How difficult can it be to start a music agency?

So, you’re thinking about your future career, and you think being a music agent is the right path for you. Starting a music agency can’t be too difficult, can it?

When thinking about owning your own musicagency, a strong passion for music just isn’t enough – there are a number of different factors that you will need to consider. You will need business knowledge, administration skills, diplomacy, an ability to negotiate, and being a great communicator is a must.

It’s a very competitive industry, so alongside these skills, ambition and hard work are key. Do your research beforehand, and make sure you are 100 percent sure you are prepared and committed before getting the ball rolling.

First steps
Firstly, you will need to start out at the bottom of a music agency before you can think about starting your own. That way, you can ensure that you have made a name for yourself in the industry, built up a network of contacts, music talent, publishers and labels. It will also allow you to forge strong relationships with clients that will mean they are more likely to follow you to your new agency when you’re ready.

Starting your own music agency
Taking the plunge from music agent to running your own music agency is a big one, and as mentioned it will require a vastly different skillset alongside the agent competencies you already have. It’s tough, but it can be done. Co-founder of music agency The Infinite Us , Henry Richard Parsley , knows all too well how important it is to pay your dues and garner as much experience in the industry as you can to get yourself to a point where starting a music agency yourself is a viable option.

Born in London in 1983, Parsley initially studied Politics at Nottingham University before working as a production assistant to Grammy-winning producer Fraser T Smith, who has worked with the likes of Drake , Adele , and Sam Smith . Parsley quickly learned the tricks of the trade and went on to co-found WeAreCottonClub as a composer, creating original music content for international brands and publishers.

In 2016, The Infinite Us was born, and now Parsley curates music for the likes of Lucasfilm , Prada , and Bally and has worked on high profile campaigns featuring Paz de la Huerta , model Karlie Kloss , and even R2D2.

Parsley’s story shows that even if you took an unconventional route into the industry and didn’t study anything related to your chosen career path at university, as long as you are willing to roll up your sleeves, put in the hard work and learn as much as you can from the talented people around you, you can progress from an assistant level role. With this attitude, starting a music agency is most certainly achievable – but definitely not easy!