Unrealistic Expectations
Sep. 13th, 2012 03:07 pmMusic Agency
Just had a phone call from a chap wanting an agent for a female singer just getting back into the business after a long layoff. She once sang with a famous group. He named them and the name rang very faint bells, but so faint I really couldn't even say I remembered what they'd sung and I certainly didn't recognise his singer's name.
Well, to be honest even if I had heard of her my agency roster is full at the moment. I'm only one person and if I take on two many artists I don't do a good job for any of them.
Even after I'd said I couldn't take her on he said he'd still send me the promo package anyway... err... why? I'd already said I couldn't take her on. I asked him not to and his parting remark accompanied by a swift putting down of the phone was, 'You're not show business are you?'
No, thank gods, I'm not, and I wouldn't want to be. I deal very specifically with folk and acoustic artists from the UK, Canada, the USA, Australia and South Africa. He could have ascertained this by checking my website before calling me up. I'm not shy about it. It's a niche market and I'm happy there.
Mildly curious I looked up said [famous group]. Sure enough their few hits were in the early 70s and [singer lady] was not even in the group at the time of their biggest hit. She was in the group for less than a year in 1976.
And it's my fault because I didn't recognise her name? Sheesh!
Just had a phone call from a chap wanting an agent for a female singer just getting back into the business after a long layoff. She once sang with a famous group. He named them and the name rang very faint bells, but so faint I really couldn't even say I remembered what they'd sung and I certainly didn't recognise his singer's name.
Well, to be honest even if I had heard of her my agency roster is full at the moment. I'm only one person and if I take on two many artists I don't do a good job for any of them.
Even after I'd said I couldn't take her on he said he'd still send me the promo package anyway... err... why? I'd already said I couldn't take her on. I asked him not to and his parting remark accompanied by a swift putting down of the phone was, 'You're not show business are you?'
No, thank gods, I'm not, and I wouldn't want to be. I deal very specifically with folk and acoustic artists from the UK, Canada, the USA, Australia and South Africa. He could have ascertained this by checking my website before calling me up. I'm not shy about it. It's a niche market and I'm happy there.
Mildly curious I looked up said [famous group]. Sure enough their few hits were in the early 70s and [singer lady] was not even in the group at the time of their biggest hit. She was in the group for less than a year in 1976.
And it's my fault because I didn't recognise her name? Sheesh!
Zulu Emergency Fund
Feb. 22nd, 2012 11:37 pmThat's Mzwandile Ngema top left in the picture with the blue background. Front is Bongi Gwala. The other three are l - r Thandanani Gumede, Buhle Mhlongo and Khethukuthula Kheswa.
These Zulus had a particularly hard time with a previous manager a couple of years ago. I can't say much about that because there's a court case ongoing to try and get recompense for them. Suffice it to say that raising the money to get Mzwandile home in time for the funeral is going to be almost impossible for them. I've secured him a ticket with my credit card, and he flies tomorrow morning, early, but the cost is £753 just for the air fare, not counting incidental expenses. They've promised to repay me, but it's going to be hard for them.
The wonderful
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
I won't set a price, (send as muich as you like or as little as you can afford), but if it were a commercial release it would not sell for less than £13.50 including postage. I'll pay for the postage and anything you send will all go to Mzwandile. Post me a cheque or pay me by paypal and without giving away who contributed what I'll keep you all informed as to how much we manage to raise. The target is £753, but anything we can raise towards that would be brilliant. My LJ flist is not large, so feel free to boost the signal if you wish.
Post your cheques payable to 'Zulu Tradition' to me, Jacey Bedford at 10 Park Head, Birdsedge, Huddersfield, HD8 8XW. Anyone not in the UK can pay me by paypal. email me on agency(at)jacey-bedford.com for details. Don't forget to include your postal address for a CD by return of post.
You will receive a CD recorded in BB's studio when the Zulus were with their previous manager. (And I hasten to add, it was made before BB and I knew how difficult that relationship was for the Zulus.) I see no reason why the recording shouldn't be used to help them out now. It's a set of songs that never had commercial release, but here's Shosholoza.as a taster.
You can read more about the Zulus, now working as 'ZULU Tradition', here.
