Every band deals with a booking agent at some point, and today that becomes true here at GigGab, too, as we welcome Paul Costley of Notso Costley Productions onto the show. Paul’s been playing in, managing, booking, and organizing bands since the 1970s, and has carved out a very successful booking business for himself in New England.
Yep, it’s a two-Pauls-and-one-Dave show as your two favorite weekend warriors listen to advice about working with a booking agent, managing relationships with various clubs, and what representation with a booking agent does – and doesn’t – bring you. Take a listen, then send in your questions to us at [email protected]. Enjoy!
Chapters/Timestamps:
- 00:00:00 GigGab 120 – Monday, June 19, 2017
- 00:01:52 Paul Costley from Notso Costley Productions
- 00:02:38 Started with a restaurant
- 00:04:01 …and then went to just booking
- 00:05:24 Who do you book?
- 00:06:51 Our job is to entertain the people in your room
- 00:10:20 Your band is your business
- 00:11:36 Walking the fine line between rooms and bands
- 00:13:40 Develop relationships with owners on top of managers
- 00:15:40 “We’d love to have you represent us!”
- 00:16:49 Start playing with younger people
- 00:17:55 Send me a couple of YouTube clips
- 00:18:40 Use an open night
- 00:19:42 Your success is your song list
- 00:20:24 What about the look?
- 00:22:02 It’s all about understanding the venue
- 00:23:57 Venue micromanagement
- 00:25:57 How to attract (or turn away) a booking agents
- Make a name for yourself and let the booking agents come to you
- 00:29:20 How pesty is too pesty
- 00:31:12 Feedback from clubs
- 00:33:42 ASCAP/BMI/CESAC is Causing Attrition
- 00:36:17 GG Outtro
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 37:05 — 17.4MB) | Embed
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3 Comments
Jimmy Robinson · June 22, 2017 at 4:58 pm EDT
Hey!
Just found your podcast. Nice1 Loved the Jan hammer interview.I’m a working/touring musician from new Orleans, and will be listening. Cheers!
Jimmy Robinson
2017
June
2 Moonlight On The Mountain, Birmingham, AL
3, The Hungry Ear, Atlanta, GA
6, Acoustic Underground taping, Chicago, IL
6, Uncommon Ground, Chicago IL
8, Melody Inn, Indianapolis, IN
9, The Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA
10, 68 Jay Street, Brooklyn, NY
11 Rockwood Music Hall, NYC
12, The Falcon, Marlboro, NY
July
11, Chickie Wah Wah, New Orleans w/ The Clements Brothers
13, Snug Harbor w/master percussionist Michael Skinkus
22. New Orleans Beatles Festival, House Of Blues
Europe
August 24-25 .Schloss-Reidegg. Austria with The Bruskers Duo
August 31 & Septembe1&2, Cafe Museum, Passau, Germany
September 6, Alsheim, Germany
September 7 Die Funzel, Worms, Germany.
September 9th, Gros Rohrheim, Germany
10, Arena Bar Varieté Theater, Vienna, Austria with Camilla Glueck
With Lily Kiara:
12, De Nieuwe Anita, Amsterdam, Netherlands
13, Genegenheid onder de Hemel, Nidgemegen, Netherlands
14, OT301, Amsterdam, Netherlands
September 30, Checkpoint Charlie’s, New Orleans, w/ Woodenhead
September 28, Steve’s Live Music, Atlanta, GA
September 29, Little Big Jam Festival, Bowden, GA
October 21 Checkpoint Charlie’s, New Orleans, w/ Woodenhead
November 12, Bayou Balloon Festival, New Orleans w/ Woodenhead
Rob S · June 25, 2017 at 8:56 am EDT
A very interesting fact that a lot of us older musicians have to realize is that we have to change with the times. The question was brought up “How many 4pc classic rock bands can you book?”
These rooms are getting harder to find…Jaco once said” if you want to keep playing you better get hip with the times”
STEVE J PIASECZNY · November 29, 2023 at 12:23 pm EST
the FOREVER THE GIRL band 5 piece dance funk clasic an current music is looking for new agent search net facebook for bio pics links vids of current past performances at chop shop pub carosel lounge feast of 3 saints raerocks pub thanks happy holidays