Hate The Player, Not The Game

A few years ago I organized a live gig with this duo with whom I have never worked earlier. They were great. The show was great and everyone was happy. 

But, on their way out, the artists asked me when they will get paid, in a tone that was, well, not extremely warm. I was a little surprised, but I let that slide and assured them that it will be done in a couple of days. 

After exactly forty eight hours, I get a message from them telling me how I did not honor my commitment and how it's not the way to treat an artist. I was taken aback, and honestly, was a little angry too. I wanted to hit back. How could they take such a uncompromising stance when the payment had not been delayed beyond a reasonable time? But instead, I took a deep breath, calmed myself and told them about all the established artists I worked with and how they were welcome to verify my integrity with them.

However, I was still curious and asked them the real reason for their complete lack of trust of someone whom they had never worked with earlier. That's when they told me their terrible experiences with artist and event managers, and how they were sick and tired of being cheated time and again. Present day, these artists are good friends of mine and we have worked on many shows over the past few years.

Artist managers get a bad rep. Not undeservedly always. Many of these "Suits" have milked their artists dry and have run them into the ground. Yes. Unfortunately, in the world we live in, the ones you trust are the ones who deceive you. But that does not mean all hope is lost.

Instead of going into the atrocities committed by today's artist and event managers, I am instead going to give you some tips and best practices that may help you identify an efficient, and more importantly, an honest artist or event manager.

• Always meet the artist/event manager in person when considering a big event. If that is not possible, do a little background check and then take a decision.

• Always. and I can't stress this enough, always pick an artist/event manager who has subject matter expertise. It helps a great deal to work with professionals who have a 360-degree approach to event management (sound, lighting, stage etc.).

• When working with artist managers, ideally look for someone who has been, or currently is an artist. You need someone who sees it through your eyes too.

• Look for professionals who are disciplined and clinical in their approach. You don't want to work with someone who will "wing it" when it concerns your money and reputation.

• The last, and probably the most important recommendation. Be honest, fair and transparent with the artist or event manager you are working with. Because, there are some good guys out there who are doing this not just for the money.