Who holds agents accountable. They seam to be a law on to themselves. Venues sign contracts thinking they are doing the right thing, handing the reigns to a professional. Little do they realise that the musician hired is then at the mercy of the agent. That is if they can get one. My experience has shown me if you want to get any where in this life you have to take control of the reigns yourself. Agents by law are meant to take only 10% of a musicians fee. So one would think it would be in the agents best interest to negotiate the best fee possible to maximise his commission. In a perfect world that is how it would be.
But we not in a perfect world. Agents make the musician feel like they are begging and should be grateful when they receive a gig, yet with out a talented musician the agent and the venue would have nothing. In 4 yours of performing my daughter has managed to attract agents with huge ego's and no morals. Agents that tell you there is no work yet seam to be working them selves 3 to 4 nights a week. And when they give you work you feel privileged to receive it and will almost play for free because you love to perform. This is what they count on..I can't publish agents names here, but if you can relate to this post please leave a comment. What these agents need is musicians to get together and file a class action against them
As I said if you want something done you must do it yourself. I would love to drive these CON MEN out of this industry. Its hard enough to make a living in the music industry but when you give your all 110% in every performance, pay for petrol, send out your own posters pay for good equipment and insurance, public liability, and parking fees, all these expenses and then find out your agent has taken 1/3 of your fee. You can get more than a little pissed off...You come to the conclusion that enough is enough.. So if your an agent and I have described you, be warned, you will be caught and I might be the one to bring you down..
