Wedding & Corporate Music Agents

Introduction

We often talk with wedding couples and corporate clients in regards to their entertainment requirements, and discover that there is an element of confusion about where music agencies fit within the entertainment process.

As a result, we have written this document, to assist in ironing out some of the myths about music agencies and attempt to clarify the role of a music agent in Melbourne.

What is a Music Agent?

A music agent is simply a business that acts as a representative for a variety of performers, bands, entertainers, musicians etc. There are two main types of music agencies that you will find:

Boutique music agents - Who specialise in specific areas of entertainment, for example: jazz, classical, comedy, theatre, stage, wedding, corporate, etc. hence are often a wise choice when sourcing specific types of entertainment.

General music agents - Who tend to have no particular specialisation, offering a multitude of genres, styles and types of entertainment.

A music agent will source a suitable performer for you (usually from their list), and in return you will pay a premium price (usually 10% - 15% above the performers original fee), for the service provided.

In the next few sections of this document, we will attempt to uncover the good, the "watch-out-fors" including an insight into how to recognise a professional music agent.

The Good News

Music agents tend to be run predominantly by ex actors, musicians, singers, etc. who have usually had hands on experience in a particular area or genre of entertainment. This is comforting, since you will most likely be requiring some sort of professional advice or guidance.

Music agents also have access to a variety of entertainment solutions, to suit a range of budgets and requirements. This can be the head-ache relief you've been looking for, considering the daunting task of sourcing reliable entertainment direct.

Music agents will also take full responsibility for an act's professionalism and reliability. This is understandable, since it's the music agency's name that is on all the paperwork and business cards. In most cases, you will be dealing with a single contact at the music agency, making your entertainment selection process a little less stressful.

Things to Be Aware Of

Like any band or business, music agencies come and go frequently in the marketplace. You need to determine from the very outset, whether the music agent you are dealing with is both reputable and trustworthy. The following are the Top 10 potential pitfalls that you may encounter.

1. Some music agents list many acts on their books, simply because it looks impressive. Quite often, the acts are not reviewed by these music agents, and are simply added to their growing list.
   
   This can present a potential issue for any wedding couple or corporate client, if you are relying on your music agent to give the best advice about a performer. You need to make absolutely sure that the music agent has reviewed (viewed "live"), the band, entertainer, artist or performer you are considering.
   
   
2. Watch out for music agents that can only offer entertainment aimed at the budget end of the market. Whilst price is always a consideration, you may find that you are not getting the best advice possible, since many of the more reputable acts will be listed with the more reputable music agents.
   
   
3. Tread carefully when selecting a music agent that claims to have expert knowledge of a wide range of musical events and genres, you may be better advised to select a boutique music agent that has specialist skills.
   
   
4. Some music agents have favourite acts, and tend to recommend these regardless of your entertainment requirements. Be sure to find out exactly why a performer (that you may be interested in) is not being recommended. Do your research, and make sure you get a number of professional opinions.
   
   
5. Some music agents provide short samples of artists matching your requirements, all on one CD, Video, or DVD. In these cases, you may find that (depending on how many have been squeezed onto the media) you are more baffled than when you first started. Try to get longer samples of artists who you are interested in or who suit your requirements right from the outset. Also, try to avoid being pressured into a decision after listening to, or viewing an agent's artist-packed media sample.
   
   
6. Some music agents require a payment in advance of the performance, or a hefty deposit (eg. more than approximately 10%). Music agents have marginal overheads when locating a performer for your next function, and apart from the normal operating costs of any business (advertising, rates etc.) there are little to no materials to outlay. There is absolutely no reason why you need to pay a deposit that is great than approximately 10% (unless you want to), and there is certainly no reason for you to pay for your performance months in advance.
   
   
7. Many performers that work with music agencies, tend to get paid up to 30 days after the performance anyway, so notwithstanding the fact that there is little to no capital outlay, make sure you quiz your music agent if they are expecting settlement of your account months prior.
   
   
8. Make sure that you are able to contact your music agent after hours, just in case there is an issue with the entertainment being supplied for your wedding or corporate function. The types of issues that may arise involve punctuality, dress codes, and suitability etc.
   
   
9. Some music agents have customised contracts (contracts which they have composed), which you will be required to sign if you are intending on booking one of their acts. Some of these contracts have some interesting variations regarding cancellations, extended performance times, and payment and deposit requirements. As with any contract, make sure you read the fine print.
   
   
10. You most likely won't get to meet your act directly, unless authorised by your music agent. This can present an issue at your function or reception, especially if particular details have not been relayed accurately.

The Professional Music Agent

Further to the above, there are also a number of highly professional music agencies available, your job is to locate them. You will be able to determine a professional music agent if:

1. They have a professional advertising package. For example: professional website, brochure, CD/DVD samples of their performers, email, phone, and 24 hour mobile or free call contact numbers.
   
   
2. They are courteous and quick to respond to your initial and ongoing requests
   
   
3. They understand your wedding or corporate requirements right from the outset, and make it easy for you to select an act that you feel comfortable with.
   
   
4. They have reviewed their list of performers, or at least the one you are considering
   
   
5. They have a depth of experience in the entertainment industry
   
   
6. They do not require a ridiculous deposit, or settlement of your account months in advance
   
   
7. Their contracts are clear and easy to understand, with obvious details about the style and type of act being supplied.
   
   
8. They are recommended by others in the industry

The Final Say

It is most important that you understand the above points when dealing with a music agent, and we would like to finish with a summary of our recommendations on how to approach music agents in Melbourne. Here are our top considerations:

• A deposit of approximately 10% for your act, entertainer, band, performer etc. is ample

• Payment should be made in the final weeks leading up to the performance, the night of the performance, or on the very next business day following the performance. This ensures that (if the music agent is un-reliable) you do not lose your money (except the 10% deposit of course)

• Read your contract carefully and make sure that everything is clear and concise, and that you are getting what you paid for. Most of all, be sure to read the cancellation and payment clauses

• Be cautious when listening to, or viewing a bulk artist-packaged media CD, DVD or video tape.

• Do not get pressured into hiring an act

• If you are interested in a performer, try to do some additional research to find out whether the act is reliable and experienced

• Most of all, allow yourself plenty of time before you start down the entertainment hire path. If you leave your music selection to the last minute, then you will make it difficult for any music agent to find the perfect entertainment solution for your next function

See Also

See Also Who is Magnet Duo?

See Also About Wedding Music Melbourne

See Also About Corporate Entertainment Melbourne

See Also Finding Wedding Bands & Corporate Entertainment