How Should You Approach Music Agents?
Many independent musicians fail to make inroads with their music, not because their music isn’t up-to-par, but because they fail to treat their music career like a business. To have your music taken seriously, you have to show that you’re serious about your business, and knowing how to write a cover letter is an essential skill if you want to communicate in a business-like manner.
A great cover letter, good photos and biography will get you solid results when seeking a reputable music agent. A cover letter is your first and possibly only opportunity to get an agent’s attention. Don’t make the mistake of writing a lackluster letter or forgetting one entirely. You only get one chance to make a good first impression, use it by crafting a wise and witty introduction.
First, come recommended. The first thing an agent wants to see is that you are someone who has already verified. Comb your resources for people who will vouch for your talent and ability. Ask well-known industry professionals and former mentors or managers for their recommendations, then add that front and center in your cover letter. This tells the agent that you are desirable to others and are pre-approved.
Secondly, list all of your selling points in the second paragraph. This is the meat and potatoes part of the letter, where you concisely list all of your selling points. Include key recent club experience, commercials you’ve done, schooling, award winning productions, accolades and positive reviews you’ve received. These attributes should be written with originality and panache, without being overly wordy. As a suggestion, limit your typed cover letter to one page. Be sure to also touch upon the genre of your music, and mention any promotional materials you’re enclosing with the letter, such as a CD or photographs.
Ask a trusted friend, colleague or family member to check the spelling and grammar in your letter. Spell the music agent’s name correctly. Keep it professional.
An Agent has over 1,000 requests sitting on his/her desk on a daily basis; therefore, an agent does not have time to sift through lengthy pages, music, conducting internet research, locating links on the internet while trying to figure out what the writer is saying due to misspelled words or slang words. I can not stress enough – KEEP IT PROFESSIONAL!
Thirdly, ask for what you want in the third paragraph. Tell the agent you’re seeking representation and would like a meeting at their convenience. This is also where you can list your website(s) address where the agent can see your performances. You can also offer to email them film/highlights on DVD, if needed. It’s much easier for someone interested in seeing your work to look online rather than wait for a mailing. If you don’t have a website, it’s time to get one.
Mention any positive reviews that your music has received, and include one or two pertinent testimonial quotes to back it up. If you’re a touring artist, this is also a good time to invite the recipient to any of your upcoming live appearances. If you’re purely a recording artist, then include links to your website or blog. This will show that you’re an artist who takes your business seriously.
Last but not least, wrap things up with a sincere thank you for reading your cover letter, resume or presskit. Let them know you’ll look forward to hearing from them, and mention that you’ll also be following up with them via email or phone. Make sure that your contact information is clearly visible on all of your promotional materials.
Be positive, but not overly cocky. You have to come across and interesting and someone they’ll want to meet and work with. Don’t come across as needy or overbearing.
If you get a negative response to your pitch, write a brief, polite note of thanks for their reply. This will show that you’re professional in your business dealings, which might hold you in good stead for any future correspondence.
Now, here you will find a few secrets most reputable agents won’t tell you. Don’t send out form letters to multiple companies; it will be obvious to most industry insiders, and nobody likes to be spammed. Don’t repeatedly follow up on an unsuccessful pitch and demand to know why you’ve been rejected; you’ll only get a reputation for being pushy and boorish.
Source: EliteStar News
