“The cream always rises to the top, and there are young performers out there who will find their audience [such as] Warren Hood, a terrific songwriter and singer.””Lyle Lovett
Warren started playing classical violin at age 11 in the school orchestra, later studying privately with Bill Dick. He won classical music competitions, including the Pearl Amster Youth Concerto Competition and the Austin Youth Award, which gave him the opportunity to perform as a soloist on “Lalo Symphonie Espagnole” with the Austin Symphony, conducted by Peter Bay.
Warren later balanced studying at Austin High with touring with Charlie Robison and the South Austin Jug Band. After high school, Warren earned a rare scholarship to Berklee College of Music where he majored in Violin Performance, played with Steven Tyler and formed an acoustic string band, Blue Light Special. At Berklee, Warren earned the coveted String Achievement Award, an award chosen by faculty to honor talent and as a vote of confidence on future success.
RajiWorld plus one is proud to present another episode of “Music Business Charm School” with my beloved friend and DJ Francisco and with the professional assistance of Stage Manager and friend Ari Nisman who owns Degy International the future of touring colleges and military bases, bringing music and creative ideas to the masses.
And now onto the music:)
This new family I was subconsciously building took my breath away musically while connecting to my core beliefs that we can be ourselves and inspire others through our natural gifts was manifested when I heard VINX. I was thrilled to learn that (my CH crush), multi-instrumentalist Al Berry shared my feelings about Vinx… As an Austin girl I remember this moment and love the juxtaposition of that kind of playing in a true believer...It is rare to be evolved and down home simultaneously!
D. Bottz is the big brother every girl wishes for in this crazy biz. He is hard working and wildly productive while connecting with new artists and finding their magic. Katrina Blackstone is the slumber-party guest I always wanted for my middle-school sleepovers….so it was cool to find out she lives right down the street now to where I did then! She is mystical, brilliant, funny and sings like the bird you follow all day to learn secrets! We will pick one lucky audience member for a live reading on stage!
In my favorite daily “room”, I discovered the exact kind of bands I would have discovered with no quarantine in place. THANK YOU to Francisco and his team of bad-ass and charming dolls for allowing me the platform to discover Joe The Lobster and Of Sea and Storm.
In a world of his own (and ya’ll know I love that!) is DPAK Robot of Robot Nature who I heard speak (nearly in tongues) on just one of his other passions. I am proud to introduce a true renaissance man!
My next Music Business Charm School room is at 11:11am PST and 2:11pm EST and 7:11pm UK and focuses on our favorite non-profits. I hope you can join us.
RajiWorld lives to serve, Help Us Help The Artists You Love! Make a donation to your favorite artist in one of the charities below or see how you can help. If you know someone in need, Roggie offers assistance to connect theses services to those in the Austin Music community.
ALL ATX is an Austin music education based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that, in addition to its education outreach, raises money for Austin’s music charities that aid musicians in the areas of healthcare and income support. Currently, ALL ATX benefits the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians(HAAM), The SIMS Foundation, Austin Music Foundation, (AMF), and Black Fret. Through investing in these organizations, ALL ATX is striving to make Austin a musician’s paradise that provides our professional musicians with the resources they need to not only succeed in their craft, but also maintain a healthy livelihood. ALL ATX’s primary mission is to protect and develop Austin’s position as the “Live Music Capital of the World” by helping Austin musicians with education and affordability solutions.
Austin Music Foundation (AMF) is a nonprofit whose mission is to strengthen and connect the local music community with innovative programs that empower music professionals and music businesses within Austin’s creative economy. Austin Music Foundation offers free education specifically tailored to today’s music business climate. With expert panels, consultations, mentoring and mixers, AMF’s programs provide the necessary tools and opportunities to help the Austin music industry succeed. Since 2002, AMF has helped over 20,000 musicians and music industry professionals and remains committed to ensuring that Austin’s creative class and music industry thrive.
Backline is the hub for music industry professionals and their families to quickly and easily access mental health and wellness resources. Backline’s services are free for all those who have a hand in making the music happen. → Artists → Managers → Agents → Promoters → Crew → Family Members…Some restrictions may apply.
