Features
ICM, Paradigm, UTA, WME Agents On Thanksgiving Grind: Survey
Getty Images –
It’s A Busy Time Period: Free range turkeys at David McEvoys farm from Termonfeckin Delicious. Tullyallen, Co. Lougth, Ireland.
Agents across the industry say Thanksgiving is a particularly hectic period in a live music business cycle that never seems to slow down. Already they’re well underway competing for holds for spring and summer 2018 (and beyond) while trying to get their on-sales out before Christmas and the post-holiday lull. Routing, too, is increasingly more complex, global and congested with greater competition than ever before. And, for better or worse, awards season is already upon us.
Pollstar surveyed agents across the industry to get their take on the Thanksgiving grind and to learn more about their seasonal challenges and triumphs and, perhaps most importantly, coping mechanisms.
Mari Davies
Concerts Agent, ICM Partners
Responsible Agent For: August Alsina, Eric Bellinger, Jarren Benton, Dave B, Teyana Taylor, Tink, Casey Veggies, Tone Stith, Kelly Rowland, Kodak Black, Jacquees, Victoria Monet, YBN Nahmir, Arin Ray, Jim Jones,
How’s your Thanksgiving grind going and how does it compare to years past?
In previous years, we found ourselves winding down for the holidays around this time but this year we are in full speed booking mode. There is no longer a “slow period.” With the influx of talent breaking virally, there is no shortage of acts looking to tour year-round, particularly at the club level. There is a ton of traffic and we are booking non-stop.
What are the biggest challenges you’re facing in terms of holds, routing, on-sales, ticketing?
TRAFFIC. We are 18th hold in rooms Spring and Summer 2018. There are so many acts breaking and able to tour based on the success of their online presence/streams, particularly at the club level, that the challenge then becomes finding available rooms. Other challenges include market competition – making sure you are not routing on top of similar talent/packages and avoiding oversaturating the market, considering competitor ticket pricing for other shows in the market, timing announcements and on-sale schedules to ensure strong pre-sale numbers etc.
What are some of your biggest victories?
I find the greatest joy in developing young talent. Participating in the rise of acts like Kodak Black and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie. It’s rewarding when you take an act from selling 200 tickets to 2500 tickets. That is when this job is most fun and most rewarding.
What’s your general take on next year’s live music market?
Hip Hop is “pop” and we are back in a major way. We will continue to see hip hop/urban dominate festivals and break box office records. It’s a really exciting time to be a part of the touring business.
What are your coping mechanisms for the grind?
Meditation. In this fast-paced tug of war grind, it is essential to center and ground yourself.
Ashley Mowry-Lewis
Music Agent, Paradigm Talent Agency
Roster includes: Vance Joy, JOHNNYSWIM, Passenger, The Neighbourhood and many more.
How’s your Thanksgiving grind going and how does it compare to years past?
Working a lot more on 2018. Have most of my Q1-Q2 finished, we are in the beginning stages of Q3 & Q4.
What are the biggest challenges you’re facing in terms of holds, routing, onsales, ticketing?
A lot of traffic. Folks are starting earlier with all the festival traffic. Waiting to get announces / onsales ahead of some festival announces but also work around album / single releases.
What are some of your biggest victories?
Being able to get ahead with planning, having the conversations and marking time frames.
What’s your general take on next year’s live music market?
It looks like March – May is going to be busy.
What are your coping mechanisms for the grind?
Ice cream and a lot of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee.
Ken Fermaglich
Music Agent, United Talent Agency
Responsible Agent For: Guns N’ Roses, Muse, Paramore, 3 Doors Down, Alter Bridge
How’s your Thanksgiving grind going and how does it compare to years past?
It’s busier than ever and I am in the middle of multiple tours that I’m booking for 2018.
What are the biggest challenges you’re facing in terms of holds, routing, onsales, ticketing?
Right now, getting the offers in and the packages set – who will tour with who.
What are some of your biggest victories?
I’m really proud that Guns N Roses had the biggest tour of the year and it’s just the beginning!
What’s your general take on next year’s live music market?
The market is continuing to grow and feels strong, but it’s just a beat too early to know for sure.
What are your coping mechanisms for the grind?
Looking forward to the holiday break and spending time with my family.
Ron Opaleski
Partner, William Morris Endeavor
Responsible Agent For: Fitz And The Tantrums, Greta Van Fleet, Kaleo, The Struts, Primus, All Time Low, Shinedown, Five Finger Death Punch, The Pretty Reckless
How’s your Thanksgiving grind going and how does it compare to years past?
The current crunch feels more intense than past years. I think everyone is trying to get a head start on the Christmas crunch by starting a few weeks earlier.
What are the biggest challenges you’re facing in terms of holds, routing, ticketing?
Turning “8th holds” into first holds and navigating all of the festival traffic.
What have been some of your biggest victories?
Currently the explosive growth of Greta Van Fleet
What’s your general take on next year’s live music market in terms of ticketing, routing, congestion and otherwise?.
Traffic is now a constant and I don’t see that ever changing. Now more than ever strategic, well-thought out 12+ month global plans are needed for each artist. I think 2018 will be a dynamic year for ticketing as the industry continues to develop new technologies and pricing models.
What are your coping mechanisms for the grind?
Playing with my 2.5-year-old son always puts things in perspective.