Here it is. Our first official GigLog interview. Ryan Saltzman, a lawyer by training, represents some of today’s hottest artists at Bullitt Bookings, a boutique agency. In this interview Ryan shares some of his secrets on representing artists and finding new talent.
Baris:
So, let’s start with you,
you are with Bullitt, since when?
Ryan Saltzman:
I started working with Bullitt in October 2005.
Baris:
Prior to that?
Ryan Saltzman:
So almost through 4 years
before that I was working for an entertainment law attorney named Kurosh Nasseri
focusing on electronic music.
Baris:
I think I am seeing the connection there,
I know that you are a lawyer by training,
interesting switch.
What attracted you to representing artists?
Ryan Saltzman:
Well, because I had developed my legal training by working with musicians and I had developed a love for dance music in the late 90s, there wasnt really a switch, but more a of a shift in the type of work I was doing,
after working with Kurosh, I realized that I wouldn’t be happy if I wasn’t working in the entertainment scene in some form.
Baris:
I see. Yours seem to be a quite unique case. Let me ask you a broader question: how does one get started representing artists?
Ryan Saltzman:
That’s a great question, and there is no one specific answer to it.
Baris:
I thought so. It is always case by case I guess.
Ryan Saltzman:
A majority of the time, the answer will be that you just “fall into” the job.
Baris:
Got it. Now that you’ve fallen into the job, you got to find some new talent – before someone else grabs it.
Ryan Saltzman:
Maybe a friend of yours starts to take off in their music career and they ask for your help in promoting or managing them.
Baris:
So how do you go about that?
How do you monitor the market?
Ryan Saltzman:
The best way is to stay as current as possible in the scene – read as many trade magazines as possible
DJ Times, DJ Mag, Mix Mag, etc
Online websites are always helpful – Resident Advisor for global, and local ones as well, such as Rhythmism in NYC.
And of course – get out there as much as possible,
go to the shows in your area,
get to know the people who run the clubs.
Everyone from the bouncers and bartenders to the promoters and owners.
Baris:
A lot of schmoozing (Gigsby note: also see Vault guide to schmoozing)?
Ryan Saltzman:
It’s a tough job, but it has to be done
Baris:
I hear you
Baris:
You got some big names at Bullitt. I can think of Dubfire, Nic F., DJ RAP, etc.
Ryan Saltzman:
Yeah – we look after a whole roster of amazing artists,
our roster is purposefully small and boutique,
our aim is to grow the artist not the roster.
Baris:
But I am pretty sure there have been cases where you said “God I knew this guy would make it”
Ryan Saltzman:
Of course. But the key is to get the rest of the world to realize it too.
Baris:
If only I had reached out to him…
Ryan Saltzman:
It does happen.
Baris:
Do you help with publicity too?
Or do you just handle the gig requests?
Ryan Saltzman:
Because we are a boutique agency, we are able to assist with many facets of our artists’ careers, including press, licensing deals, contract negotiation, etc.
So we are not necessarily just booking gigs day-in and day-out.
Baris:
So fewer artists, more focus.
Ryan Saltzman:
Exactly.
Baris:
Got it
We actually ran out of time
but I decided to cut myself some slack
Ryan Saltzman:
And I’m spent.
Baris:
This is my first interview after all
Ryan Saltzman:
Much appreciated
Baris:
lol
Ryan Saltzman:
You’re a very good interviewer
Baris:
Thanks so much Ryan
Ryan Saltzman:
Pleasure!
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Tags: Agent, Booking Agency, DJ Mag, DJ Rap, Dubfire, entertainment law, finding talent, kurosh nasseri, licensing deal, Mix Mag, Nic Fanciulli, Promoting & Producing Events, Resident Advisor, Rhythmism, schmoozing, trade magazines