Black Fret is a public charity headquartered in Austin whose mission is to empower musicians to create and perform great new music. The organization is an innovative evolution of the age-old symphony patronage model that is focused on supporting popular local music. Together, Black Fret’s limited membership will build an endowed institution capable of sustaining more than a million dollars a year in grants to Austin’s artists.
c3 is a non-profit, artist-run, advocacy organization for musicians. With chapters in five cities, they are dedicated to working with songwriters, performers, and musicians for equity in the digital world.
The mission of Health Alliance for Austin Musicians is to provide access to affordable health care for Austin’s low-income, uninsured working musicians, with a focus on prevention and wellness. Austin is the “Live Music Capital of the World,” yet many professional working musicians are self-employed and rarely have access to health insurance. Without insurance, they cannot afford preventive health care, including primary medical care, basic dental services and mental health counseling.
The Hi, How Are You Project is a non-profit organizationinspiring new conversations around mental health issues by funding and creating thoughtful media content, projects and events. The Foundation, created with the support of Daniel Johnston and Family, provides a platform for the exchange of ideas and education on mental well-being. Donations to the Foundation fund mental health Awareness, Research and Education.
As part of the House of Blues and Live Nation Entertainment family, Music Forward inspires ambition and creates a momentum to redefine what’s possible for the young people and the industry we serve. Focusing on young people ages 12-22 in underserved communities, we set the stage for success by providing workshops and showcases to inspire the next generation of music industry leaders, innovators, and artists.
The Recording Academy’s charity MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares’ services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical, and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.
ABOUT MusicallyFed We work with artists, promoters, management, and venues nationwide to donate unused, backstage meals to community organizations comprised of at least 50% veterans and who focus on feeding the homeless, hungry, and food insecure.
ABOUTNEA : The National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that funds, promotes, and strengthens the creative capacity of our communities by providing all Americans with diverse opportunities for arts participation.
ABOUT ROADIECARERoadiecare is a non-profit founded by audio and production vet Sandy Espinoza. Unlike other programs, Roadiecare operates by donations of cash and electronic gift cards or certificates. Recipients are identified through either the Roadiecare.com website or personal referral.
ABOUT SIMS: SIMS provides access and financial support for mental health and addiction recovery services to Austin musicians, music industry professionals and their family members. SIMS works with over 90 therapists, psychiatrists and addiction recovery professionals in the Austin area to provide low or no cost services to music professionals suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, stage fright, relationship problems, addiction and other serious mental health issues. SIMS Foundation:
ABOUTTALA: Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts was formed in 1979 to meet the legal and accounting needs of artists and art nonprofits. Services include lawyer and accountant pro bono assistance for artists, patent pro bono assistance for inventors, dispute resolution services, and educational programs for the artistic and business communities. Programs are designed to help participants apply sound business practices to protect intellectual property, advance careers, and develop income.
ABOUT TCA: TCA supports a diverse and innovative arts community in Texas, throughout the nation and internationally by providing resources to enhance economic development, arts education, cultural tourism and artist sustainability initiatives.
I love the feel of the word tree, it conjures up all of my favorite places and people, meals and music. I invite you to join me in my link tree. It’s nearly summer ya’ll!
First, note, I am not an expert at NFT(yet) but I feel very driven to allow my clients all of the freedom to put out the content they want, how they want and when they want to anyone on the planet. Please join me so we can learn together how to be part of this new big beautiful world!
Artists, this question is for you and the feedback you have received from fans. As we move forward (YAY) with live shows again, will you continue to livestream to increase your fanbase? Will you jump onto the NFT band;) wagon?
15 minutes is best for a quick introduction to me, RajiWorld services offered or to catch up Pick 30 minutes for mentoring requests and pitches and please include your well thought-out questions or ideas Pick 60 minutes for a paid ($100) consultation on Live Event Covid Safety, Booking and Touring, First Time Event Consulting
As part of the House of Blues and Live Nation Entertainment family, Music Forward inspires ambition and creates a momentum to redefine what’s possible for the young people and the industry we serve. Focusing on young people ages 12-22 in underserved communities, we set the stage for success by providing workshops and showcases to inspire the next generation of music industry leaders, innovators, and artists.
