Whether you like
it or not, being creative and pursuing your passion in music at
a professional level also involves promoting yourself and finding
the right audience. It is true that a band playing the right combination
of music at the right point in time definitely have an advantage,
yet there are bands that have succeeded even though they pursued
their own unique sound. How?
It is often the case
that these acts have made use of those specialising in marketing
and promotion, and such a strategy can save you both time and money
in the long run. Dean Mitchell, of Mitchell Marketing and Management
Agency is one such specialist, he’s a fan and takes a fan’s approach
to whatever he might be promoting at the time. Whether it be bands,
babes or both, Dean is committed to getting the best deal he can
for his acts.
Dean has been in
the background of the Perth entertainment scene working as a professional
since 1986. A founding member and manager of Xpress Magazine from
1986 to 1991, Dean left to set up his uniquely personalised agency
specialising in entertainment, events, venues and talent.
It may sound strange
but because of our isolation Perth music may have an advantage that
other places around the world do not have. Dean feels that if marketed
and managed correctly, whether that be new media online, in the
paid press or the free press we may be able to, like Jim Morrison,
expose ourselves to the market that exists locally. The isolation
of the nearly two million citizens of Western Australia leads to
a lack of choice for entertainment. Increasing sales locally can
only be beneficial to all existing acts and result in raising their
profile within the national and international media.
While all of this
sounds positive, reversing the present status quo will not happen
straight away, even if WA is currently Triple J’s flavour of the
month. “There’s a lot of work to be done and it’s not going to happen
overnight unfortunately, the bands and the managers are the ones
getting paid off the door and that purse isn’t big enough at the
moment.”
“My theory is that
fame feeds on fame.” This is true with venue, acts and events alike.
The venues should work together with experienced professionals who
can provide well planned, smartly marketed and consistently strong
quality shows for public support. Excellence and quality will never
be denied but the trick is who, where and when.”
“If venues see entertainment
as a serious investment to properly attract clientele they should
target managers and promoters to do their thing at the best possible
level. Then bands will play to the largest audience interested in
the attraction. Improvement happens venue by venue, week by week
and you’re only as good as your last show.” There are many good
resources out there, some of which can be found with Dean Mitchell
and his smorgasbord of promos.
www.thebandwagon.com.au
