Summary of JH and JR Conversation with Rob Robbins
Summary of Call with Rob Robbins of Alliance Artist Management (AAM)
• Rob does not have any short term solutions to the reduced number of Cantus bookings for next year.
• Rob claims Cantus’ is a priority ensemble for AAM and the reduced bookings have a similar impact on AAM’s financials as it does on Cantus’ financials.
• Rob is NOT willing to reduce his commission.
• Rob said it is not uncommon after banner years, which Cantus has had, to have a fall off in bookings the following year.
• Rob observed that presenters have a wide range of artists from whom to choose and they can be fickle so Cantus’ unique musical repertoire that ranges from classical to pop, traditional to international, makes it challenging for presenters to know what they’re signing up. Cantus would be well served to develop stronger marketing savvy, an increased social media presence, better quality videos, high quality marketing materials including clear and concise explanations of its programs (the 30 second elevator speech - what exactly the program is about), all of which will provide better packaging and labeling. (It’s worth noting that Cantus is making strides on this front. For example, we recorded three additional videos — example 1, example 2, and example 3 — at Rob’s request this year, and we have another three in the hopper for release in the coming year at his request/recommendation.)
• Rob suggested:
• increasing the interaction between AAM and the Artistic Council
• Cantus increase its social media presence
• Cantus sharpen the musical content of its programs, including new commissioned works, so it’s the music that’s primary and attracts presenters rather than conveying a message where the music is perceived to be secondary
• that while international touring enhances the reputation of an artist, European markets do not pay as well as North American markets do, and while Asian markets tend to be profitable, touring internationally requires donors to help underwrite the travel expenses.
• Rob is receptive to using the Cantus singers to help market the group and is intending to invite a group of presenters who will be attending a Midwest Conference in September to the Open House scheduled for donors to kick off the new season.
• Rob does not have any short term solutions to the reduced number of Cantus bookings for next year.
• Rob claims Cantus’ is a priority ensemble for AAM and the reduced bookings have a similar impact on AAM’s financials as it does on Cantus’ financials.
• Rob is NOT willing to reduce his commission.
• Rob said it is not uncommon after banner years, which Cantus has had, to have a fall off in bookings the following year.
• Rob observed that presenters have a wide range of artists from whom to choose and they can be fickle so Cantus’ unique musical repertoire that ranges from classical to pop, traditional to international, makes it challenging for presenters to know what they’re signing up. Cantus would be well served to develop stronger marketing savvy, an increased social media presence, better quality videos, high quality marketing materials including clear and concise explanations of its programs (the 30 second elevator speech - what exactly the program is about), all of which will provide better packaging and labeling. (It’s worth noting that Cantus is making strides on this front. For example, we recorded three additional videos — example 1, example 2, and example 3 — at Rob’s request this year, and we have another three in the hopper for release in the coming year at his request/recommendation.)
• Rob suggested:
• increasing the interaction between AAM and the Artistic Council
• Cantus increase its social media presence
• Cantus sharpen the musical content of its programs, including new commissioned works, so it’s the music that’s primary and attracts presenters rather than conveying a message where the music is perceived to be secondary
• that while international touring enhances the reputation of an artist, European markets do not pay as well as North American markets do, and while Asian markets tend to be profitable, touring internationally requires donors to help underwrite the travel expenses.
• Rob is receptive to using the Cantus singers to help market the group and is intending to invite a group of presenters who will be attending a Midwest Conference in September to the Open House scheduled for donors to kick off the new season.