The Secret Chord, a 6-person band based in the Pioneer Valley, seeks to hire someone with a flair for management and promotion, and knowledge of the performing arts scene in central New England. We have a unique repertoire as the only active tribute band in the U.S. featuring the timeless music of Leonard Cohen, and offer two presentations: One features the music alone; the other, titled How the Light Gets In, delivers a message of hope in troubled times based around Cohen's music and poetry.
Our current challenge is how to find the best venues for what we do, and to connect with them. We could also use artistic coaching, help identifying what we do best musically and what we could do better. We've been together for two years, and have had a number of successful shows drawing up to 175 people (we've played Hawks & Reed, Luthier's Coop, Garlic & Arts Festival, and in several community concert series). Now we feel ready to "move up" to the next level as a band, but lack the time and business skills to do what's needed. We need someone who can check most of these boxes:
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Good communication skills, both written and verbal
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Highly organized and independent; able to create and follow a schedule of regular contacts with potential venues and track results. Able to persist and reach the right people with patience and good humor!
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Skilled with some kind of data management system for tracking the above. We currently use Airtable but would consider another platform
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Prior experience promoting and/or managing a musical act (preferred) or some kind of performing arts. In addition to contacting venues, this might include:
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Helping us improve our website as an outreach tool
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Managing and expanding our presence on social media
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Helping with concert logistics, ticket sales, etc, when needed
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Current knowledge of/contacts with venues in the region (Mass., northern CT, southern VT & NH, upstate NY) is a big plus!
The terms would be flexible, based on your availability, but here are some general guidelines:
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Time commitment: Up to 8 hours per week, flexible scheduling; you would work mostly independently
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Compensation: By the hour, minimum $25/hour but negotiable based on your experience, knowledge of the regional music scene, and other factors (like already having good contacts with local venues)
Our preference would be someone based in or near western Mass, so meeting in person could easily happen from time to time. Some familiarity with Leonard Cohen's music would be helpful as well (though not essential); our band exists because we all feel that this music offers much-needed inspiration and healing to our audiences, so it's helpful to understand the vibe we're trying to put out there!
Our band website is https://thesecretchord.band - that will give you an idea of our sound and our message. If you'd like to pursue this further, please contact Gordon at @email. A formal resume is not required, but please say something about:
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What attracts you to this position
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What you would bring to it
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Your relevant experience
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Your time availability (weekly or monthly)
Many thanks for your interest!