FAQs

Why don’t you list the entertainers you work with?

First, we believe it is inappropriate to use the name of an entertainer we have no relationship with to develop our own business. Second, with 20 years in the entertainment and legal industries, we are confident that our experience and the way we handle our business gives us all the credibility we need – we don’t need to borrow it from entertainers who worked hard to develop it on their own. Third, we provide a great deal of value to our clients separate and apart from the value offered by the entertainers and we would prefer to talk about what we can do for you: Why AMW is Different, Why AMW is Better. Finally, other than Memphis Train Revue and Caboose, we don’t represent artists, we represent buyers. We can help you book any act in the world, why would we go through the trouble of listing them all?

What entertainers do you represent?

AustinMusicWorks manages two acts, Memphis Train Revue and Caboose. When we book those bands, we represent the interests of the band, not the interests of the buyer. However, once that buyer becomes a client, we believe that the interests of the band are to take care of the client by setting reasonable expectations and exceeding them through excellent communication, planning and performance. It is this all too rare client-first philosophy that serves as the basis of AustinMusicWorks’ service to buyers.

What’s the difference between a manager, an agent and a broker?

An artist manager handles all of the business affairs of an artist. If you think of an artist like a celebrity chef, the manager is the GM of the restaurant, hiring and firing, paying staff and taxes, balancing the books, budgeting, handling the marketing and advertising and customer relations, making sure the chef is where the chef is supposed to be when the chef is supposed to be there, making sure the equipment is in good repair, etc. The primary goal of the manager is to handle all of the business so the artist can concentrate on the art.

An artist agent represents the artist and has the limited responsibility of finding work for the artist. The agent books the tours and works to fill in the empty dates.

A buyer’s agent, by contrast, represents the buyer and works to be sure the buyer pays a reasonable fee and understands what additional expenses and requirements may be involved, negotiates the contract, oversees the preparation for the performance and makes sure that there are no surprises for anyone. Ultimately, the goal is to guide the buyer down a smooth path from start to finish.

A broker represents no one but him or herself. The broker’s goal is to make a great match between band and buyer and allow those two parties to rely on their own knowledge and experience to negotiate the deal and address issues as they arise after the deal is signed. The best ones will touch base with the artist and buyer once or twice before the event to make sure that things are on track.

Why should I hire AustinMusicWorks?

If you want your own agent with a fiduciary obligation to you and you alone with 20 years of experience in law and entertainment, who has successfully worked hundreds of events, knows the entertainment landscape, the industry custom and practice and who is dedicated to making the entertainment side of your event worry free and flawless, then you should hire AustinMusicWorks. Our knowledge and experience provides confidence and our efforts save you time, money and hassle.

How much do your services cost?

Our fee varies depending on the complexity of the engagement, but is always reasonable. The industry standard commission is 20% of the total fee paid by the buyer. Absent extenuating circumstances, our fee is equal to or below the standard.
Why AMW is Better.

How does your fee affect the price I pay for the entertainer?

Our fee does not impact the cost of your entertainment. It is a separate fee that we charge for our services. We believe that our fee is outweighed by the value we bring to you. With that said, some entertainers will discount their price much like a furniture store will discount furniture to an interior designer, others will not. It depends on the act.

Can I book entertainment directly?

Absolutely. If you know the band you want and are confident in your ability to negotiate a fair deal and you have the time and knowledge to keep things running smoothly between the entertainer and the other vendors on your event (planner, venue, caterer, linen, décor, etc.), book the band directly.

If I can book directly, why should I use AustinMusicWorks?

AustinMusicWorks can provide a number of safeguards to protect you from making decisions that you come to regret. Our experience and familiarity with the players in the industry allow us to guide you to only the most reliable, professional acts. We handle all of the research, scheduling of opportunities to see the act perform, negotiation, advancing of the performance and coordinating with other vendors and the venue as necessary, freeing you up to focus on other things. We work with you to uncover any hidden pot holes and landmines that can create unwanted surprises down the road. Unless you agree otherwise, we also hold on to your money in our trust account until the act arrives for their performance ensuring that you will get your money back if the act doesn’t show.