Talent buyers, like promoters, make the deals that put performers (i.e., musicians) on stage in clubs and at concerts. The Occupational Outlook Handbook doesn’t cover talent buyers per se. Talent buyers are on the opposite side of negotiations from agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes who represent the performing artist. It’s hard to say how many talent buyers are employed (or self-employed) in the U.S.
I’m no expert here, but it seems to me that talent buyers are usually employed by the venues they represent and book talent for. They may work on a contract basis. On the other hand, it seems to me that promoters are self-employed. They earn a living by booking both the talent as well as the venue, then promoting the show in order to sell enough tickets to cover all the costs and earn a profit for themselves. As far as I can determine, the talent buyer has no financial risk. The talent buyer might lose his job if the bands he books don’t make money for his employer. But the talent buyer himself isn’t risking any of his own money. On the other hand, the promoter must sign agreements to pay the band and rent the venue. If ticket sales are too low, the promoter (or his company) loses money. (more…)
