Members wheresgrant3 Posted October 5, 2005 Members Posted October 5, 2005 Hmmmmm ... our band manager/booking agent just called me to say that a fellow band used us as a reference to get into a new room that just opened. We played there two weeks ago during the Grand Opening and by all accounts this place will be an A-list room locally. The night was a huge success and they have already talked about us being their "house band" ... house meaning... they want us on regular rotation every 4-6 weeks and give them an option to book us on certain holidays (St. Patty's Day, Thanksgiving Eve.... New Year's...etc). My friend's band is unfortunately not as popular. Although they sound OK they really don't have any following at all. My friend contacted this new bar couldn't provide a demo or press kit to hand but dropped our name as a reference. Our manager called me because he knows I'm friends with the guy and he didn't want to say anything until he spoke to me first. It kinda puts us in an awkward position... if we go ahead and say yeah book them and the night bombs it reflects on us a little. If we don't recommend the band and it gets back to my buddy I'm sure he'll feel jilted. So I told our manager to handle it like this... " ...we know him and he's a nice guy... but I haven't personally seen or heard the band myself so we can't give a recommendation based on that. The band has been playing in the area for a while. If you want to give his band a try based on that then that's your decision to make. " I guess the think that irks me is that they don't even have a demo to supply to the bar but want us to 'vouch for them'. We spent over $1400 on press kits, photos, and a demo last year to get bookings into rooms like this. They've been gigging for a year and a half and they still don't have even a CD to give to the bar owner. Do you think it's wrong that we didn't give a 100% stamp of approval to the bar owner? Should we be responsible for giving other bands breaks while we worked our asses off to get the rooms we have?
Members THB Posted October 5, 2005 Members Posted October 5, 2005 Ultimately, your friend's band will have to be accountable. If they want to be taken seriously, they should be going through the same things you did to get their {censored} together re: presskit, photo and demo. I have some friends that I won't recommend for certain gigs, and it sounds like this new joint is going to be a place for the best bands to play, so I'm of a mind to let you friend get his own gigs. If he can get into this place without a presskit, more power to him, but let him do it on his own.
Members fastplant Posted October 5, 2005 Members Posted October 5, 2005 Maybe give the recomendation with a caveat. Something like, "yeah, they're a great band, but I can't guarantee that they'll bring a crowd"
Moderators ThudMaker Posted October 5, 2005 Moderators Posted October 5, 2005 Originally posted by wheresgrant3 . . . My friend contacted this new bar couldn't provide a demo or press kit to hand but dropped our name as a reference. It kinda puts us in an awkward position... if we go ahead and say yeah book them and the night bombs it reflects on us a little. First of all, the way you and your agent handled it with the venue was very professional. Your "friend" on the other hand did not. In any industry, not just the music business, proper etiquette would require your friend to ask you if it is ok to use you as a reference, and perhaps put it in writing. Would you put references down on a job application without asking those people first if it is ok? This isn't something I would blow off either. If he is a friend, honesty is important. THB's post is correct. Explain (in a kind way) everything that your band has done to have success in the marketplace, and the amount of sweat and money it took. His band needs to pony up and do the same. You've worked hard to get where you're at. I would not let this "friend" continue this behavior, as it could ultimately damage your bands good name.
Members kayak Posted October 7, 2005 Members Posted October 7, 2005 Originally posted by wheresgrant3 So I told our manager to handle it like this... " ...we know him and he's a nice guy... but I haven't personally seen or heard the band myself so we can't give a recommendation based on that. The band has been playing in the area for a while. If you want to give his band a try based on that then that's your decision to make. " I think that is a very good way to handle it. And I also think it is a very good idea to have a FRIENDLY discussion with your friend, explaining to him what you did, why you did it, and your feelings regarding what how they should handle things in the future.
Members Singin' Dave Posted October 7, 2005 Members Posted October 7, 2005 I agree with ther posts above. Not consulting with you prior to using you as a reference is poor judgement and actaully a risky move on his part. Not to mention you may not feel comfortable with it (as is the case). I'd discuss this fact with your friend and be honest about why it makes you uncomfortable.
Members MoreGuitars Posted October 7, 2005 Members Posted October 7, 2005 A friend would never justify your gig or good rep because he is just to lazy or wants to shortcut his way in. I'd let him know the awkward position he put you in, and in the future if he wants a reference from you notify in advance, and be clear to him what you will tell the prospective booker.
Members tucktronix Posted October 7, 2005 Members Posted October 7, 2005 Smart move, Grant. I'd do the same in a heartbeat, and I wouldn't feel guilty about it. Band promotion is their responsibility. If they're not willing to spend the time and cash to properly promote their band, then it's their problem. If they want to play gigs, they need to promote themselves.
Members tucktronix Posted October 7, 2005 Members Posted October 7, 2005 Originally posted by MoreGuitars A friend would never justify your gig or good rep because he is just to lazy or wants to shortcut his way in. I'd let him know the awkward position he put you in, and in the future if he wants a reference from you notify in advance, and be clear to him what you will tell the prospective booker. Hell no... It's NOT his responsibility to promote another band, period. I can only see maybe saying a few positive things to the club owner(s) provided that they have already received some promotional material from the band in the form of press kits or demo CD's and the club owner may be seeking Grant for his opinion of the band. Other than that, they're on their own.
Members kayak Posted October 7, 2005 Members Posted October 7, 2005 Well, if the club owner asks, then yes, it is your responsibility to respond. Otherwise it makes you look like a jerk to the club owner for not responding to his question. However, what you say when you do respond is a whole different story.
Members tucktronix Posted October 7, 2005 Members Posted October 7, 2005 Originally posted by kayak Well, if the club owner asks, then yes, it is your responsibility to respond. Otherwise it makes you look like a jerk to the club owner for not responding to his question. However, what you say when you do respond is a whole different story. Yes you DO respond to the club owner, you DON'T ignore the guy. But, what I'm saying is that you leave it up to the club owner to decide. Plus, if the band didn't take the time to provide the promos to the club owners, then they probably shoudn't get booked.
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