" they will come.

smile.gif

d I've done that Dave.I have that part taken care of.Trust me,I have accomplished damn near everything I wanted to do here in Chicago.I want to go outside of my area,on the norm.I want to do this for a living,seriously. [/QUOTE]Greetings:

Do you have your information organized? If so I would be more than happy to send it out for you if you wish. I cannot promise you anything of course....but I certainly can bring the water to the horse.

At the same time you can mantain your independence.

I am not in the booking business....so there are no strings or agenda involved. This would be overseas....as you probably already have enough contacts in NYC.

smile.gif

d

Jamie 3:26

08-12-2003, 11:49 AM

Originally posted by JMJ:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by JAMIE 3:26:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by david mancuso:
For starters....you can book yourself to your own homemade party......if you build "the house" they will come.

smile.gif

d I've done that Dave.I have that part taken care of.Trust me,I have accomplished damn near everything I wanted to do here in Chicago.I want to go outside of my area,on the norm.I want to do this for a living,seriously. [/QUOTE]You need a pimp.......JMJ [/QUOTE]I don't want to carry Steve's records... graemlins/rofl.gif

Jolyon

08-12-2003, 11:49 AM

Hey Jamie - good luck with that...making a living from DJing would be very cool smile.gif

One thing I'd say about overseas DJing - at least here in the UK - the days when anyone chipped up from America with a box of great records and straight away got well paid DJing work in England are long gone I'm afraid.

The house bubble burst a long time ago over here and big name and overseas DJs are getting fewer gigs. But I think it may still be easier in the far East and Europe - someone else would have to help you out on that.

The mixes I've heard by you and JMJ are slamming and a few years ago you guys could have cleaned up over here. It'll be harder nowadays to get regular well paid gigs in the UK...but worth a try for sure. I'd be first in the queue to hear either of you two over here!

Good luck!

J

JMJ

08-12-2003, 11:52 AM

Originally posted by JAMIE 3:26:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by JMJ:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by JAMIE 3:26:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by david mancuso:
For starters....you can book yourself to your own homemade party......if you build "the house" they will come.

smile.gif

d I've done that Dave.I have that part taken care of.Trust me,I have accomplished damn near everything I wanted to do here in Chicago.I want to go outside of my area,on the norm.I want to do this for a living,seriously. [/QUOTE]You need a pimp.......JMJ [/QUOTE]I don't want to carry Steve's records... graemlins/rofl.gif [/QUOTE]I agree. Bad on the back. JM3 could be your agent. Look what he did for George!......JMJ graemlins/rofl.gif

Jamie 3:26

08-12-2003, 12:00 PM

Originally posted by JAMIE 3:26:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by JMJ:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by JAMIE 3:26:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by david mancuso:
For starters....you can book yourself to your own homemade party......if you build "the house" they will come.

smile.gif

d I've done that Dave.I have that part taken care of.Trust me,I have accomplished damn near everything I wanted to do here in Chicago.I want to go outside of my area,on the norm.I want to do this for a living,seriously. [/QUOTE]You need a pimp.......JMJ [/QUOTE]I don't want to carry Steve's records... graemlins/rofl.gif [/QUOTE]graemlins/rofl.gif graemlins/rofl.gif graemlins/rofl.gif

Jamie 3:26

08-12-2003, 12:01 PM

Originally posted by JMJ:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by JAMIE 3:26:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by JMJ:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by JAMIE 3:26:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by david mancuso:
For starters....you can book yourself to your own homemade party......if you build "the house" they will come.

smile.gif

d I've done that Dave.I have that part taken care of.Trust me,I have accomplished damn near everything I wanted to do here in Chicago.I want to go outside of my area,on the norm.I want to do this for a living,seriously. [/QUOTE]You need a pimp.......JMJ [/QUOTE]I don't want to carry Steve's records... graemlins/rofl.gif [/QUOTE]I agree. Bad on the back. JM3 could be your agent. Look what he did for George!......JMJ graemlins/rofl.gif [/QUOTE]Now I'm really.... graemlins/rofl.gif graemlins/rofl.gif

uzibee

08-12-2003, 12:22 PM

Originally posted by JAMIE 3:26:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by uzibee:
A mixture of personal contacts AND a good booking agent is the best. Personal contacts will give gigs regularly, but you have to take a cut on the paycheck (not playing at your market value). A GOOD booking agent will give you work outside of your hometown (more $$$$), but they are a waste of time if you are not already established on the global scene. So I basically have to just put out somethig,hope it blows up and the gigs come a rollin' in?I mean damn,how in the hell does a guy get established?The net is cool.I actually do not like to put mixes on the net due to over-saturation of the same types of music.So,since the agent will not guarantee my any good gigs,cause i'm not established,where does that leave me?