Zulu Emergency Fund
Feb. 22nd, 2012 11:37 pmThat's Mzwandile Ngema top left in the picture with the blue background. Front is Bongi Gwala. The other three are l - r Thandanani Gumede, Buhle Mhlongo and Khethukuthula Kheswa.
These Zulus had a particularly hard time with a previous manager a couple of years ago. I can't say much about that because there's a court case ongoing to try and get recompense for them. Suffice it to say that raising the money to get Mzwandile home in time for the funeral is going to be almost impossible for them. I've secured him a ticket with my credit card, and he flies tomorrow morning, early, but the cost is £753 just for the air fare, not counting incidental expenses. They've promised to repay me, but it's going to be hard for them.
The wonderful
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
I won't set a price, (send as muich as you like or as little as you can afford), but if it were a commercial release it would not sell for less than £13.50 including postage. I'll pay for the postage and anything you send will all go to Mzwandile. Post me a cheque or pay me by paypal and without giving away who contributed what I'll keep you all informed as to how much we manage to raise. The target is £753, but anything we can raise towards that would be brilliant. My LJ flist is not large, so feel free to boost the signal if you wish.
Post your cheques payable to 'Zulu Tradition' to me, Jacey Bedford at 10 Park Head, Birdsedge, Huddersfield, HD8 8XW. Anyone not in the UK can pay me by paypal. email me on agency(at)jacey-bedford.com for details. Don't forget to include your postal address for a CD by return of post.
You will receive a CD recorded in BB's studio when the Zulus were with their previous manager. (And I hasten to add, it was made before BB and I knew how difficult that relationship was for the Zulus.) I see no reason why the recording shouldn't be used to help them out now. It's a set of songs that never had commercial release, but here's Shosholoza.as a taster.
You can read more about the Zulus, now working as 'ZULU Tradition', here.
Had a hugely busy week in the office. I've just signed up the incomparable Vin Garbutt to the music agency which has resulted in a complete revamp of the agency web page and a transfer of my old music-blog posts from their old home on the agency myspace page to a new home on wordpress. And I spent all day yesterday answering enquiries after I posted the news to my usual customers. Nice!
Going to take some writing time this weekend.
Going to take some writing time this weekend.
Had a hugely busy week in the office. I've just signed up the incomparable Vin Garbutt to the music agency which has resulted in a complete revamp of the agency web page and a transfer of my old music-blog posts from their old home on the agency myspace page to a new home on wordpress. And I spent all day yesterday answering enquiries after I posted the news to my usual customers. Nice!
Going to take some writing time this weekend.
Going to take some writing time this weekend.
Siege Mentality
Oct. 18th, 2009 12:50 amI haven't seen the outside of the hotel or breathed fresh air since Thursday morning, but I did manage to grab a few shots of Ottawa on Thursday morning. One of the most strking pieces of art in the city centre is the war memorial.
And last night's sunset over the Ottawa River from my hotel room was pretty spectacular.
The conference is nearly over. I'm back on the plane for London on Sunday afternoon, tired, but reasonably successful. I've seen and heard lots of music and have a couple of acts in mind for the agency.
Siege Mentality
Oct. 18th, 2009 12:50 amI haven't seen the outside of the hotel or breathed fresh air since Thursday morning, but I did manage to grab a few shots of Ottawa on Thursday morning. One of the most strking pieces of art in the city centre is the war memorial.
And last night's sunset over the Ottawa River from my hotel room was pretty spectacular.
The conference is nearly over. I'm back on the plane for London on Sunday afternoon, tired, but reasonably successful. I've seen and heard lots of music and have a couple of acts in mind for the agency.
I Hateses Heathrow, My Precious
Oct. 15th, 2009 12:51 amHere I sit on the 22nd floor of the Crowne Plaza hotel in Ottawa. It's the lull before the storm. The conference begins tomrrow and I flew in today. Up at five. Arrive Manchester airport T3 at 7.00 Depart for Heathrow at 8.55, arriving slightly ahead of schedule at 9.50. Change terminals from T1 to T3 at Heathrow and depart for Ottawa at 1.00 p.m. arriving 3.30 local time at the airport and 5.00 p.m. at the hotel (which is Midnight back at home).
The journey reconfirmed that I hate Geathrow airport. I walked for bloody miles in T1 and then had to queue for a bus to change terminals, stand in yet another (slow) security check queue (just like the one I'd already come through at Manchester), and walk for bloody miles again to the lounge at T3. Once in T3 they didn't announce our gate until well after the advertised 11.55, but there was a worrying notice that said to allow 10 minutes to get to the nearest gates and 20 minutes for te furthest ones. That's another 20 minute walk just to get to the gate from the lounge. Sheesh, no wonder I've got sore feet. I was watching the board like a hawk. As soon as tey announced the gate I set off and still found the gate lounge already full. Did they all walk faster than me or had they been told the gate number in advance? I'd barely sat down when the plane started to board.
I had a 3 hour stopover at Heathrow on the way out, but on the way back it's only 2 hours. And I also have to collect my luggage and clear customs before changing terminals and connecting for Manchester. If there's another queue at Immigration and another trip through security with my dangerous laptop having to be taken out of its case yet again and my lethal toothpaste I don't see how I can make the connection in time. I'm seriously thinkiing of telling therm I need transport. Heathrow is just too damn big.
There was a woman doing a survey and one of her questions was: Why did you choose Heathrow to connect through instead of some other arport? I wanted to scream: 'Because I had no sodding choice!'
Ottawa airport is a delight in comparison.
The journey reconfirmed that I hate Geathrow airport. I walked for bloody miles in T1 and then had to queue for a bus to change terminals, stand in yet another (slow) security check queue (just like the one I'd already come through at Manchester), and walk for bloody miles again to the lounge at T3. Once in T3 they didn't announce our gate until well after the advertised 11.55, but there was a worrying notice that said to allow 10 minutes to get to the nearest gates and 20 minutes for te furthest ones. That's another 20 minute walk just to get to the gate from the lounge. Sheesh, no wonder I've got sore feet. I was watching the board like a hawk. As soon as tey announced the gate I set off and still found the gate lounge already full. Did they all walk faster than me or had they been told the gate number in advance? I'd barely sat down when the plane started to board.
I had a 3 hour stopover at Heathrow on the way out, but on the way back it's only 2 hours. And I also have to collect my luggage and clear customs before changing terminals and connecting for Manchester. If there's another queue at Immigration and another trip through security with my dangerous laptop having to be taken out of its case yet again and my lethal toothpaste I don't see how I can make the connection in time. I'm seriously thinkiing of telling therm I need transport. Heathrow is just too damn big.
There was a woman doing a survey and one of her questions was: Why did you choose Heathrow to connect through instead of some other arport? I wanted to scream: 'Because I had no sodding choice!'
Ottawa airport is a delight in comparison.
I Hateses Heathrow, My Precious
Oct. 15th, 2009 12:51 amHere I sit on the 22nd floor of the Crowne Plaza hotel in Ottawa. It's the lull before the storm. The conference begins tomrrow and I flew in today. Up at five. Arrive Manchester airport T3 at 7.00 Depart for Heathrow at 8.55, arriving slightly ahead of schedule at 9.50. Change terminals from T1 to T3 at Heathrow and depart for Ottawa at 1.00 p.m. arriving 3.30 local time at the airport and 5.00 p.m. at the hotel (which is Midnight back at home).
The journey reconfirmed that I hate Geathrow airport. I walked for bloody miles in T1 and then had to queue for a bus to change terminals, stand in yet another (slow) security check queue (just like the one I'd already come through at Manchester), and walk for bloody miles again to the lounge at T3. Once in T3 they didn't announce our gate until well after the advertised 11.55, but there was a worrying notice that said to allow 10 minutes to get to the nearest gates and 20 minutes for te furthest ones. That's another 20 minute walk just to get to the gate from the lounge. Sheesh, no wonder I've got sore feet. I was watching the board like a hawk. As soon as tey announced the gate I set off and still found the gate lounge already full. Did they all walk faster than me or had they been told the gate number in advance? I'd barely sat down when the plane started to board.
I had a 3 hour stopover at Heathrow on the way out, but on the way back it's only 2 hours. And I also have to collect my luggage and clear customs before changing terminals and connecting for Manchester. If there's another queue at Immigration and another trip through security with my dangerous laptop having to be taken out of its case yet again and my lethal toothpaste I don't see how I can make the connection in time. I'm seriously thinkiing of telling therm I need transport. Heathrow is just too damn big.
There was a woman doing a survey and one of her questions was: Why did you choose Heathrow to connect through instead of some other arport? I wanted to scream: 'Because I had no sodding choice!'
Ottawa airport is a delight in comparison.
The journey reconfirmed that I hate Geathrow airport. I walked for bloody miles in T1 and then had to queue for a bus to change terminals, stand in yet another (slow) security check queue (just like the one I'd already come through at Manchester), and walk for bloody miles again to the lounge at T3. Once in T3 they didn't announce our gate until well after the advertised 11.55, but there was a worrying notice that said to allow 10 minutes to get to the nearest gates and 20 minutes for te furthest ones. That's another 20 minute walk just to get to the gate from the lounge. Sheesh, no wonder I've got sore feet. I was watching the board like a hawk. As soon as tey announced the gate I set off and still found the gate lounge already full. Did they all walk faster than me or had they been told the gate number in advance? I'd barely sat down when the plane started to board.
I had a 3 hour stopover at Heathrow on the way out, but on the way back it's only 2 hours. And I also have to collect my luggage and clear customs before changing terminals and connecting for Manchester. If there's another queue at Immigration and another trip through security with my dangerous laptop having to be taken out of its case yet again and my lethal toothpaste I don't see how I can make the connection in time. I'm seriously thinkiing of telling therm I need transport. Heathrow is just too damn big.
There was a woman doing a survey and one of her questions was: Why did you choose Heathrow to connect through instead of some other arport? I wanted to scream: 'Because I had no sodding choice!'
Ottawa airport is a delight in comparison.
Tanglefoot's Last UK Tour
Jun. 10th, 2009 02:03 amThe fabulous Canadian band, Tanglefoot, have announced that they will be splitting up at the end of the year and so this tour in the UK will be their last transatlantic trip. I know some of their British fans have already booked tickets for their final gig in December (at the Roxy in Owen Sound, Ontario - their home gig) but for those of us who can't afford a trip to Canada so say goodbye, this is the last chance to catch them:
http://www.tanglefootmusic.com
( Dates behind cut )

http://www.tanglefootmusic.com
( Dates behind cut )
Tanglefoot's Last UK Tour
Jun. 10th, 2009 02:03 amThe fabulous Canadian band, Tanglefoot, have announced that they will be splitting up at the end of the year and so this tour in the UK will be their last transatlantic trip. I know some of their British fans have already booked tickets for their final gig in December (at the Roxy in Owen Sound, Ontario - their home gig) but for those of us who can't afford a trip to Canada so say goodbye, this is the last chance to catch them:
http://www.tanglefootmusic.com
( Dates behind cut )

http://www.tanglefootmusic.com
( Dates behind cut )
I've started working with a theatre, dance and song company called The Mighty Zulu Nation and this afternoon I went along to one of their rehearsals. If I needed reminding (which I didn't) they are beautiful, stirring singers ( a cappella, of course), eloquent storytellers and high-spirited, athletic dancers. I sat there wilth a big silly grin on my face watching and listening.
I'm booking venues for two of their upcoming shows - 'A Zulu Celebration of Christmas' and 'Napoleon Noir' (a play with music).
If you are ever within a hundred miles of these guys make a point of going to see tham.


I'm booking venues for two of their upcoming shows - 'A Zulu Celebration of Christmas' and 'Napoleon Noir' (a play with music).
If you are ever within a hundred miles of these guys make a point of going to see tham.
I've started working with a theatre, dance and song company called The Mighty Zulu Nation and this afternoon I went along to one of their rehearsals. If I needed reminding (which I didn't) they are beautiful, stirring singers ( a cappella, of course), eloquent storytellers and high-spirited, athletic dancers. I sat there wilth a big silly grin on my face watching and listening.
I'm booking venues for two of their upcoming shows - 'A Zulu Celebration of Christmas' and 'Napoleon Noir' (a play with music).
If you are ever within a hundred miles of these guys make a point of going to see tham.


I'm booking venues for two of their upcoming shows - 'A Zulu Celebration of Christmas' and 'Napoleon Noir' (a play with music).
If you are ever within a hundred miles of these guys make a point of going to see tham.
And the first prize goes to...
Oct. 14th, 2008 12:21 pm...DHL
A couple of weeks ago I had two work permits that I needed to get to Texas in a hurry for incoming performers. The package didn't need to be sent overnight, but as I only had about ten days before they flew to the UK I thought I'd be on the safe side. I didn't want to risk air mail post which says it can take three to five days, but can be longer - especially when the recipient lives a long way from anywhere - i.e my guys in Texas. So I booked DHL to courier the envelope at a cost of thirty-some pounds.
When it didn't arrive at the other end the recipients did some digging. It turns out that DHL don't deliver to that part of Texas, so having couriered my package from Yorkshire to the USA.... they posted it.
Let me say that again...
They frigging POSTED it!!!!!!
And my guys, having sussed it out managed to collect their work permits from the post office on their way to the airport. It was THAT close.
Sheesh!
A couple of weeks ago I had two work permits that I needed to get to Texas in a hurry for incoming performers. The package didn't need to be sent overnight, but as I only had about ten days before they flew to the UK I thought I'd be on the safe side. I didn't want to risk air mail post which says it can take three to five days, but can be longer - especially when the recipient lives a long way from anywhere - i.e my guys in Texas. So I booked DHL to courier the envelope at a cost of thirty-some pounds.
When it didn't arrive at the other end the recipients did some digging. It turns out that DHL don't deliver to that part of Texas, so having couriered my package from Yorkshire to the USA.... they posted it.
Let me say that again...
They frigging POSTED it!!!!!!
And my guys, having sussed it out managed to collect their work permits from the post office on their way to the airport. It was THAT close.
Sheesh!
And the first prize goes to...
Oct. 14th, 2008 12:21 pm...DHL
A couple of weeks ago I had two work permits that I needed to get to Texas in a hurry for incoming performers. The package didn't need to be sent overnight, but as I only had about ten days before they flew to the UK I thought I'd be on the safe side. I didn't want to risk air mail post which says it can take three to five days, but can be longer - especially when the recipient lives a long way from anywhere - i.e my guys in Texas. So I booked DHL to courier the envelope at a cost of thirty-some pounds.
When it didn't arrive at the other end the recipients did some digging. It turns out that DHL don't deliver to that part of Texas, so having couriered my package from Yorkshire to the USA.... they posted it.
Let me say that again...
They frigging POSTED it!!!!!!
And my guys, having sussed it out managed to collect their work permits from the post office on their way to the airport. It was THAT close.
Sheesh!
A couple of weeks ago I had two work permits that I needed to get to Texas in a hurry for incoming performers. The package didn't need to be sent overnight, but as I only had about ten days before they flew to the UK I thought I'd be on the safe side. I didn't want to risk air mail post which says it can take three to five days, but can be longer - especially when the recipient lives a long way from anywhere - i.e my guys in Texas. So I booked DHL to courier the envelope at a cost of thirty-some pounds.
When it didn't arrive at the other end the recipients did some digging. It turns out that DHL don't deliver to that part of Texas, so having couriered my package from Yorkshire to the USA.... they posted it.
Let me say that again...
They frigging POSTED it!!!!!!
And my guys, having sussed it out managed to collect their work permits from the post office on their way to the airport. It was THAT close.
Sheesh!
Agents of one kind or another
Aug. 5th, 2008 03:04 amI spent most of today updating my music agency website to include two great new acts, the Mighty Zulu Nation and The Queensberry Rules who will both be available for UK festivals in 2009.
As a music agent I turn down so many acts who want me to represent them for UK touring, some because they just are not right for the market, but mostly because I just haven't got the capacity to take on even a tenth of the people who ask (possibly even a hundfedth...). Most of them are fine performers but there are just not enough hours in the day.
And then as a writer I get frustrated because I can't find an agent to represent me.
Daft, innit?
