My super-power has always been to hold on tight to my belief system while negotiating the slippery slopes of the music business of the past 3 decades. I have been blessed to attract clients and partners (sponsors and colleagues) who dance the same path. We are happy, healthy collaborators in the music biz. Cool, right?
Takeaways
- How to stay true to yourself and clients in the ever-changing current that is our beloved industry.
- How do collaborate with like-minded colleagues to make the most of individual assets .
- How to connect bands and brands in 2022.
Speakers
- Roggie Baer, Founder/ Agent, RajiWorld LLC and Atomic Music Group
- Nakia Reynoso, Creator, https://austintexasmusicians.org
Organizer
Roggie Baer, Founder/ Agent, RajiWorld LLC and Atomic Music Group
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FIRST PROGRAMMING ANNOUNCEMENT
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“Well, the place was packed and there was a gal named Roggie in the audience. She had a booking agency called RajiWorld. I’d heard of her through my friends in a band called Dash Rip Rock. The Rugburns and Dash were close pals and had done a few tours together through the Midwest.So Roggie (pronounced Raji) says to me. “Hey I’m Roggie. I liked your show. Do you have an agent?”“Yeah, but I’m not that happy with em. They don’t really know how to book small clubs. It’s not really in their wheelhouse so I’m not working enough. I wanna play every dive bar in America.”So Roggie says “why don’t we meet up for breakfast tomorrow? Meet me at The Four Seasons.”“The Four Seasons???”So we went to brekkie and sealed the deal right there. I left CAA and signed on to RajiWorld. From huge to boutique.So Roggie proceeded to book me everywhere. I was never home. I got my wish. I played houses bars and cafes. Anywhere. Insane asylums, prisons, picnics, weddings, old folks homes etc. I owe a lot to her. We strategized and commiserated and made a little cash. It was a blast. I still keep in touch with her today. I love her.Now it’s 2019. Yikes. Where did the time go. My hair ain’t the color it once was but I’m still out there.8 billion gigs later and here I am getting ready to head out to Florida for some shows.”Feeling grateful. – Steve Poltz
Roggie, thank you again for joining the Festivals panel. It ended up being such a rich discussion! My favorite part about your participation was how your loving spirit shone through so richly. Your balance of brass-tacks business savvy and soul-deep positive regard for others is so beautiful to witness. Your example reminds me to be my best self, and I am sure you have that effect on many others as well. Looking forward to seeing you again soon! -Debbie Stanley
Roggie ”LIVES” for her artists and 24/7 isn’t a time frame that ever has enough time for what she gives to her love of music.—Michael Plen
Roggie has years of experience and credibility in the Austin music world wearing multiple hats that span music, community and local businesses. Working with her would potentially offer valuable exposure to many facets of the business that relate to artist representation (including but not limited to booking, promotion, publicity, branding/cross-branding, event producing, management, mentorship, strategic planning).” – Trish Murphy
“The lovely Roggie Baer is a consummate professional who puts her heart, soul, talent and professionalism behind any project she’s involved with. Not only does she have a vast network of colleagues, but she also embraces making new connections. I am proud supporter of her work and look forward to collaborating with Ms. Baer on future projects. Most Sincerely, Celeste Quesada
On this Friday, I’d like a standing ovation for Roggie Baer and all the work she did to make the Music Awards shine with stars this year. She started out on the show a few years ago by pulling together the style elements of the show, but this year she knocked herself out by assembling a collection of many of the musicians who have been so near and dear to my heart for nearly four decades. This from a woman who also puts together showcases and parties during the conference, and keeps her own RajiWorld business together. In fact, she has a showcase going on today at the Ginger Man that’s got more than a few folks I love too, including my beloved friends in the Fleshtones. Thank you, my beautiful friend!” – Margaret Moser, Director of The Austin Music Awards
“I needed a booking agent for an up and coming artist (at the time), Rufus Wainwright – I needed someone who could book large clubs and theaters on a residency tour for him without much radio play or giant ticket buys… Roggie did it! The tour was well planned, utilized the top venues and was more cost effective in building a usable fan base for Rufus than any other option we explored. I would hire Roggie again for any project – she produced results, was easy to work with; had great customer service, attention to detail and our ROI exceeded our goals.” – Sue Naramore, Geffen Records and Dreamworks Records Tour Coordination
“Roggie is not only a primo booking agent, taking care of biz on every level, and going the distance for her clients. She’s also blessed with a sense of style and community. Her annual SXSW party says it all — elegantly appointed, cordially catered and a mandatory hang for everyone cool in the music business. I feel very fortunate to be a citizen of Raji’s world.” Cary Baker, Owner, conqueroo
“Roggie is an amazing force for music in the Austin community! She truly cares about her artists, about making Austin a great place for musicians to live, and about helping her artists get the recognition – nationally and globally – that they deserve.” Traci Hughes, Recruiter – Digital, Social, Interactive; Founder, Third Coast Search