Sounds like a crazy situation.... [/QUOTE]Like I said, you can have plenty of out of town gigs through personal contacts (like from people on this board for starters), but don't expect to get paid what you are worth (which is 10-15-20 (?) years worth of Dj'ing experience.

I personally think that DJ's should be paid according to their Dj'ing experience (and not their discography), but that's a whole different topic in itself.

mdpm99

08-12-2003, 12:28 PM

well said, uzibee.

smile.gif

d

housebe4titties

08-12-2003, 12:33 PM

i'm setting up a service for djs to do gig trades with each other. should be launched as soon as i find the right programmer for the site.

Tony Cano

08-12-2003, 12:34 PM

Originally posted by JAMIE 3:26:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by JMJ:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by JAMIE 3:26:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by JMJ:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by JAMIE 3:26:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by david mancuso:
For starters....you can book yourself to your own homemade party......if you build "the house" they will come.

smile.gif

d I've done that Dave.I have that part taken care of.Trust me,I have accomplished damn near everything I wanted to do here in Chicago.I want to go outside of my area,on the norm.I want to do this for a living,seriously. [/QUOTE]You need a pimp.......JMJ [/QUOTE]I don't want to carry Steve's records... graemlins/rofl.gif [/QUOTE]I agree. Bad on the back. JM3 could be your agent. Look what he did for George!......JMJ graemlins/rofl.gif [/QUOTE]Now I'm really.... graemlins/rofl.gif graemlins/rofl.gif [/QUOTE]you guys don't know how to leave it alone - do you?

mdpm99

08-12-2003, 12:39 PM

Originally posted by casscade:
i'm setting up a service for djs to do gig trades with each other. should be launched as soon as i find the right programmer for the site. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

d

housebe4titties

08-12-2003, 01:22 PM

smile.gif

julian_kelly

08-12-2003, 01:44 PM

This is a POWERFUL concept..just thinking on this for a few minutes, I see unlimited opportunities with this if done properly.

You are matching buyers with sellers and barterers with barters...kind of like a business to business concept

Very interesting indeed...potential for greatness

julian kelly

Originally posted by casscade:
i'm setting up a service for djs to do gig trades with each other. should be launched as soon as i find the right programmer for the site.

[ August 12, 2003, 02:47 PM: Message edited by: julian_kelly ]

SENSE MGMT

08-12-2003, 01:56 PM

I think the misconception is a booking agent is not a manager. A booking agent is a representative of an agency. The agency acts as a focal point contact base for industry people. The agency has it's clientele and relationships that it builds and helps mediate the booking process and therefor earns their percentage.

Where the mix up is alot of agencies claim to be exclusivity with certain artists and try to portray more of a managerial role.

Having a manager is great. To have a manager is an extra entity of energy pushing your work. We work as an agent for Jesse Saunders but you can go through Jesse himself if need be but we're the agent so we try to cut to the chase for both ends-the artist and the promoter. Whereas Bernard Badie is someone we manage. We do press for him and sell his music. That's why we have him exclusively on our roster. You have to be fairly comfortable with an artist to be able to do that. Sometimes artist expects for booking agencies to pull gigs out of nowhere when this economy is so horrible that the entertainment industries. That's not there job, that's a managers job. That's why sometimes you see DJs on multiple rosters.

Plus I must reiterate the ECONOMY SUCKS!!!

housebe4titties

08-12-2003, 02:02 PM

thank you julian!
i don't want to give too many details about it just yet. but many of you will receive personal invites from me to be a part of this service.

Tony Cano

08-12-2003, 02:51 PM

yes - the economy sucks. i've heard from folks in the business that this is the worst time to try to break into the business.

tc

cynti

08-12-2003, 03:34 PM

Originally posted by Sense Productions:
I think the misconception is a booking agent is not a manager. A booking agent is a representative of an agency. The agency acts as a focal point contact base for industry people. The agency has it's clientele and relationships that it builds and helps mediate the booking process and therefor earns their percentage.

Where the mix up is alot of agencies claim to be exclusivity with certain artists and try to portray more of a managerial role.

