💡✍️ADN #141: The Road to a Booking Agent

Most booking agents don’t build your live career from scratch.

They step in when you’ve already proven you can move tickets, night after night, without them.

Before an agent ever says yes, they’re asking one simple question:

If I take on this artist, can they actually sell out shows?

Here’s what they need to see before they answer yes.

Build Proof You Can Draw

Agents live on commission.

10% is the industry standard.

They don’t get paid unless your shows sell.

You want to show them that’s already happening on your own.

• Grow a local following and headline small rooms. 100 or 200 capacity and pack them.
• Track your numbers: ticket counts, walk‑up sales, repeat fans.
• Document it all. A clean one‑sheet with real data speaks louder than “how good you are”.

Build a Live Show Worth Booking

An agent isn’t selling a playlist.

They’re selling an experience.

If your show doesn’t light people up, no agent can fix that.

• Hone your set until it’s undeniable.
• Get video of you on stage that makes someone want to be there.
• Tighten your band, your transitions, your soundcheck.
• Prove you can deliver the same show anywhere, every night.

Show Momentum

Agents don’t want to van with a busted transmission.

They want to jump on something already moving.

• Release music consistently.
• Keep your socials active with show clips, fan reactions, and proof of engagement.
• Build press hits and a streaming story.
• Develop artist and industry relationships to maintain a steady flow of opportunities.
• Show them tours you’ve booked yourself or regions you’ve already worked (aka: your tour history).

Build a Story That Sells

A good agent needs to be able to pitch you in one sentence.
Make that easy for them.

• Know who you are and why you matter right now.
• Define your lane and your angle.
• Make it simple enough that someone else can tell it without stumbling.

Show You’re a Pro

Agents talk.

If you’re hard to deal with, that word spreads fast.

• Answer emails and calls quickly.
• Have photos, links, and a short bio ready to go.
• Treat promoters, clubs, and crews well — those relationships travel faster than you think.

The bottom line:
Don’t look for an agent until your career already looks like something worth booking.
If you’re selling tickets, delivering a live show people talk about, and building momentum on your own, the right agent won’t just say yes.

They’ll want in.

Build something undeniable first.

Then you’re not asking for a favor, you’re offering an opportunity.

When you are ready, https://www.rostr.cc/home is a great resource for exploring agents and their rosters.

See you next Sunday.

Neil