Can't Get a Record Deal? Get an Agent Instead! How Alive Network is Helping New Bands Earn a Living in 2014

NEWCASTLE UNDER LYME, England, December 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Today's music scene is a tough place to make your mark as a young, up-and-coming band, but practical, professional help is now on offer from the UK's biggest online music agency, Alive Network. The agency's 360 Degree representation service equips young bands and musicians with the essentials for professional success in the private and corporate entertainment world, including photo and video shoots, studio recordings, web development, social media profiles, workshops to improve live performance techniques, marketing advice and the best sales team in the business.

Budding bands only need to sign up with Alive Network (at no charge) to access professional services to help them promote their band. Demo tracks can be recorded in Alive Network's own state of the art studio, accompanied by a professionally filmed and edited video. Every band is given the opportunity of a free studio photoshoot, their own website, and can join professional workshops focussing on key issues such as marketing, promotion and dealing with clients on the night.

The income a band can earn with the agency can in turn financially support the band's original music and career goals, through income earned playing paid gigs in front of a live audience that build both a band's experience and confidence.

Alive Network's Artist Development Manager Rich Hearn see the new 360 Degree representation package as a natural 'win-win' for both agency and band.

"At Alive Network, we want to ensure that every band on our books are providing the best possible experience for our clients. In turn, we want to promote them in the best possible way so everyone can discover these artists' talents quickly and easily online.

"By offering artists and bands a complete package, we help them develop their skills, their artistry and their experience. Many of our most popular function and wedding bands have exclusive representation deals with Alive Network, and perform between 60-90 private events per year, earning anywhere between £70k - £140k per year. Not bad for what is essentially part time work, doing what they love most!"

Supporting young artists is nothing new for Alive Network; the business was originally set up in 1999 to fill an artist development gap caused by diminishing development deals and album sales. As the agency supported bands in achieving their aims, it became clear that these bands could earn good money performing for private functions, and hence not need a second part-time job outside the industry to fund their music ambitions.

Fourteen years later, Alive Network now provides live music and entertainment to over 7000+ private events per year. Represented function bands play at thousands of weddings, private parties and corporate events all year round, and it's still a growing market for Alive Network, with 2013 sales up 30% over 2012.

Managing Director of Alive Network, Dave Bevan, has big plans for the future too:

"In 2014, Alive Network aims to roll out all of our 360 Degree Representation services to every band we work with. From initial sign-up (which is free to everyone we accept) the band can record demos in our recording facility, get a professional studio photo shoot, get an amazing website created for them, film a professional video shoot, and access all the advice and help that they require from our Artist Liaison and Development team. That's a package unrivalled by any other agency and probably better than many smaller record companies can offer!"

"We will also be creating a new backstage area of the Alive Network website where our artists can register their interest in our development services. Bands can book themselves onto photo and video shoots, recording studio sessions, and sign up for development seminars in everything you need to know to earn a living playing music at private events."

The bands represented by Alive Network are very happy with their 360 Degree Representation deals too. Top function band Hipster joined Alive Network back in 2004 and to date have earned over £1million in fees from bookings in the UK and abroad, playing at major events as diverse as the Batman Live World Premier after party and the National Business Awards. Audience members include HRH Prince Harry, who said they were "Absolutely awesome!"

Energetic function and party band Happy Hour saw their earnings rise from £17.5k per year before joining Alive Network, to an impressive £80k+ per year with the agency. Happy Hour founder Richie Cooper is in no doubt about the value of the 360 Degree Representation package:

"Thanks to Alive Network, we now have professional demo tracks, top notch videos, a website that really sells us well, and most importantly, an agency that is as passionate about our shows as we are. 360 Degree representation also gives us the 'breathing space' to concentrate on rehearsing, improving our skills and growing our repertoire list, knowing that Alive Network are working hard to get us the bookings!"

For more details, go to http://www.alivenetwork.com

Alive Network is the UK's largest live music and live entertainment service, with over 4000 experienced musicians, bands and groups on its books.

Specialising in corporate entertainment and function bands, Alive Network also offers a diverse range of musical styles, from classical to mariachi bands, Bollywood to big band, opera singers to bagpipers.

Customers can also browse a selection of the UK's best DJs and discos, plus an impressive range of entertainers from caricaturists to toast masters, and specialist suppliers for firework displays and PA hire.

Company contact:
Rich Hearn
enquiries@alivenetwork.com

Alive Network Ltd
Ground Floor Suite
Silk Mill Studios
Princess Street
Newcastle under Lyme
Staffordshire
ST5 1DD
ENGLAND

Telephone: +44(0)845-108-5500
Fax: +44(0)845-226-3119
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am - 5.30pm