Music is a powerful force in people’s lives. It’s a universal language that influences everyone and moves our culture. There is a new generation of leaders whose voices will shape the future. Music Forward empowers this generation to succeed and lead while celebrating the diversity of their voices and viewpoints.
Music Forward kick-starts musical careers through workshops and showcases that connect passions to professions. We open doors to an unmatched, nationwide network of music industry insiders to redefine what’s possible for tomorrow’s innovators and leaders. Both community and industry are transformed by Music Forward experiences bridging opportunity for the music community to become more innovative and inclusive.
In addition to defining pathways to success in the industry for high-school and college-age young people, Music Forward offers music industry professionals a way to give back by connecting with GenZ, sharing insight and experience, and uplifting communities.
Also in service of the music industry, Music Forward in partnership with Live Nation, established the Crew Nation fund- a global relief fund to support live music crews who have been affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We are honored to play a role in developing and managing this fund that provides support for these independent workers who are the backbone of the live music industry.
Music Forward is proud to hold the Platinum GuideStar Nonprofit Profile Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition for organizational efficiency and transparency offered by the world’s largest source of nonprofit information.
More than 30 Austin venues have created a public health code-of-conduct and safety program called Safe In Sound to make sure the city is able to reopen safely and responsibly.
Some of the standards and practices outlined in the Safe in Sound program include reorganizing venues to accommodate six-foot distancing between guests when appropriate; Continuing to require masks as necessary; conducting proper employee training for COVID safety; encouraging those exhibiting symptoms to stay home; and committing to sanitation of high-touch areas and availability of hand sanitizer. The initiative comes in response to Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s announcement that mandatory mask wearing and capacity restrictions were being ended in the state. Red River Cultural District Executive Director Cody Cowan explained in a statement some of the reasoning behind the creation of this initiative. “After hearing from countless workers about the new level of fear that this new mandate has instilled upon those who work and perform within the district, I refuse to stand by and not stand up for what I, and many others like me, believe to be right. We hope that these collective actions send a strong message to the public that although we want to reopen, we will only do so in a manner that provides a safe environment for all. “I strongly urge other local businesses to join this program as we look to better protect the safety of our patrons, performers, and employees.” Participating venues in the Safe In Sound program include ACL Live at The Moody Theater, Mohawk, Stubb’s Bar-B-Q, The Side Bar, Antone’s, Paramount Theatre, Stateside Theatre, Empire Control Room & Garage and many more. “The safety of our staff, performers, and patrons is of the utmost importance to our business at all times,” Stephen Sternschein, Founding NIVA Board Member and managing partner of Austin promoter Heard Presents said in a statement. “With that said, our city has made great strides in combating COVID-19 and we are closer than ever to being able to fully reopen safely; however, that day has not yet arrived. The limiting factor is vaccinations – once shots are widely available to everyone in our community, we should be able to fully reopen, but not before. “I’m proud to stand with like-minded small business owners in pledging to continue to operate at a reduced capacity and to continue to require masks until the CDC provides clear guidance that this is no longer necessary. As a patron myself, my worst fear is unwittingly walking into an establishment that has chosen to remove the mask and social distancing requirements that are demonstrably effective in reducing the risk of infection. As consumers, we have the power to choose where we spend our time and money, and I urge everyone who feels the same way we do to join us and support the businesses that are committed to keeping us all SAFE IN SOUND. “I also want to thank Tom DeGeorge (Crowbar, Ybor City Florida and NIVA Precinct Captain) for his inspiration and advice in developing this initiative.”
This is an on-site contract(1099) position in downtown Austin, TX. I am booked infrequent (but increasing now) Spring, Summer and Fall events. I am diligent about the safety of our members, gusts and staff and I will be looking for the same in you. I am a certified COVID-19 Compliance Officer and we will be following this protocol on our events.
I will be interviewing, in-person and very safely on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. Please email your interest and availability, along with your resume to roggie@saengerrunde.org
I am honored to share that I will be working as the Event Producer at my favorite venue in Tucson which is my favorite city in the US and where my career began!
