HOW TO STEAL MY JOB: Promoter/A&R
The mind behind ‘Showcase: LIVE’, a trademark name in live showcase events since 2007, George Eason is not your average promoter. With JLS' Oritse, Lemar and Sugababes' Jade Ewen regularly spotted in the crowd of his shows and years of experience in the music industry, he's also a freelance A&R after recently leaving a full-time position at Global Publishing. George shares his top ten tips on how to make it in the entrepreneurial world as a promoter and talent scout…
1.Network
Contacts are key. Make sure you get peoples details when you meet them and follow up with an email. Keep in touch with them.
2. Go to as many gigs as possible
The more you put in, the more you will get out. If you’re at a gig every night of the week, you’re seven times more likely to find an amazing artist than if you stay at home
3. Get to a gig early
It might be the support act that actually grabs your attention more than the headline.
4. Read the blogs
Keep up to date with what’s happening and what else is being signed.
5. Persistence
If someone doesn’t reply to your email, call them. Don’t bug them and become a pest, but do follow up.
6. Belief
If you believe in an artist, develop it and stick with it. Don’t let people tell you otherwise.
7. Look outside the box
You can find a great artist in the strangest of places – singers and artists don’t just live in music venues.
8. Don’t give up
It can take a long time to get your first A&R job.
9. Never relax
You’re only as good as your last act or your last show (as a promoter). Job security in this industry doesn’t exist.
10. Look at the big picture
Every genre has an audience, no matter how big or small. Just because you might not like the act, doesn’t necessarily mean it isn’t good.
The next 'Showcase: Live' takes place on November 21st at Under The Bridge with Murray James, Alex Buchanan, Raphaella and D'kota Reign on the bill. More info here: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=299145646781330
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