Richard Fredricks, Voice Teacher in Los Angeles | Voice Lessons Los Angeles, Vocal Coach Los Angeles, Singing Lessons Los Angeles, Singing Lessons Los Angeles

GETTING AN AGENT AND/OR MANAGER ...

October, 2008

One of the most predictable questions asked of me, by youngsters–and some not so youngsters–who would like to move, from fledgling singer/performer, to someone regarded as possessing the requisite vocal bona fides, that would entice an agent/manager into signing them on. This is most desirable so that so that the singer has someone with an ear to the showbiz ground–granted, it’s hard to work in that position–who ostensibly will search through the professional “Trades” and find audition opportunities consistent with your type and talent. More than likely, in the best of circumstances, they’ll call you at 11:35 PM and give you your 10:00 AM time, for the following morning ... after they have checked out everyone else first. In the main, I have a very low opinion of agents/managers as, in my experience, most of them are failed actors who, like water, seek their own level. But ... you can’t really go anywhere without someone talking for you.

The quick answer is to get a job/venue ... and invite agents/managers to see you in action. The “Catch 22” is that you usually can’t find/get a venue, that an agent will attend ...without having an agent! Soooo ... what you must do is get out to every performance of all kinds of musical events and “mingle,” there are other performers at a lot of these places and they tell you where to go, the “Open Mike” places. My buddy Seth Riggs suggested this:

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West Hollywood, CA 90038. Res: (323) 467-7444. Geffen Playhouse. 10886 Le Conte Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90024. Tic: (310) 208-5454. Haugh Perf. Arts Center ...
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Get out and sing, sing, sing. In my day, it was Piano Bars. I would go to any one in town with my music and always was asked to sing at least three songs. One night, I sang “Unchained Melody” and was sent a drink by a patron, at the Buggy Whip, in Westchester, sound of L. A., with a request I sing it again. I did and the three folk at the table applauded. As they left, one fella passed by with a big smile and a compliment, shook my hand, while pressing ten dollars in my hand, a big deal for an engineering student cum singer. After he left, the pianist asked, “You know who that was, don’t you?” I professed my ignorance and he said, “He wrote the piece!” The message here? You never, oh never know who’s there and who’s listening. Never, oh never drink when you sing ... you always want to be at your best, with you “wit” about you ...