The ins and outs of a music agent: A sit down with APA's Jaime Kelsall

In the podcast "Promoter 101 # 112 - APA's Jaime Kelsall & AEG Presents' Ethan Levinson", Dan Steinberg, the host, interviews music agent Jaime Kelsall. Given that she works at one of the largest diversified talent agencies in the industry, she didn't seem to have a shortage of information and knowledge to enlighten us with. Although she has since been promoted to "Vice President of Concerts", this interview does a stellar job of giving the listeners a peek into the life of a music agent.

Steinberg inquired about her venue size preference and Kelsall stated how it depends on what kind of agent she is in relation to the artist (25:30). She goes on to say that if she is acting as the responsible agent (the agent responsible for signing the act into the agency), clubs with capacities of 500-1000 people are the most fun for her. This is because she likes the burgeoning stages of artists and discovering new, fresh talent. She says this is where her passion lies in her work within the industry.

Kelsall speaks to another kind of agent called a territorial agent (23:25). A territorial agent refers to an agent who specializes in handling specific countries, regions, or territories. While APA is a territorial agency, Kelsall spoke of how not all agencies have this model, and the one she worked at prior to APA booked artists from all over, regardless of their location.

Jamie Kelsall give an explaination to the term "below-the-line" workers (22:10). These people include photographers, cinematographers, makeup artists, etc. Essentially, any and all other roles below the starring cast of the credits would be considered below-the-line.

Kelsall explains how APA is a full service agency (20:50). While many agency only represent musicians, APA represents actors, writers, costume designers, and many other below-the-line workers. APA seems to be of use to those in the entertainment industry as a whole rather than just pertaining to people who work in the music industry exclusively. The way in which APA is open to taking on a myriad of talents in multiple different facets makes them a full service agency.

Kelsall and Steinberg also discuss the unfortunate scenario of an act being represent by one management team that wants to change to another management team and how it puts the agent in an uncomfortable situation (29:30). Because the industry is filled with so many relationships, partnerships, and bonds, it could be dangerous guiding your act in their transition away from the manager that gave you the act in the first place. This could potentially be burning a bridge between you as an agent and a manager. It's not unusual for an agent to have multiple acts from one management team. The goal is to successfully assist your act in getting rid of their manager while also hoping that same manager doesn't also get rid of you as an agent.

This interview was nothing short of interesting! I'd highly recommend you give it a listen. Jamie Kelsall explains the work of an agent in great detail. She touches on points and situations that many don't often think of when venturing into the industry. The full podcast is available on SoundCloud.

Uju Ike is a Public Relations major and Music & Entertainment Industries minor at William Paterson University. He is in his third year of his BA program and is currently an aspiring publicist.