Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How do you select the musicians on your roster?A: I am looking for performers that I will have a good long-term with and the most important thing is that I have to like the music. The group or soloist has to be saleable, have realistic goals and be dedicated to their music. My roster is currently made up of music, dance and spoken word from Celtic countries and other parts of Europe that is either traditional or newly created but includes traditional or ethnic elements. I have developed a network of presenters who book this kind of thing, so anyone new on my roster will need to been appealing to at least some of those venues. In most cases I work with performers who are appropriate for many different kinds of venues, from harp groups and Welsh socities, to college performing arts centers and from folk clubs to independant promoters. In many cases performers come to me on the recomendation of other musicians or from a record company. I don't anticipate having an opening on my roster for at least a year. Q: Can you send me a CD and promo on your performers for my concert series/festival?A: Yes, it is best to call me on the phone and we can discuss who will be available at the times you are interested in and who is in your fee range. As tours are booking the available dates can change and fees are often determined by the routing of the tour and travel expenses. Let me know what days of the week you present concerts and whether you have booked comparable performers in the past. Give me your mailing and email addresses and I will be happy to send promo. Q: If I have a radio show where can I get the CDs?A: Send me an email and let me know what station your show is on, the format, and if you report your play lists to Folk-DJ or send them out via email. Depending on the musician you are interested in, I will either send you the CDs or have the record company forward these to you. Q: How can I find out where the concerts will be?A: The tour schedules go out each month to a number on print and on-line calendars. These include Dirty Linen, Thistle & Shamrock and Pollstar. In addition I can add you to email lists so you will be contacted regularly about certain performers, or kinds of music. I can also add you to my data base of people that get postcard mailings for some of the tours. Fill out our contact info form. Q: I'm looking for an agent. Will you review my CD and information if I send it?A: Yes, I listen to everything that I receive. It.s best to send not only a CD but any written reviews or feature articles about you and a list of where you have performed. If you want to check back with me after 2-3 weeks, via email, I will let you know if this is something I think I could add to my roster. If I cannot fit you into my work load, I am happy to talk with you on the phone 925-680-5800 between 10AM and 5PM Pacific time Monday-Friday about others that you might want to contact. Q: If I am a fan where can I get the CDs by the musicians on your roster?A: Several of the musicians sell their own CDs through their web sites and many have record companies that sell their CDs in either Europe or North America. There are several other good places where you can get these CDs (and many others that are irresistable) via a web site and the mail. Three sources are Down Home Music, Cerdd Ystwyth Music and Portland America. Q: How can I find more information on preparing work permits for non-American musicians?A: Musicians touring the US need P or O visas. I have been on several panels at Folk Alliance conferences on this topic. I have been through some situations where it has been down to the wire, and learned a lot about the process over the years. If you want more information on this please call me on the phone at 925-686-5800 between 10AM and 5PM Pacific time Monday-Friday. Q: Can you tell me how to get started as an agent?A: I've booked everything under the sun over the years from street fairs and convention entertainment, to blues bands in nightclubs, to an oldies rock band, The Surfaris - these are the guys who recorded Wipeout for those of you old enouth to remember. I have two suggestions for anyone who is thinking of becoming an agent. The first is to get Jeri Goldsteins book, How To Be Your Own Booking Agent availabe from New Music Times and the second is that the Folk Alliance will be starting a training and mentoring program for agents this February at their conference in Jacksonville, Florida. I will be part of the panel on publicity. Q: You've done some "package tours" in the past. Will you be doing any more of these?A: I have represented musicians who have been part of a Celtic Christmas "package" of three groups and worked with Wooden Ship Productions on two tours that showcased masters of the accordion, Once Upon an Accordion and Twice Upon a Squeezebox. Right now there are now plans for any more of these combined efforts, but who knows when another good idea for one will hit. P.O. Box 6499, Concord, CA 94524 phone: 925 / 686-5800 fax: 925 / 680-2582 Copyright © 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 Nancy Carlin Associates All Rights Reserved |