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First of all, thanks for having a great site that's loaded with tons of great info. It's nice
to know that someone with your credentials & experience is willing to answer questions pass
on tips. Thanks for your time. I'm a manager currently representing an alternative rock band.
They recently auditioned for a major label and almost landed a deal; however, they were
ultimately turned down. However this band has what it takes to go BIG - they're talented,
have a unique nirvana-like sound and are all under 30. Here is my question Brett. When I
promote the band, would you recommend that I actually sell them as an alternative rock
band with a unique nirvana-like sound or a whole different angle? also would u recommend
any great music biz books for a young manager like me to read? Again thank you for taking
the time from your busy schedule to answer our questions.
Regards, - J. Rendolak
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BRETT SAYS...
J, thanks for the email. You have some good questions – but there aren’t any easy answers when it comes to breaking in the business. I’ll tell you a little about my experiences with breaking into the business…
Hollywood is all about relationships. It’s not what you know it’s whom you know. I came out here knowing a lot of people, so work was pretty much handed to me from day one. However, I accidentally stumbled into some new territory when a movie producer at a fast food joint discovered me. He allowed me to do a screen test – that led to a producer at VH1 seeing it and signing me to a TV Show on VH1. The show went into “turn around” after 6 episodes – but it was a great experience, and it exposed me to a whole slew of new people.
In addition, being on TV brought me a whole new level of exposure. The same producer who discovered me in the first place approached me about being in an action movie. I said sure – meanwhile I was secretly nervous. He let me read the script, and being a screenwriter as well I was able to rewrite the script – and help “punch up” my role. In addition, I had to hire a bodyguard. My bodyguard it turns out used to work for Eddie Murphy. He invited me to tag along to a party at Eddie Murphy’s house and lo and behold – at that very same party – was Sean Penn. Penn and I hit it off right away. I told him about my film project. He was floored by the subject matter and story line. He also knew some of the people on the crew. See where I’m going here? It’s a very small world. Long story short, Sean Penn will most likely be doing a small cameo in the film.
Let’s recap: I come to Hollywood as a journalist. A year later I have a TV show based on a chance encounter with a film producer. The show fails – yet, I prevail. So now not only am I starring in a major motion picture, but I’m starring in a major motion picture with Sean Penn. In addition I have a book coming out and a number of other projects. I never worried about how to market myself; I only worried about being a good honest person. I didn’t care that I was nearly 200 pounds and close to 40, I knew in my heart that I had what it took to go the extra mile, to be better than others – to win!
As for your band, they sound pretty cool. I would stay away from the Nirvana thing since
that was like 10 years ago and the guy shot himself and stuff.
There are a number of books that you should read, but I’m only going to recommend one:
"Hit Men" - By Frederic Dannen
As for A&R advice, there is only one source needed: John Kalodner's Web Site
For industry chitchat, gossip and rumors, check here: The Velvet Rope Web Site - from Starpolish!
I hope this helped answer your question. ;=)
Peace out - Brett
CLICK HERE TO ASK BRETT A QUESTION - You can also send an email to brettmeisner@hotmail.com. Be sure to include some personal information about yourself to share with Brett and his fans. (Due to the high-volume of questions, we cannot answer all emails.)
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