Booking and producing safe and exciting performances for this magical space. I am grateful to continue my favorite work as we evolve into Live Events2.0 (the 2021 version). My first event is one month from today! and a BIG (TOP) one with 31 shows! Check it out with this video and come visit us sometime, cold beer/ great tacos but with cactus and mad beautiful sunsets.
I am able to expand the vision of spectacle clients, husband and wife Technical Director and Artistic Director of Flam Chen The MSA Annex is an expansion of the Mercado San Agustín, bringing 13 new locally owned small businesses, many women and minority-owned, for a total of 26 along the Mercado District’s Avenida Del Convento. The shops and eateries at the MSA Annex are housed beautifully inside modified shipping containers. The containers, designed by Tucson Architect Paul Weiner, are architecturally compelling and modern in Nature. The juxtaposition of the Spanish Colonial style Mercado San Agustin and new modern Annex together create a dynamic experience as seen in great cities around the world.
Hello! I am looking for a Tucson based intern to start right away from home. Any in-person work will maintain the highest in COVID19 safety protocols.
The ideal candidate must be highly organized; possess time management skills; have a computer and cell in good working order that they can successfully ZOOM from as needed. They shall have strong attention to detail; be experienced in working with databases to coordinate events; do well in a changing and multi-tasking environment with numerous deadlines; be able to handle difficult customer situations; can adapt to changes quickly and efficiently; and possess excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
This position is for college credit, future paid employment or both.
Please send your cover letter and resume to roggie@rajiworld.com
Virtual Black Fret Ball this Saturday, December 12th, at 7pm CT streaming on BlackFret.org! There’ll be performances from all of our 2020 nominees and *$160,000* in grants given to them. Why not get dressed up and have some fun with it from home? ⧓
We can reminisce about shows from the past or we can make the most of what we have now (which is all we really ever have anyway:)
A Virtual Awards Ceremony is a Great Morale Booster
Let’s dress up and toast our peers from the safety and comfort of our home? We’re all prisoners to the couch these days. We all miss each other! If we have to be apart, let’s make an effort to make it fun.
I have so much respect for this year’s nominees. I have heard from many of them and they each have creative ideas on staying present and vibrant in this current space we share. Tune in and learn more.
Our shared vision is to build an endowed institution capable of sustaining over a million dollars a year in grants to the finest musicians in cities around the world. To achieve that we’re looking for a limited group of dedicated local music fans to become members.
Over the next decade we will fund hundreds of exceptional bands to create thousands of new songs while building a new institution capable of supporting the sustained artistic, cultural and economic growth of our cities (currently Austin and Seattle) and the artists who call our cities home. We hope you will join us in building a legacy of beautiful music.
Fans of the one-of-a-kind, pure-voiced DIVA (in the good way), Akina Adderley, wait no longer for the KUTXSong of the Day!
October 13 was a big day for the song, it was also the Single Spotlight on Austin 360: Austin360 On The Record: Singles Spotlight with Akina Adderley, Folk Uke, Willie Nelson, more…
Austin360 On The Record is a weekly roundup of new, recent and upcoming releases by local and Austin-associated recording artists.
SINGLES SPOTLIGHT- With the Nov. 3 election looming, our monthly singles spotlight not surprisingly includes several sociopolitically oriented songs.
Akina Adderley, “Broke.” Adderley gets lots of work locally as a backing singer — she taped “Austin City Limits” last week as part of Jackie Venson’s band — and has recorded in recent years with the band Nori, but this is the first song she’s released under her own name since 2012. She says it’s “a call to action for people to acknowledge their complicity in systems of oppression and their moral responsibility to actively engage in the process of dismantling injustice.” The single will be released Monday; here’s a live version of the tune from a 2019 Black Fret Concert on the Long Center lawn
Black Fret believes local music deserves our community’s support.
Like the opera, symphony, ballet or theatre, our local music is art. And as art, Black Fret believes our music is worthy of support from those whose lives are touched by it.
Black Fret provides those who love their local music with the opportunity to become a Patron of Local Music.
Together our Members, Advisory Board, volunteers and musicians are creating a vibrant community to support local music, now in both Austin, Texas and Seattle, Washington.
