Joel Baskin is a booking agent and manager who sold his boutique agency, The Pilot Agency, to S.L. Feldman & Associates in 2011. What’s his definition of success and advice to other young professionals? Find out in today’s YEDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am a booking agent and manager. I am responsible for laying out plans for my artists and executing them. This involves creating touring plans, booking the shows, and ensuring promoters follow through on promotion of the events, amongst other issues that may occur. I also oversee the talent booking and event design for colleges, corporates, and private events.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
From 2006-2011 I ran my own boutique agency, “The Pilot Agency,” which I sold to S.L. Feldman & Associates in February 2011. It was by accident that I started being a booking agent, but I was happy to find something to do in the music industry.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is when I land a big development opportunity for one of my most emerging artists, the most challenging part is getting other people to care.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I would love to be doing the exact same thing but would also hope to see some of my emerging artists grow into the next level.
What does success look like to you?
Success looks like reaching your goals and seeing them come to fruition while still hatching bigger plans.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
There are lots of individual artist and client-related milestones, but obviously the biggest one has to be the recognition of Sam Feldman and S.L. Feldman & Associates when I came aboard last year. The Pilot Agency is sort of like university, it will also be a part of my life, but I am happy to have learned so much from that period and moved onto an agency with a ton of history and clout.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Follow your instincts, and act fast. If it were too easy, everybody would do it. Dream, engage, and execute.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Heart & Stroke Foundation and War Child. War Child is a big supporter of music initiatives so it is great to interact with them.
What to you is notable?
Respect.
BlackBerry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
BlackBerry.