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“Basically, band managers play a complex and varied role in the music industry. Most musicians envision playing in a band as a creative job; they get to go on stage or into the studio and play music and get paid for it.” He shrugged. “Unfortunately, that’s just a small part of the overall big picture and basically, enjoying success as a band or singer, is no different that running any other business.”
“That sounds a little less glamorous,” Jason said with an easy grin.
“That’s the part no one likes to think about,” Mick told him. “There are contracts to review and sign, finances to handle, and marketing activities that need to occur in order for a band to achieve success.” He took another sip of his water. “And because most musicians aren’t interested in the business end of things and simply want to focus on making and playing music, they rely on guys like me to conduct business activities on their behalf.”
“What’s it like for a new band versus an established one?” Bree asked.
Just keep smiling...
“Both require a lot of work,” he explained, “but before a band makes it big, there’s a lot more involved. For example, a large part of my job for unknown bands is sending out demos to record labels and live music venues. My team and I spend a lot of time promoting the band, scheduling shows, and growing a band’s audience.”
“How much of that do you still do yourself?” Jason asked.
“I’m not nearly as hands on at that level anymore. Don’t get me wrong, I step in to close any deals that aren’t getting made—like if a venue doesn’t want to give the band a chance—but mostly, everyone working for me in that division knows exactly what to do to get our acts seen.”
“So you’re more hands-on with the established acts,” Sienna said.
Mick nodded. “Once a band has been signed by a label, most then hire an agent who takes care of a lot of the responsibilities of finding new gigs for the band, arranging shows, and working with record labels. I then work with the agent to ensure that all activities are for the benefit of the band, all decisions and materials created support the band’s desired image, and all contracts delivered are in the band’s benefit.” Pausing, he finished his water. “I do have an entire financial department because we also handle band finances, and sometimes counsel band members on both professional and personal decisions. I wear many hats.”
Across from him, Jason nodded. “You’re the agent for Shaughnessy, aren’t you? Besides being their manager?”
Another nod. “I am. They were my first act that I signed, and I did everything for them. Once they got their first record deal, we all sat down and I told them I’d be okay if they wanted to hire a real agent, but they said they trusted me and wanted me to be the guy handling everything for them.” He smiled at the memory and at how young and naïve they all were.
“Oh, my goodness, I am a huge fan of Shaughnessy!” Bree exclaimed with a wide grin. “I’ve been crazy about them ever since that first album and, ask Jason, the kids all groan when one of their songs come on while we’re in the car. I always turn the volume way up and sing at the top of my lungs!”
Jason laughed. “Sadly, she’s not kidding.”
“Are they were coming to New York anytime soon?” Bree asked. “Or anywhere in the tri-state area? I don’t mind driving!”
He couldn’t help but laugh. “We’re working on the next tour after the New Year,” he told her. “The guys are all married and have kids now and wanted to be home for the holidays.” He took a sip of wine that Jason ordered for the table that had finally been served. “They’ll go back into the studio first to record new music and the team will start on the tour dates.” Smiling, he added, “And I’ll be sure to get tickets and backstage passes to you.”
“Oh, my goodness!” Bree exclaimed happily. “Thank you! Did you hear that, Jason? Backstage passes! I’m going to be the envy of all my friends!”
Jason looked over at him with amusement. “I’m not sure if I should thank you or not. There will be no living with her after that.” Then he chuckled. “And you might regret letting her meet the guys. I’m not saying that she’s overzealous, but...”
Normally it bothered him when people hit him up for tickets, but... right now he was feeling grateful for them saving him from himself tonight.
“So, Sienna,” he finally said when the topic of his job hit a lull. “What are you doing with yourself these days?”
Ugh... how lame of a question was that?
She gently cleared her throat and gave him a small smile. “I’m a neuropsychologist and doing research at Duke University. Our annual conference was this week, and that’s why I’m in town. Today was the last day.”
“A... neuropsychologist?” he asked and was too embarrassed to admit that he had no idea what that entailed. “That’s... that’s... holy shit.”
Across the table, Jason nodded. “I know, right? Here I am working a fairly normal job in finance, and my baby sister is a brilliant neuropsychologist!”
Beside him, Sienna laughed. “Jason, I highly doubt anyone would call being the CFO of a multi-million dollar corporation a fairly normal job!”
“Still,” he countered, “it’s nothing compared to be a neuropsychologist!” Turning to Mick, he went on, “You probably don’t remember how my little sister here skipped several grades because she was so smart. She could have even skipped more, but my parents wouldn’t allow it. Then she blazed through college in half the time it would have taken a normal person, and now she’s a neuropsychologist! How crazy is that?”
“Okay, can we all just stop saying neuropsychologist?” Sienna said with a laugh. “I’m a professor. It’s not a big deal.”
“Oh, please,” her brother said with an amused snort. “It’s a huge deal. Mom and Dad still put it on every holiday card.” He sat up a little straighter. “And our brilliant daughter, Sienna, is still at the top of her field, making us the proudest parents ever!”
“Jason...” she whined.
“And then it ends with a less than stellar mention of their not-so-brilliant son,” he went on. “Meanwhile, Jason and Bree are doing well and raising our beautiful grandchildren.” He gave an overly dramatic sigh. “I wouldn’t mind if they boasted about being proud of my accomplishments.”