Or maybe it's karma.
When I contemplate taking on a new touring act they have to be not only musically impeccable, and entirely to my taste, but they have to have some kind uf USP - unique selling point.
What's my USP as a writer?
Maybe when I figure that out I'll get myself an agent.
As a music agent I turn down so many acts who want me to represent them for UK touring, some because they just are not right for the market, but mostly because I just haven't got the capacity to take on even a tenth of the people who ask (possibly even a hundfedth...). Most of them are fine performers but there are just not enough hours in the day.
And then as a writer I get frustrated because I can't find an agent to represent me.
Daft, innit?
Or maybe it's karma.
When I contemplate taking on a new touring act they have to be not only musically impeccable, and entirely to my taste, but they have to have some kind uf USP - unique selling point.
What's my USP as a writer?
Maybe when I figure that out I'll get myself an agent.
Agents of one kind or another
Aug. 5th, 2008 03:04 amI spent most of today updating my music agency website to include two great new acts, the Mighty Zulu Nation and The Queensberry Rules who will both be available for UK festivals in 2009.
As a music agent I turn down so many acts who want me to represent them for UK touring, some because they just are not right for the market, but mostly because I just haven't got the capacity to take on even a tenth of the people who ask (possibly even a hundfedth...). Most of them are fine performers but there are just not enough hours in the day.
And then as a writer I get frustrated because I can't find an agent to represent me.
Daft, innit?
Or maybe it's karma.
When I contemplate taking on a new touring act they have to be not only musically impeccable, and entirely to my taste, but they have to have some kind uf USP - unique selling point.
What's my USP as a writer?
Maybe when I figure that out I'll get myself an agent.
As a music agent I turn down so many acts who want me to represent them for UK touring, some because they just are not right for the market, but mostly because I just haven't got the capacity to take on even a tenth of the people who ask (possibly even a hundfedth...). Most of them are fine performers but there are just not enough hours in the day.
And then as a writer I get frustrated because I can't find an agent to represent me.
Daft, innit?
Or maybe it's karma.
When I contemplate taking on a new touring act they have to be not only musically impeccable, and entirely to my taste, but they have to have some kind uf USP - unique selling point.
What's my USP as a writer?
Maybe when I figure that out I'll get myself an agent.
Today felt like Sunday
Jun. 10th, 2008 02:46 amI know it wasn't Sunday (because yesterday felt like Sunday, too) but Tanglefoot departs for Canada tomorrow after a hugely successful six week tour in the UK and so today has been one of those rounding up and finishing off kind of days (for them) and a getting barbecue ready day for us, followed by a BBQ this evening with Tanglefoot and friends (12 of us altogether). They'll be back in the UK in exactly 52 weeks and 2 days. I know this because I alrteady have nore than half of the gigs booked on their next tour. I love doing bookings for a band when I have to fight off people who want to book them.
Sad to see them go, though, even if it does mean no more queues for the bathroom in the mornings.
Sad to see them go, though, even if it does mean no more queues for the bathroom in the mornings.
Today felt like Sunday
Jun. 10th, 2008 02:46 amI know it wasn't Sunday (because yesterday felt like Sunday, too) but Tanglefoot departs for Canada tomorrow after a hugely successful six week tour in the UK and so today has been one of those rounding up and finishing off kind of days (for them) and a getting barbecue ready day for us, followed by a BBQ this evening with Tanglefoot and friends (12 of us altogether). They'll be back in the UK in exactly 52 weeks and 2 days. I know this because I alrteady have nore than half of the gigs booked on their next tour. I love doing bookings for a band when I have to fight off people who want to book them.
Sad to see them go, though, even if it does mean no more queues for the bathroom in the mornings.
Sad to see them go, though, even if it does mean no more queues for the bathroom in the mornings.
Major Website Overhaul
Feb. 29th, 2008 02:11 amI've spent most of the day doing a major website overhaul for the agency.
http://www.jacey-bedford.com
http://www.jacey-bedford.com
Major Website Overhaul
Feb. 29th, 2008 02:11 amI've spent most of the day doing a major website overhaul for the agency.
http://www.jacey-bedford.com
http://www.jacey-bedford.com