Next Steps - Talent Agent
Hey gang,
Local Chicago artist here...singer-guitarist-songwriter. I perform original music with my band and play out solo on the weekends, cover material primarily at bars, restaurants, private events, etc...hired entertainment vs ticketed shows. I have been doing that in and around Chicago since I was a teenager, I am in my early 30's now.
Performing has always been a part of my income, but I have been unable to find the consistency with it to ever feel comfortable being a full time local musician. I am transitioning out of a job in healthcare, which became corossive to my well being, and I just want to play music. I have the live experience, 10,000 hours or whatever the standard is...I am confident in my ability to play and entertain people by myself or with my band...but I am, like I suppose many artists, not confident in being able to sell or market myself. It is just not my skill set and I lack the gift of gab.
I have had partial managers in the past...people that booked things I was unaware existed and took a percentage off the top, but I have never had an agent that can assist with this effort consistently. That's why I am posting here...I'm wondering if any artists/peformers can suggest any agencies, names, contacts that could help with this. I don't have a social media presence outside of having social media...it looks presentable but isn't regularly being updated or promoted currently...I rarely play shows that require promotion. I have applied to large umbrella talent agencies before, but nothing has come from that.
Looking for any suggestions, insights, personal experience, next steps...any and all feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks!