Booking agents that represent individual musicians or bands are responsible for the scheduling of live performances, publicity appearances, and tours for their clients. In the music industry, the booking agent is not the same as a band manager, but they do make arrangements with promoters and producers that handle shows and venues. Managing band or musician calendars and tour schedules is the main responsibility of the music booking agent.

Booking agents do more than schedule tours, though. They also manage contractual agreements made between their clients and producers and promotions agencies. Music contracts will specify the needs and expectations of the musicians for staging, lighting, sound systems, food and amenities, transportation, and other personal and professional comforts.

Booking agents often use the services of free-lance producers or music promoters, who seek out music gigs and arrange services provided by of a staff that sets up the stage with lighting, sound systems, and any other equipment or props requested or required by the musicians.

Some booking agents choose to represent certain genres of music, certain types of musicians, certain types of bands, or certain kinds of acts; others are willing to work with all types of musicians and various acts. The booking agent may be employed by a large company that represents only big name musicians who have signed with major record labels and have a large national and international following. Artists who have not yet reached the level of national distribution and national following will do well to contract with independent booking agents, if assistance with booking shows is required.

Booking agents depend on the earnings of their clients, receiving between 15 and 20 percent of the client’s revenue, which may be regulated by unions or states in which the agent operates.

This article provides an overview of music booking agents. If you would like to submit an article about booking agents or any other music-related subject, please feel free to do so here at Media Positive Radio.