ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses talent agents and their relationships with performing artists, especially in the concert industry. It focuses on the United States, which has the largest live performance market in the world and is where the largest talent agencies are based. Talent agents who work in the music industry procure offers and negotiate agreements for live performances, be they for public or private engagements. The importance of the live performance market as artists' major revenue source is likely to continue and grow. Artists should look for agents who can get the right engagements in terms of guarantees, billings, venues, and tours that will further the artist's career goals. Talent agencies fall into two main categories: boutique and full-service agencies. Boutique agencies generally specialize in particular genres of music and may limit their activity to particular cities, regions or types of appearances, such as one that procures engagements only at clubs, fairs, or festivals in a particular region of the country.
