At Gig Salad, we do not seek to represent talent, as far as the traditional definition of representation is concerned. We represent talent in another way: We give entertainers and speakers the tools to create their own online press kit, complete with a portal to create personalized gear, sell their own CDs, upload movies and music files and have access to real gigs that come to Gig Salad from throughout the United States and Canada.

What exactly is talent representation?
Much stock has been put into getting signed by a large talent agency or a 'powerful' agent. The notion that all an entertainer needs is the right agent in order for a budding career to catch fire, is simply unrealistic. It doesn't happen that way. The 'big break' happens as a result of hard work, faith, chance, sheer talent or a combination of these things; having your name aligned with an agent or agency is just part of the battle and should never be an aspiring entertainer's top priority. When you have done all that you are supposed to do, the right representation often just happens.

When considering hiring an agent for representation, there are several things to consider. Above all, be certain to never sign a document without first hiring a reputable attorney to look it over. The cost to secure legal advice will pay for itself many times over. Take ten seasoned veterans in the recording industry and nine of them will tell you this very thing.

A Talent Representation Primer
(A brief rundown of some terms in the business)

Talent agent: Talent agents are individuals whose primary function is to secure work for their clients. (artists, actors, bands, models, musicians, singers, magicians, novelty acts, etc.). When multiple agents work together, they work for a common company serving multiple talents, otherwise known as a Talent Agency. The standard agreement between an agent and performer or speaker is by contract with the major point and theme stating that for a certain amount of time (normally a minimum of a year and usually multiple years) that the agent exclusively will handle all employment. That means every professional and paid booking would be contracted through that agent's office with a portion or commission of the fee going to the agent or agency. There is also such an arrangement as "non-exclusive" representation, where an individual or band will work with more than one agent or agency, with no exclusivity at either agency. In this case, it's the agent who books the date that gets the commission for that performance. This however leaves much room for confusion, conflict, non-commitment and lack of loyalty.

Booking agent: Also known as 'buyer's agents', usually fall under the category of both an exclusive and non-exclusive talent agent. The best way I know to describe the difference is by looking at real estate. In the real estate world you have a property, you have a seller of that property and you have a buyer of that property. In the talent and entertainment world that property is a person or people. There are those who broker, book or represent those people, their talents, skills, abilities, etc. and those that purchase the people for a time, for the purpose of performing their talents. The buyers are typically, live venue owners, special events planners, promoters/presenters, private or corporate event coordinators, brides/grooms and more. So those who work on behalf of the above to negotiate and broker talent would fall under the title “buyers agent” or “booking agent”.

Manager: In addition to agents and agencies, there are various forms of managers. Again, sometimes, the lines get a little blurred on job responsibility and title. I suppose you can call yourself anything you want as long it is clear on what exactly you are suppose to be doing and for who. Within the manager category, there are personal managers. Personal managers are in the most simplistic description responsible for managing the talent. These duties can vary from one individual or act to another. Again, you should simply go into the details of your arrangement to determine exactly what those responsibilities will be. For some it may include booking engagements. Meaning they are, in essence, working as the talent agents as well as taking care of the daily scheduling, bookkeeping, itinerary, and all and/or other personal affairs. Business managers are those who conduct the business only portion of an acts life and career. Managers as a whole can and oftentimes do it all. Including business, personal, booking and anything else the talent needs or wants, provided both parties agree it is within their arrangement/understanding.

There are also unions, organizations, affiliations, groups, clubs, memberships, licenses and the guidelines, rules, jurisdictions, books, instructions and more that can help or you must adhere to depending on who you are or who you are associated with. Bottom line, when talent teams or partners decide to work with a second party for the purpose of advancing, promoting, employing them, they must be very clear of what the expectations are on both sides and define the "exit clause" is when either does not hold up their end of the bargain.

Tread very carefully when choosing an agent, record label, or promoter, and sign nothing until you obtain legal guidance. When considering hiring a talent agent or a talent agency for representation, there are several things to consider. Above all, be certain to never sign a document without first hiring a reputable attorney to look it over. The cost to secure legal advice will pay for itself many times over. Take ten seasoned veterans in the recording industry and nine of them will tell you this very thing.

If you need additional exposure, looking to get more gigs, or hoping to land just one more that might open the doors to the "big break", then consider joining Gig Salad today.

We wish you much success in your career.

Get your gig on!

Mark & Steve
Co-founders, Gig Salad