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