The pandemic has reached every corner of our lives and although it cancelled out my dreamy summer plans, it also gave me the gift of so much time alone that I have had the luxury of “going back to school” myself and safely.
I have taken an incredible COVID-19 tracing course online via Johns Hopkins and brushed up on my spreadsheets and Google Suite and my favorite, Festival and Event Production which was socially -distanced and very (sanitized) hands on. I can’t wait to share (not spread) my new knowledge on your next event!!! (PS a few coming soon with ALL of the attention to my fave subject SAEFTY!)
RajiWorld has always stood proudly in the belief that BLACK LIVES MATTER. We have worked with a racially diverse roster since our beginnings and followed the lead of our clients on how to demonstrate this core value. We hope that you feel the same way.
Black Lives Matter began as a call to action in response to state-sanctioned violence and anti-Black racism. Our intention from the very beginning was to connect Black people from all over the world who have a shared desire for justice to act together in their communities. The impetus for that commitment was, and still is, the rampant and deliberate violence inflicted on us by the state.
Enraged by the death of Trayvon Martin and the subsequent acquittal of his killer, George Zimmerman, and inspired by the 31-day takeover of the Florida State Capitol by POWER U and the Dream Defenders, we took to the streets. A year later, we set out together on the Black Lives Matter Freedom Ride to Ferguson, in search of justice for Mike Brown and all of those who have been torn apart by state-sanctioned violence and anti-Black racism. Forever changed, we returned home and began building the infrastructure for the Black Lives Matter Global Network, which, even in its infancy, has become a political home for many.
Ferguson helped to catalyze a movement to which we’ve all helped give life. Organizers who call this network home have ousted anti-Black politicians, won critical legislation to benefit Black lives, and changed the terms of the debate on Blackness around the world. Through movement and relationship building, we have also helped catalyze other movements and shifted culture with an eye toward the dangerous impacts of anti-Blackness.
On Tuesday 2 June, 2020 RajiWorld LLC is wholeheartedly supporting #TheShowMustBePaused. We will not be conducting any business in observance of Black Out Tuesday. It’s time to pause, reflect, learn and act for long term change. Enough is enough. #BlackLivesMatter
“In a racist society it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.”
Witnessing the tragic murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer under our very eyes has been paralyzing to say the least. As uncomfortable and numbing as this tragic event is, it is our responsibility to speak out. It’s on all of us.
There is no gender justice until there is racial justice. No one is free until everyone is free. Staying silent is not an option; it is a passive stamp of approval for racist behavior.
We stand in solidarity with the black, brown and indigenous lives that have been lost and voices that have been silenced in the US and beyond. On this particular occasion, we stand with the black community who has been a victim of overt and covert forms of oppression for hundreds of years. We stand in solidarity with #GeorgeFloyd #AhmaudArbery #BreonnaTaylor #BellyMujinga #RegisKorchinskiPaquet #TonyMcDade and the many before them.
We urge all members and allies of the shesaid.so community to take a proactive stand against racism and speak out. If that’s all you can do at the moment, please speak to your friends and relatives, express your outrage and provide resources so they can engage in further. If you can take the extra step, please donate. If you live in the US, call your local authorities to take a stance. Together we can make a difference. Staying silent is not an option.
Below is a list of resources anyone of any gender or ethnicity can use to familiarize themselves further with this urgent issue, including mental health resources and ways to support social and racial justice.
Funds, petitions and collectives for taking action:
I have been an agent for a long, long time but thankfully for even longer, I have been an agent of change. It could be the EST of my youth or my fascination with reactions (Chemical and otherwise) or all of the time alone in my work but I embrace, adore and welcome change.
I have streamlined my agency over the past 5 years to include mostly corporate gigs, house concerts, galas and festivals with very little touring so although we did not loose tours we did have 100% of gigs cancel the second week in March. A few paid which will be appreciated for all time as this quarantine, virus and the way those around us react will certainly go down in history and eventually be studied.
the laminate I don now 😉 made by my new festival worker bee friend Conor Rayder.
