Top Aus Bookers Join Forces To Launch New Venue Agency

Top music industry figures and bookers, James Power and Jesse Barbera, have teamed up to launch a new full service national venue booking agency.

Social State Entertainment will work with some of the country's best live music venues and serve as the one point of call for artists, managers, agents and bands.

The news looks hugely promising for the local music scene as Barbera already serves as the founder and managing director of The Fans Group (Black Bear Lodge, The Brightside and The Lucky Egg), while Power has over 20 years experience in the Australian music industry, having booked gigs for the Hi-Fi venues in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

Power is also currently the live content director for the Prince Bandroom, Prince Public Bar and Melbourne Pub Group live music venues, along with numerous venues across the country through his Tiger Live Agency bookings company.

"We keep all individual brands and identities but it's just, sort of, an alliance between my and Jesse's venues," Power told The Music today.

"We've got added administration support and added marketing support… and a team to make booking a venue easier."

Power added that Social State Entertainment will also help bands book gigs much more efficiently.

"I booked the Hi-Fi for three years…we were one of the first ones to book three shows at once through the one person. We're offering that – a more streamlined, easier process… it's just quicker.

"It’s better for the bands, it's better for the venue owners and it's better for the punter."

Social State Entertainment will be the agents for the following venues:

Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
Brightside, Brisbane  
Cantina, St Kilda
El Grotto, Scarborough
The Grand LIVE, Mornington
Hobart City Hall (by special arrangement with Gone South)
Jimmy’s Den, Northbridge
Kay Street Entertainment, Traralgon
Live At The Orchard, Perth
Max Watts, Brisbane  
Prince Bandroom, St Kilda
Prince Public Bar, St Kilda
Blight’s Bar at The Colonial, Melbourne           
The Wool Exchange, Geelong