Artist FAQ

Prior to looking for a booking agent, artists need to experience booking their own gigs and selling out their own local shows. You should be at the top of your game both musically and as a performer. It’s hard to blow your own horn. When you are ready, let TSE do it for you as your number one cheerleader. You must have your own following and now want to expand to the next level, including out-of-town and bigger venues.

In general the answer is No. That doesn’t mean that TSE is not on the look for that rare, diamond in the rough who will be the next big act. That said; TSE is looking to be the RA (responsible agent) for artists who are committed to doing the work necessary to emerge on the big stage. For those dedicated artists who have the talent, showmanship and creative ability, TSE can help them progress in their careers and raise their profile level in the music business. Only standouts acts should contact TSE.

• Chances are that TSE booking agents can get you in venues you would never be able to book yourself. They believe in you and advocate on your behalf. Having a 3rd party touting you and you past draws at other venues, can open the door to bigger venues.
• Taking the job of booking gigs off your shoulders allows you to focus on devising a better performance, building a bigger fan base, writing new songs and building your music career.
• TSE has a network of relationships with promoters and venues. That means better and bigger gigs for the artists they represent.
• Bigger venues mean bigger paychecks.
• Booking agencies like TSE book big name entertainment. That means that you could end up as a lead-in for a bigger name artist or band that could grow your fan base.

Booking is just as much about having solid relationships with the bands as with the venues. At TSE, we really value our close relationships with our featured artists. They are part of our music “community” that we hope to grow together. Consider the following:Booking is just as much about having solid relationships with the bands as with the venues. At TSE, we really value our close relationships with our featured artists. They are part of our music “community” that we hope to grow together. Consider the following:

• TSE has been booking entertainers since 1975
• We have over 175 years of music business experience
• We are trusted by venues and entertainers alike
• We stand behind our services

• Know your local music scene
• Have a quality EPK
• Have an attractive Website under your own domain
• Have a known brand. Talent buyers don’t book what is not known by fans.
• Have examples of your work, including songs and compilation video with good quality audio of your performances in different venues/genres
• Promote and document your gig numbers. You should know your draw numbers and make them available.
• Use social media to promote shows and expand fan base
• Understand where you fit in your local or regional music market
• Network and make friends with other artists, promoters and your fans

EPK stands for Electronic Press Kit. Physical press kits with hard copies have been replaced by the electronic press kit. An EPK is a promotional package in digital form. EPKs can include more information in a user-friendly format than physical press kits. An EPK is housed on the band’s website or our site for featured artists. A full EPK typically has the following components: It is intended to provide venues and promoters all the necessary information for marketing purposes and needed for a program. EPK stands for Electronic Press Kit. Physical press kits with hard copies have been replaced by the electronic press kit. An EPK is a promotional package in digital form. EPKs can include more information in a user-friendly format than physical press kits. An EPK is housed on the band’s website or our site for featured artists. A full EPK typically has the following components: It is intended to provide venues and promoters all the necessary information for marketing purposes and needed for a program.

• Backgrounder: This is a bio designed to attract a reader’s attention and communicates the genre and peek into their artistry and influences
• Music Samples: Should appeal to different audiences, promoter vs fans, etc.
• Gig Calendar: Should be updated regularly and shared with TSE’s artist booking platform calendar
• Photos: Can include headshots; band and promotional shots; CD cover art, etc.
• Videos: Give audiences a chance to watch your best live performances
• Your Sound/Lighting Equipment List: Gives venues a feel for how large a room it will handle
• Press Coverage: Show off any press coverage, including reviews, interviews and endorsements
• Your One Sheet: This distills the essential info into one single page
• Contact Information: Include your agents phone number

An EPK is what promoters, venues, and booking agents want to see before they book you. While your booking agent or one sheet may have opened the door, it’s the EPK that seals the deal. It’s an important piece of the booking process. Not having one is a sign that you are not committed to growing the number and importance of your gigs.

• Exaggerate their fan base and draw
• Be dishonest as to where they are in their career
• Lack commitment to work to grow their music careers
• Cancel gigs
• Go around the agency and book yourself after the agent spent time getting you into a venue in the first place
• Not show up on time
• Be unfriendly to fans and promoters
• Not use social media to grow fan base and promote their events
• Act unprofessional during gigs and exchanges with promoters, venues, booking agents and fans

TSE tries to keep its “featured artist” rosters with original singer/songwriters to a small number to allow for the personal service we believe is important to building their careers. TSE will accept a larger number of tribute bands and cover bands.

• The “wow” factor: Acts that stand out and are unique. It’s talent, remembering that the live performance is as important as the music itself. It’s the complete package.
• The ability to write quality songs that stick in our head after the performance is over.
• A clear and realistic idea of who you are as a band and where you want to go.
• Full time, touring performers who sell out venues