WAM Festival: Tom Johannesen

Business/Position: New World Artists, Booking Agent

Tell us about how you first became involved in the music business and where you are now? I started out promoting local shows which led into booking tours which led into starting my own agency which I ran for four years while working full time at a surf store. Two years ago I moved to Sydney to start working with New World Artists.

What will you be primarily discussing during your appearance at the WA Music Conference, and why is this area important? What a booking agent does, how to get an agent/what they look for, do you need one etc. It is very important to have a great agent holding the reins to your live career. They’ll plan your touring, get you on festivals/events, negotiate the best deals and protect you from dodgy characters.

What are you expecting to take away from your WAM Festival visit? Putting some faces to email addresses, a long list of WA local bands to consider when looking for supports in future and a tan.

One piece of advice to help others succeed in the music industry? Get as much experience as you possibly can at a young age.