Over the past 10 weeks I have participated in and listened to many industry forums and roundtables on WHAT NOW?! I am pleased to watch the coalitions made up of forma rivals get strong and unified, pleased to hear the demand for live music from fans and very proud of musicians themselves for learning new technology and performing in a way that shows it all. No one has asked me, but if they did I would say I prefer the mystery and magic of planning, anticipating and being present for a concert. It is a one of kind living breathing experience that nothing will duplicate it. But I just kept three very special and unique clients who are also about quality over quantity.
I want to share a different point of view that I read and respect this week. If this had happened in the days of my full touring roster I would have jumped on ways to make the most of this climate.
How To Work With Agents And Promoters In A Live Streaming World
Musicians and the entire music industry are scrambling to understand the wild wild west of live streaming. As each finds their own path forward, it’s important that they include all of the key players that drive live music.
From day one of this pandemic, I, like many artist managers out there, have been working almost nonstop to navigate around the changes and uncertainty that lie ahead for our artists. The roller coaster ride that has been the last few months was stressful, to say the least. And while all this uncertainty leads to stress, anxiety, and maybe even depression, our job is to push through to find solutions not only for our artists but also for ourselves.
On the one hand, it can feel almost like doomsday. On the other, I think we can agree that we’re lucky in that our access to technology, and most importantly, to the fans, is unprecedented within our industry. I’m a firm believer that the music industry is resilient. It’ll change and morph and evolve. We’re seeing it happen as we speak. Numerous artists are resorting to live streaming and connecting with fans on platforms they’ve never used before (e.g. Twitch, TikTok, StageIt, NoonChorus, etc.). Some artists, like my client, Fox Stevenson, have seen growth in streaming due to an increase in engagement online.
Even though we’re finding ways for artists to keep moving forward and maintain their careers, the live industry is left behind. We’re seeing reputable venues shutting down (Great Scott in Boston for example). The main revenue stream for our agency partners has all but diminished.
The other day one of my client’s agents emailed me asking my thoughts on how agents can play a role in the live streaming world. It was a great question and something that we all need to really talk about.
“The live industry is getting left behind and it’s important that we work together to come up with solutions.”
An agent’s main role is to work with promoters, venues, and festivals to book gigs. For their work, they receive a commission based on the artist’s pay. So if the only shows that are happening are live streams, what does that mean for them? If an artist can put on their own live stream concert, where can an agent or even a promoter fit into this equation?
Is there money in streaming?
Absolutely. Fox Stevenson streams regularly on Twitch and receives direct contributions from fans. (The highest single donation he received was $3,000 USD from a fan!). Another client, TORRES, streamed live on Instagram and promoted her PayPal, Venmo, and Patreon accounts.
Fans are spending money on their favorite artists. They’re buying merch, subscribing to Patreon, and tuning into these streams.
We’re also seeing artists doing ticketed live streams. NoonChorus, for example, makes contributing to artists seamless. Not only can you buy a ticket, but links to the artist’s PayPal, Venmo, and any additional links are right on the streaming page.
Live streaming is an opportunity to not only create a revenue stream, but to offer: VIP ticket packages to a limited number of fans where they can request songs or ask questions, limited edition merch, listening parties, and more.
The fact of the matter is that live streaming, whether it’s a house show or Q&A with fans, is one of the best ways artists can stay engaged with their fanbase.
Live Music: Helping create new fans one gig at a time
I never considered myself a fan of Twenty One Pilots. Then I saw them at SXSW in 2012 and my mind was blown. I decided to see them again that week, and saw them 3 more times in NYC. Live concerts have always been a great way to gain new fans. Perform at a festival to an audience of thousands of people who have never seen you play. Open for a band that has listeners you want to reach. Join a friend at a local venue to see an artist you’ve never heard of before. Now you’re a fan.
Concerts have this innate way of creating a special fan experience and is easily one of the best ways to convert someone into a fan.
How do we make new fans from streaming?
I’m curious to know what other artist teams are seeing, but it seems that for most streamed shows, artists are reaching audiences that are already following them.
The Internet is oversaturated with almost every single artist doing a live stream. There’s a lot of competition. Some artists are limited as far as sound quality is concerned when it comes to a live stream. Moreover, unless you live together, bands are separated due to social distancing and are unable to perform together.