“Roggie’s very tuned in to the music scene in Austin and elsewhere, and has vast experience as a promoter and booking agent. She writes great newsletters, too, keeping clients, colleagues and friends up-to-date on all of her acts — and has organized and hosted one of SXSW’s hottest parties for years. She knows how to make deals that protect her artists and keep her clients happy.” Lynne Margolis, music writer/editor
She’s a veteran of the music business and you won’t be able to find an agent who works harder for her clients. Since then I’ve been lucky enough to get to know Roggie and her family on a more personal level, and I am pleased to say that they are wonderful people as well.” John Cole, Owner, Clubland Records
“Roggie’s passion for her clients is absolutely amazing! Every artist she works for gains an incredible amount of recognition just by having her on the team. She’s an outgoing, knowledgeable, and spunky booking agent – a true powerhouse in Austin’s music scene!” – Jenni Finlay, Owner, Jenni Finlay Promotions
“Roggie is one of the rare finds who is passionate about her work, knows what she likes and gets results for her clients. Not to mention her great attitude and personality!” Rob Bleetstein, Americana Editor, The Gavin Report
“I’ve have known and worked with Roggie from the time she created RajiWorld Productions. She is driven by both a passion for her artists and an expert knowledge of her industry. Raji is simply the best!” -Dusty Wakeman, Producer
“Roggie is experienced, charming, and totally professional. Highly recommended.” – Barry Simons“Always pleasant to deal with, Roggie knows her business well and has an excellent sense of artists needs. She’s one of the true gems in the music industry.” – Chris Porter , Programming Director, One Reel, Hardley Strictly Bluegrass
“Roggie is a consummate professional. Calm under pressure, always pleasant and task oriented no matter how much the heat is poured on. She’s very organized and prepared and a sheer joy to work with.” -Scarlett Angell, Assistant Director Austin Music Awards
“Roggie has long been a leader in the Austin music industry. She has extensive experience working for others and in managing her own agency. She is a trusted source for consulting and innovative solutions in the touring industry.” Craig Barker, Attorney, Law Office of Craig Barker
“Roggie Baer is a creative, honest, dependable representatie for her clients. She works hard to accommodate a venue or promoter’s needs as well as those of her clients. Roggie is also very generous with her time & talent in volunteering for community affairs & fundraisers. She is someone who makes a difference. And, Roggie Baer is someone I always look forward to working with!” – Dianne Scott The Continental Club, Austin TX
“My name is Steve Poltz and Roggie has booked me on about a gazillion national tours across the USA. We have worked together for years and it is not hyperbole to say that I wouldn’t have the career I’ve had without her help. She toiled to build my touring base in a creative way that very few people could ever dream of doing. Her hard work and diligence were an energetic force of nature. I am sad that she is going in another direction but I will use many of the things she taught me about being a successful troubadour. She basically gave me a career and for that I am forever grateful. Khabele is very lucky to have her and I wish her nothing but continued success. ¡Viva Roggie! With love and kindness,” – Steve Poltz
Thank you Roggie! You believed in me when few people even knew my name, much less my voice. Your heart and integrity have been a real blessing in my life and I’m glad to count you a dear friend. Much love and happiness to you!”- Nakia
“Roggie was great to work with and was always looking for a creative solution. Made a great member of the team.” Dale Brock , Smile Smile Manager
“Whether it’s music or events Roggie is always very professional. Her advice and suggestions have always been a good match. I will look forward to working with her in the future.” David Whitney , Director of Operations, Threadgill’s Restaurant
“Roggie is one of the first to inspire me to think “Austin has finally gotten into the real music business” Thanks for all you do and are doing” Mark Younger-Smith, Owner, Marked Man Music
“Roggie is a creative soul organizer. She see’s a need and connects creatives for always bankable results. Her charm, wit, joy for life and business savvy always come together for remarkable results. In a heartbeat I’d jump at the chance to work with here again… There is only one Roggie Baer, and I’m proud to call her a kindred. VIVA ROGGIE!” – Ricardo “r/ace” Acevedo, Graphic Designer & Photographer, In the RA / RAWorx Creative
“Roggie is a great woman to have on your team. She works extremely hard for the clients that she represents and does so with humor, grace and a can-do, positive attitude. Roggie is a veteran in the music industry and I would proudly recommend her to anyone in need of an agent.” – Trish Wagner, Advertising Sales and Marketing Assistant, No Depression Magazine“
Roggie volunteered for me at SXSW…. quite some time ago. She had just relocated into Austin and came to me seeking a non-standard volunteer arrangement, something meatier that she could sink her teeth into. She managed our out-of-towner volunteer housing arrangements and as such, provided them with a Texas-style welcome wagon – complete with every bit of info that any new comer could ever want about Austin. She excelled in that role and we were very grateful that she took the task and made it her own, and made it a special welcome to a large team of newcomers to the SXSW Volunteerbase. I’d work with her again in a heartbeat!” -Peggy Ellithorpe, Senior Volunteer Manager, SXSW“