We were lucky to catch up with Scott Clayton recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Scott, thanks for joining us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

In the 2000’s I was running a screenprinting business in Leucadia that my buddy owned. I also played drums in several bands in the evenings and performed all over town. The nearest free live music venue was Bar Leucadian just a few blocks from my residence. I would walk down there on weekends to see the bands and would notice there were no neighborhood locals in the room. I asked the manager “why aren’t the local drinkers in the room?” He replied with “we depend on the bands to bring the crowd!” I said “but there is such a great local scene of surfer/skaters that you should be marketing to!” He said, “if you can help, I will pay you!” So I took over all booking & marketing in about 2009. I had that place at full capacity 7 nights a week for many years! That is where I cut my teeth in the business. To this day there is a mural outside the building dedicated to local musicians and my face is right in the middle!

Scott, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a full time music booking agent. I gather artist submissions from musicians & clients, and decide what live music fits best and where. In a nutshell, my clients are the venues and the musicians are my contracted workers. I got in to this when the economy crashed in 2008 and work was slow. So I took the opportunity to pursue an industry I loved & only was involved in before as a hobby.

Many restaurants, bars, breweries etc.. depend on the general manager to do the entertainment booking. This usually comes with no extra compensation. Also the manager should be focused on things like, staffing, ordering, etc…. and not so much be burdened with artist submissions. This is where I come in. I am a hub for submissions & usually get 20+ on a good day. I place what I think are the best fits between client & contractor. At the end of the month I charge the client (venue) for my services.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Being on all sides of the playing field is what sets me apart from most other agents. Prior to starting my business I had decades of experience at a music performer. I also ran sound weekly for 25+ acts for over a decade. Commonly agents are not musicians, but more fans that love the experience of live entertainment. I can relate to the musician because I myself am one.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Being on-sight at shows was and has been extremely helpful. I get one on one bonding with the musicians & get to see the interaction between musicians & patrons.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.on-point-promotions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onpointpromotions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onpointpromotion
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-clayton-0214a842/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/oppsandiego