An Interview with LA Booking Agency Founder Lori Haire
TAKING MUSIC TO THE WORLD...
In pursuit of the arts, Lori attended Tunxis College for video production, and is a certified photographer. She began freelance writing and has had many articles, music reviews and band interviews published in newspapers, magazines and blogs. Combining her love for music and her experience in event planning and administration, Lori created her own band booking and promotion agency, LA Booking, in 2007, now representing over 17 artists from across the country. Recently, she completed a Talent Booking and Promotions course through Brower Entertainment Agency, and earned her certification in website design through Tunxis College.
LA Booking assists artists with a wide range of services in an effort to get their music heard, seen and enjoyed by all.
MM: 1. How long have you been involved in the entertainment business?
Lori: I have been involved in booking actively since 2007 under LA Booking. Before that, I would do a few things here and there to help a friend, or through my work.
MM: 2. When did you know that you wanted to be in this business and what was your motivation?
Lori: I have always been a huge music fan, since a young kid. I would sit in my room for hours, writing or drawing, with music on. I would study the lyrics, read about the artists, peruse the cd liners. As a teen, I was madly in love with the arts- music, film, writing and drawing / design. I wanted to work behind the scenes in one of those fields, or use all of them in a career, I just didn ' t know what.
MM: 3. How did you get started, what was your“ big break”? Lori: A close friend of mine started a children ' s safety show and needed assistance booking libraries, schools and festivals. He had a day job to pay the bills, as do all of my artists, and it left very little time to do the booking himself. Since I was a stay at home mom looking for something creative to do, he asked if I would want to help. Not long after, he passed my name on to his vocal coach who performs jazz music. From there, it just took off, without me even trying. It ' s been wonderful.
MM: 4. What are some of the highlights of your career so far?
Lori: Finding new music by incredible artists is probably one of the biggest highlights for me. Each of the artists I represent I am so proud of, and thoroughly enjoy their music. I love attending their shows to see them live, or heading to the studio and watching them record. Most of them I have gotten to know well enough on a personal basis that I can call them truly a good friend. These people inspire me so much through their music that I would give the shirt off my back for any of them.
As for highlights for the artists, getting them booked for a big show or tour is always exciting. Hooking them up with an interview or a good promo spot, assisting in gaining radio play, or pushing fans to vote on a poll or award are also great highlights. Basically seeing them succeed is what I love to see.
MM: 5. Have you received any special awards or achievements?
Lori: Nothing mentionable yet... however I had a good laugh last year. A friend of mine and I were googling our names for fun, and through this realized that someone had nominated me for a Shorty Award for my tweets on twitter about the entertainment business or something. I obviously didn ' t win, I only got about 5 votes on it. But the whole thing cracked me up. Still does!
MM: 6. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 or 10 years?
Lori: I am hoping in five years, LA Booking will be a strong, full-service agency with a staff of people working to assist artists make their dream in music come true. I am currently working on a new angle for the agency that, if it becomes a reality, will be a huge benefit to my artists and any future ones. Hopefully within the next six months I will know for sure if it ' s going to happen, and can start getting the ball rolling and put it into action.
MM: 7. What would you like your legacy to be?
Lori: Wow- good question! I guess I want people to look at LA Booking and be inspired. I ' d love to see other agencies rise up and do the same. I also want artists who worked with or know about LA Booking to say, You know, she really cares about her artists. They aren ' t just another name on the roster to her. I want them to know that they are all, individually important to me. I also want these artists to really benefit from LA Booking, get good shows, promotion and more.
MM: 8. Any special words of encouragement or advice for our readers?
Lori: You don ' t have to be a singer or musician to reach the world with music. I want those out there that have a passion to help others and have a true love for music to see that they can get on board behind these artists and help them realize their dreams. My personal dream may not be to play guitar or sing, but it ' s to see these real musicians come to their potential. When they make it, I feel I make it.
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