Having a manager is great. To have a manager is an extra entity of energy pushing your work. We work as an agent for Jesse Saunders but you can go through Jesse himself if need be but we're the agent so we try to cut to the chase for both ends-the artist and the promoter. Whereas Bernard Badie is someone we manage. We do press for him and sell his music. That's why we have him exclusively on our roster. You have to be fairly comfortable with an artist to be able to do that. Sometimes artist expects for booking agencies to pull gigs out of nowhere when this economy is so horrible that the entertainment industries. That's not there job, that's a managers job. That's why sometimes you see DJs on multiple rosters.

Plus I must reiterate the ECONOMY SUCKS!!! You know what you truly summed it up for me. It seems as though booking agents may get a little puffed up when the manager comes into play. The agents at times I feel overstep thier bounds and take their position way too serious. I've had to work with a few over the past few years for a few clients. Either it's way over the top or no calls for hella days. Wierd, it felt for awhile as though when to buzz from the name was gone so were they. It's gotta be give and take for sure. Whether we are in a bad economy or not professionalism goes much further to build trust and repore than a large booking fee once a year. Also
graemlins/respekt.gif due to all those managers and agents who keep these talented artists fed and clothed I must thank you all. graemlins/acclaim.gif

lyot

08-12-2003, 03:39 PM

Originally posted by casscade:
thank you julian!
i don't want to give too many details about it just yet. but many of you will receive personal invites from me to be a part of this service. I was waiting for someone to set this up.. Great idea casscade..

Also, do you guys realise that with a 'market' like the DHP, there's no real urge for a booking agent anymore..Unless you are after the big money maybe..but the great thing of the DHP is that this works on the basis of thrust..I think I can honestly say that without the DHP I would have never organised parties in Belgium on which US dj's played..If you are a fairly unknown dj trying to find gigs, a booking agency isn't really usefull..Places like the DHP where people communicate and listen to mixes, do much more good then whatever a booking agent can do..

greetings

[ August 12, 2003, 04:40 PM: Message edited by: lyot ]

Hippie

08-12-2003, 08:28 PM

Booking agent? For over seas gigs absolutely. Domestically you can do it all yourself. I would suggest getting your banks aba number and having half the fee wired at least 6 weeks ( if possible)before the gig. And make sure they know it's non- refundable. You don't want an agent booking you then a week before the gig backing out and maybe you turned down another paying gig for it. Make sure that hotel, travel and a meal are included in the deal ( besides your fee). And most important make sure you bring enough money just in case there late getting to the airport or there driver just totally forgot from partying the night before. You'll need that money to get to the hotel from the airport. You don't know how many times I've been left at an airport waiting 2 hours before I said **** this and I get to the hotel myself. Keep your reciept so they compensate you for the travel. And if you can afford a international cell phone bring it!

[ August 12, 2003, 09:29 PM: Message edited by: Hippie ]

08-12-2003, 08:35 PM

This is a great thread. Good thing you brought this up, Jamie.

Hippie, great advice!

cynti

08-13-2003, 01:00 PM

Originally posted by Albert Diaz:
This is a great thread. Good thing you brought this up, Jamie.

Hippie, great advice! Yeah jamie good thing you put it up for real darlin. Don't think we'd have gotten so many great responces. I sure do appreciate it. Even if it took hella days
graemlins/sleep2.gif !! Much graemlins/respekt.gif
graemlins/cheering.gif graemlins/cheering.gif graemlins/cheering.gif graemlins/cheering.gif graemlins/cheering.gif

Jamie 3:26

08-13-2003, 01:31 PM

Hey Hippie,good advice brother.I have found out some things the hard way... ;)

Hippie

08-13-2003, 05:05 PM

One other note. Bring a major credit card and make sure you have all contact numbers ( agent, driver and hotel)don't head to the hotel without first making sure that "your" room is there and that it has been payed for. Always the first person to call is your driver then if no contact call the agent and last hotel. If you can have a contract signed and mailed or faxed back to you.

Hippie

08-13-2003, 05:11 PM

Actually you might want to call the hotel a day or two before to make sure your room is booked and if not call the agent and find out why not and that you want a confirmation e-mailed to you ( from the hotel ) before you leave the country. I also make sure it's at least a 4 star hotel. Finally I find the most important thing for me mentally is to make sure I have a good meal. If your in a foreign country and are not sure of the food stick with something you know. You don't know how many times I try to please my host and end up not liking the meal and it stays on my mind through out the night. It can fyck up your set sometimes.

[ August 13, 2003, 08:26 PM: Message edited by: Hippie ]

mdpm99

08-13-2003, 05:14 PM

Greetings:

I always ask for a Invite Letter (both languages if foregin) inviting me for holiday. Also it will state that where I will be staying and tele # of the person arrangeing the trip.

This simplfies any issues re work permits and etc.
....if there are any.

Also "please pick up my records from my friends house and bring them with you."

d

I carry 2 copies of each letter

SMOOTH87

08-13-2003, 05:24 PM

I was told that it's better to have a booking agent look for you than you look for them. To those in the industy how do you feel about this??

mhd

08-13-2003, 05:35 PM

Originally posted by david mancuso:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by JAMIE 3:26:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by david mancuso:
For starters....you can book yourself to your own homemade party......if you build "the house" they will come.

smile.gif

d I've done that Dave.I have that part taken care of.Trust me,I have accomplished damn near everything I wanted to do here in Chicago.I want to go outside of my area,on the norm.I want to do this for a living,seriously. [/QUOTE]Greetings:

Do you have your information organized? If so I would be more than happy to send it out for you if you wish. I cannot promise you anything of course....but I certainly can bring the water to the horse.

At the same time you can mantain your independence.

I am not in the booking business....so there are no strings or agenda involved. This would be overseas....as you probably already have enough contacts in NYC.

smile.gif

d [/QUOTE]priceless

sammyrock

08-13-2003, 05:53 PM

Jamie do it yourself,thats just my 0 cents.

alex zen

08-13-2003, 08:39 PM

Originally posted by casscade:
i'm setting up a service for djs to do gig trades with each other. should be launched as soon as i find the right programmer for the site. could be a house version like mrr's book your own fu ckin' life (http://www.byofl.org/) , (which, btw, is a pretty cool resource for touring bands)
http://www.byofl.org/images/byofl-logo.gif

housebe4titties

08-13-2003, 09:39 PM

sorta...
unlike that site i'm not going to allow any dj who merely claims that they are the hot sh!t in their cities be on the roster to do trades. this is to protect you from any shadiness. its for those djs who have residencies, or are established enough in their city. and yes we will be checking up on you to make sure you're who you say you are.

theres a lot more details to it tho! i don't want to leak much yet until the site is more developed. but if you're a dj who might be interested then shoot me a PM.

dennis f

08-13-2003, 11:24 PM

well again I tried to stay out but I guess I'll say what I know...

A booking agent is a bit of a reach unless you've are a bit established in the industry or if they really and I mean really believe in you and are willing to have a vested interest in you. Most booking agents are only willing to deal with established people because they are essentially middle men...they don't want to many hassles for so little profit that usually comes from someone who does not command a high fee. This is the reason why there's a glut of 'em and alot of 'em are fly by nighters....A usual % is 10% for under 1k and 15% for anything over. You should always try to ask for your money over and above the agents fee. I agree with Hippie about getting half your fee wired to you as soon as the contract is signed but realize that sometimes this is at all not possible. Over and above meaning you come home with a G and the agent was paid the fee separately. Quite honestly my agent is a godsend...I don't have to deal with anything but an email telling me where i'm headed, what time is the flight and when i come home. With the usual contact #'s and the fee I'm supposed to collect. Now though there is something that you guys should know about. Most agents work hand in hand with other agents and their contacts don't come for free. They are usually called sub-agents and they also charge the 10-15% fee...sometimes more because they usually don't let the original agent contract the club! This is where it becomes quite hairy. I've had issues where sub agents have charged the club an exorbitant fee only to tell my agent that i'm only getting the standard fee...thereby pocketing the difference!! So my advice? Have the agent directly contact the club through the sub agent, both parties get the fee over and above or no deal! This is not cast in stone though because you have to be a bit flexible sometimes when you have an existing working relationship with this sub or your trying to establish one. It's a bit of a tight rope walk at all times.
Now since your independent it may be at your advantage to be on several agents rosters as most club promoters book dj's through word of mouth. "He did these records.." or "He/she's rocked that club". You may want to give the agents an added incentive by upping up their fee. You pay now but you'll reap later.....

rule #1
Keep the agent happy - don't miss flights(it gives them agita!!) and don't hassle em. They don't make enough off of you alone to deal with your bullshizzle! You can be dropped.

Oh and a good agent always contacts you after your flight lands or your settled in to the hotel to check on you. It really feels good knowing someone is making sure your ok after a long ass journey.

hope this helps
dee