So
you wanna play the Hollywood club scene? Well Sean
Healy's the man to talk to. So here's the inside
scoop on how promotional teams work, and how to
stand out from the crowd, i.e - becoming more than
just wanna-be rock stars.
P.W:
How'd you get started promoting in LA?
Sean:
This past September was my 5th anniversary. I started
by producing and hosting underground performance
art shows at my theatre company, and then decided
to try one at a night club in Hollywood. I was a
success, and I started helping out bands by getting
them shows at clubs.
P.W: It seems you focus primarily
on live music events, is there a specific reason
for this?
Sean:
We're a company that's run by artists. Though I
am a former actor and not a musician, my employees
are all musicians with there own projects. We are
in the biz of helping bands and getting them exposure.
We do have plans for an event company to launch
soon for other types of parties.
P.W:
Do you feel it's getting easier or more difficult
for bands to break into the scene?
Sean:
It's definitely getting harder for bands to break.
One of the most important things for a local band
to have is a "draw". I can't tell you
how many times a&r people ask us what certain
bands draws are. So many bands think that just showing
up and 'rocking' will get them a deal.
P.W:
What MUST a band do to 'stand out' from the crowd?
Sean: A band must be original and have stage presence
and be " professional". A band must understand
that they can't act like a rock star until they
are rock stars.
Did
we sell our soul
for rock and roll?
P.W:
What is a way some of the up and coming bands are
'doing it right' with respects to promotion and
marketing?
Sean:
Some bands are buying the slot. This seems to be
the most effective way in getting a crowd to the
show. Each time slot we have equivocates to a monetary
value that we need for our over-head. If you buy
the slot you get unlimited tickets which assures
your band of having a good draw and a great time.
P.W:
Is LA really the 'Entertainment Capital' it is cracked
up to be or overrated? What other cities would you
like to be a promoter in?
Sean:
The decision makers are here, so it is the capital.
It may not be as authentic as other cities. Bands
form here in Hollywood for deals. We are currently
doing 6 shows a month in San Francisco and we are
starting Las Vegas in November. We have plans for
Portland in the next 2 years.
Vegas
- home of gambling , prostitution
& wholesome family entertainment
P.W:
How can you make money as a promoter, and also deal
with a market that is often strapped for cash?
Sean: We have different formulas for each clubs.
We don't charge a band, however there are pre-sale
shows in which the bands make money off the ticket
sales. If a band can't bring a 100 people, they
should play smaller shows.
P.W:
Are you currently taking submissions from bands
who might want to play an SHP event?
S.H.:
Yes - and we return all phone calls. Send submissions
to:
shp
7095 Hollywood blvd. #794
Hollywood, ca. 90028-8903
www.webookbands.com
P.W: What
are you currently reading?
Sean:
'Men's Health & Fitness' and 'Vine Line' - the
Chicago Cubs monthly magazine.
P.W:
What's book should everyone read?
Sean:
The Artists Way.'
P.W: Eminem
- love him or hate him?
Sean:
Like, not love.
P.W: Given the choice between bitches and bling-bling,
which would you pick and why?
Sean:
Bitches. 'cuz I likes da bitches
We
bitches love that Sean Healy!!!
P.W:
If you could meet any figure from History and ask
only one question, who would it be and what would
you ask?
Sean:
Bill Graham 'The Promoter' - how did you do it?
Bill Graham (R.I.P)
P.W:
And last, whattaya think about those crazy freedom
fighting journalists over at Publicity Whore
Magazine?
Sean: They seem cool. I want to
party with them.
For upcoming events check out:
www.webookbands.com
