As the widely respected and well connected CEO of Total Access Talent, Melissa Sessoms is a veteran with some of entertainment’s biggest artists at her fingertips. Formerly a publicist at Sessoms PR she has advanced into the booking realm.
Lola Sims: Tell us about Total Access Talent?
Melissa Sessoms: Formerly Sessoms PR, Total Access Talent, Inc, is an international celebrity procurement and communications firm with limitless capabilities we are multi-lingual and the bottom line is, we get the job done! At Total Access Talent, Inc, success is the standard by which we operate; as we help our clients reach and maintain key milestones. Our clients not only benefit from our expertise and execution, but they also enjoy success based on the results of our efforts—from the ground upwards, we are with our clients every step of the way!
Through our personalized approach, we are committed to client needs leaving no stone unturned. Our mission is to create relevant, “buzz-worthy,” meaningful opportunities for our clients in order for them to attain the visibility they seek; while propelling them to the next level. We work with numerous international corporations, charitable organizations brands, concert venues, night clubs, universities in addition to desirable talent and talent management teams across numerous industries, namely, Music, Film + Television, Fashion, Sports and more.
LS: At what time should an artist start looking for a booking agent?
MS: It is about strategy. From an artist/ management point of view, an artist should always be thinking about having some kind of representation. Some artists book their shows in-house with their management and some have their go-to agent. It is usually when they have a strong buzz , a lot of spins and when they receive numerous show requests. But it is important for the artist to have a “show” meaning, if you have one single, it would be wise to wait until you have the material to put on an entertaining set/show to satisfy to the fans.. I have seen several instances where are artist has a hot single, but no other material at that moment. They try to do a show, and it fails miserably because the crowd only knows that one song.
LS: What kind of references should you request when vetting a booking agent or agency?
MS: This is a great question because some novice buyers don’t do adequate research and unfortunately in the worst case scenario they get scammed. Sometimes it is hard for some buyers to reach management teams and that is why they seek the service of an agent.There are many directories like Pollstar that list agents with the corresponding act and they are listed because they have been cleared by management. Another way to make sure you are dealing with a qualified agent is to check their credentials, ask questions, or request proof of past engagements. There was one instance where last October I booked Nicki Minaj for an engagement in Trinidad via her management team at the time. (the footage of the show was captured on the MTV documentary “its my time”) I heard that other agents claimed to have booked that engagement which infuriated me, but if someone vetting my agency wanted proof that it was indeed my agency that booked her, I can provide that information. Also Google is your friend, but there’s nothing better than hearing it straight from the horse’s mouth. No better reference than that. Potential buyers seeking an agent should also look at the track record from which they will be able to identify who they have worked with, what types of relationships they possess.
LS: Are there any standard fees associated when using a booking agency?
MS: An agent generally retains 10 percent of the guarantee, that is the standard rate.
LS: What are the benefits of using an agency instead of going from manager to promoter?
MS: As an agency, celebrity procurement is what we do so we have the time to make sure that all the details are attended to. People don’t realize sometimes that omitting the smallest detail can be the difference between a successful engagement and a complete disaster. With us, we make sure all bases are covered from securing the funds to being hands-on with all of the logistics. Hotel accommodations, local ground, providing detailed itineraries to all parties, etc… There are some agents that are just concerned about getting their commission and that’s it. We see the entire process through to completion. We like to see our clients happy while enjoying the “experience.”
LS: Who are some of the acts you book?
MS: Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Wale, Flo Rida, we have also worked DJ Khaled, Nicki Minaj and many others. Our relationships are extremely solid and we have been blessed. The most important thing in sustaining yourself in this business is relationships [the most important relationship is with GOD] Generally we permit people to see our roster upon request on a need to know basis, but I will say that we work with some of this biggest names in Music, Film and Fashion as well as up and coming talent. We also work with different brands where we identify opportunities for marketing partnerships with our talent. Currently we are in negotiations with Fever Stimulation Beverage (super premium all-natural herbal fusion that enhances the body, provides a feeling of euphoria, a natural source of energy and body enhancement) for one of our clients who has an enormous buzz going right now and his star will continue to rise. So not only do we offer celebrity procurement, we like to build and develop our clients when given the opportunity, and we bring in other revenue streams. We also have movie offers we are sifting though as well.
LS: Are there minimum qualifications ie record sales, social media followers that are applied at Total Access or that are required before you take on a client?
MS: We take on clients that we know we will be able to secure work for. Sometimes it takes pitching and selling, but most of the time we can identify potential and we are confident in our abilities. Besides, I feel there is a market for everybody. It may be a case where we create the opportunity which in turn may cause record sales to increase which causes more followers to ensue. It is essentially a domino effect, yet each client is different. We booked Rick Ross on Lil’ Wayne’s “I Am Still Music Tour this year and due to the exposure he received by performing over 100 shows, he obtained thousands more fans and followers on twitter and as a result more people will buy his records because they love his music, and they got a chance to see him MORE! I am not saying the tour was the only reason for this, but it is a factor. On the other hand, we need to believe in the client and be on accord with their vision as well as add insight. Sometimes it takes artist development. The client is not going to always start at the top, you have to be able to identify the factors to help them build and face the challenges and triumphs right along with them.
Follow Melissa Sessoms on Twitter @TOTALAXTALENT
Interview by Lola Sims / publicist
PR & Publicity
LolaSims@gmail.com
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