“there are ways artists can make new fans right now”
Fortunately, there are ways artists can make new fans right now. You can “open” for another artist and then stick around the chatroom to engage with the fans as you watch the “headliner” performer. You can do a live Q&A with each other or with a different member of your band where fans can also take part in the conversation. An artist can also make a surprise appearance on someone else’s stream, which is always a great way to get fans excited and curious.
Beyond these ideas, in order for artists to reach new listeners, we need to come together and collaborate not just within the industry, but also beyond.
That being said, I’ve put together some ideas that agents can start exploring in order to find revenue streams not only for their artists, but for themselves. While it’s easy to cut out the middle person by artists organizing live streams themselves, it should not deter an agent from seeking out other opportunities that will otherwise be missed by artist teams. That is essentially what they bring to the table when helping book live shows.
Idea #1: Curated Virtual Events
Trivecta recently performed for an event called Dreamworld, that reached 5mil+ viewers over 3 days. The fundraising event raised $45k for charity. Trivecta alone reached 7k+ people with his performance.
Although this was an unpaid event, the potential for him to reach an audience beyond his current following is invaluable. Since the pandemic, he’s participated in 3 virtual festivals. These performances plus his efforts to engage with fans have resulted in a steady growth of new fans across his social media platforms.
We’ll continue to see more and more virtual festivals curated by large and small entities as the summer progresses.
Idea #2: Branded Partnerships
This is something I haven’t seen as often as I’d expect, especially considering how festivals are turning to online streaming and seeing success with it.
I could see a brand taking more of a promoter approach in a lot of ways. Whether a brand or a promoter, I’d like to see what else they can bring to the table in terms of ensuring it’s a high quality stream. We’re mostly seeing people in their homes, but I think what we’re lacking is a makeshift stage with good lighting or some other efforts in terms of production. Or even adding visual effects in the background and multiple camera angles.
TORRES recently did a live stream on NoonChorus and with the help of her girlfriend and videographer friend, was able to create some DIY stage designs (mood lighting with candles and black lights) as well as costume changes. The result was a unique streaming experience that the fans enjoyed.
On a different level, we’re seeing charities and organizations hold events by curating a list of artists to perform. We’re also seeing entities such as Amazon Music partnering with artists to curate events and broadcast them on the company’s Twitch.
I’d love to see smaller companies, those with niche markets and a strong online presence, to consider partnering with musicians whether to put on their own version of an online event or to help promote their products by offering affiliate links or discounts that financially incentivizes artists. Not only does the company tap into these artists’ fan bases, but the artists are also exposed to an audience beyond their current fans.
Idea #3: Let promoters and venues do what they do best – PROMOTE!
First, why should an artist give up any of their ticket sales when they can cut the middle person out of the equation and self-promote?
It comes down to what new fans promoters or outside opportunities can bring to the table (whether that’s partnering with a venue or a brand that can expand exposure).
How do we connect this with the agency world in a way that all parties benefit? And how do we connect with promoters to maximize reach & sales in specific markets? (This was one of the questions I received in speaking to a client’s agent.)
When working on a local level, it makes sense to work with a promoter/venue if there’s an upcoming date with the artist on the books or if you know there will be one eventually (suffice it to say, who knows when live shows are making a comeback). That way you can use the live stream to also promote the concert.
If you’re working with multiple promoters to push one ticketed live stream, use affiliate links or promo codes to track sales. That way, an artist can justify giving a split of the profits with the promoter. And the artist can take advantage of the resources the promoter brings to the table.
Possible Solutions for Agents
With all these ideas in mind (and I’m sure there are plenty more this article doesn’t cover), an agent will have to evolve their role more to continue adding value to an artist’s career.
Agents can use these various ideas, mold them how they see will fit into an artist’s overall strategy, and find opportunities beyond what the artist or their team can bring to the table. They can actively seek out brand partnerships. They can help leverage their relationship with promoters to maximize exposure and sales for ticketed events.
Regardless, agencies and the live industry are vital facets to the music world. Let’s find ways to make sure they aren’t left behind.
