Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Final - The Boxer
Final - The Boxer
Final - The Boxer
Executive Summary
A four-piece rock band from Chicago, The Boxers, with two guitars, a bass,
drums, keys, and three vocalists, take inspiration from the old school rock 'n' roll
sounds of the '50s and '60s. After a year or two of college, they ultimately
decided that it would be in the best interest of everyone involved to drop out and
pursue their passion for music. LaSalle Music MGMT Group recognized their
passion and agreed to help. The timing was perfect as the band was going
through a transition phase with new members and needed a fresh start.
Throughout the execution of this management plan, LaSalle Music MGMT Group
set aside and met several three-month goals. The group also accomplished the
following:
Introduction
The Boxers are a Chicago-based rock band similar in sound to The Strokes and
The Killers. They have performed at the House of Blues, the Chicago Remix
Festival, and The Metro, as well as alongside such renowned acts as Twin
Peaks, Nude Beach, Sister Crystal, and MTV Ghost. They embarked on their
second national tour this past October and will have their second album The
Blue Pool out November 28th.
LaSalle Music MGMT Group chose The Boxers for several reasons. The first
reason being that they were going through a transitional phase and we saw it as
the perfect learning opportunity for our personal management skills. Aside from
this, their music is solid and they show great potential in their talent that we want
to share with the ever-growing Chicago music scene. We hoped to further their
careers and aid them with more distinct knowledge of the music industry.
(See appendix A: Artist Interview Questions)
Mission Statement
The Boxers mission is to simply have fun while sharing their music with as many
people as possible.
LaSalle Music MGMT Groups mission is to bolster the Chicago music scene by
managing and promoting local up-and-coming artists.
Vision Statement
The Boxers overall vision is to continue making people happy to listen to the
music they create.
LaSalle Music MGMT Groups goal is to not only further The Boxers career, but
our careers as well. Learning the basics of managing an artist or band for a
successful, long-term career in the industry is a hands-on endeavor.
Four 20-somethings who've known each other since high school, the Boxers are
a Chicago-area band with a basement rock sound. After a year or two of college,
they ultimately decided that it would be in the best interest of everyone involved
to drop out and pursue their passion for music. Besides getting down and groovy,
the Boxers like jamming out, eating pizza, playing some beer pong every now
and then, and just chilling with the boys. Their second album, The Blue Pool, is
slated for release in November 2014.
The Boxers popularity and talent has allowed them to share the stage with
bands like Twin Peaks, Nude Beach, Sister Crystal, and MTV Ghost. In the past
year alone, they have performed at the Chicago Remix Festival 2014 and toured
the Midwest, performing with local bands in each area.
Management Bios
Renee LaSalle grew up in Mill Hall, Pennsylvania where live
entertainment is far and few from the weekly karaoke at the bar, and
the yearly country themed concert. From early 2006 to late 2010,
having provided social media presence and development of an
online fan base for Shannon Bex of chart topping girl group Danity
Kane, she realized it wasn't the town to live out her dreams. After
moving to Chicago for school, she experienced a whole new world
of the entertainment industry and has put in volunteer hours at
music festivals, such as, Riot Fest Chicago and Vans Warped Tour.
She is currently working with Chicago based band, The Boxers. For
management opportunities she can be contacted at
renee.m.lasalle@gmail.com
Jonathan Meeks has been with House Call Entertainment,
Inc. since early 2014, beginning as an intern building online
ticketing pages, to then achieving several promotions within
his first months there. First to lead graphic designer building
advertising pages for the Chicago Reader, to assistant
manger to the lead talent buyer, to operations manager for
booked events, to production manager of day-of events, and
now currently working as exclusive talent buyer for the
company at Abbey Pub, Logan Square Auditorium, and
Chicago Remix Festival. He's one of two select students of
Columbia College Chicago at the company to have previously been taught by House
Call Entertainment, Inc.'s president, Derron Swan. His extensive knowledge of Adobe
Illustrator and Photoshop was quickly found versatile with supporting marketing teams
in the company. His skills and talents with communication is what advanced him to
being trusted with dialogue involving booking agents, talent managers, and all industry
positions alike. In his spare time, he is a lead audio-eningeer for AUDACIA Creative
Studios collaborating with artists in a recording studio setting. Jonathan can be
contacted at JonathanRMeeks@gmail.com
Yuvin Lee is a talent manager with a background in acting and
casting, having worked in film, theater, and animation. He has
been a part of several projects (including Jaspa' Jenkins, a
finalist for the 2014 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Sciences Student Academy Award) that have been
showcased in multiple film festivals the world over, such as
the Chicago International Film Festival. He is currently
managing The Boxers. Yuvin can be contacted at
yleecasting@gmail.com
(See appendix B: Business Cards)
The Audience
The Boxers audience is a relatively even mix of both genders. However, data
taken from audience surveys after live shows and along their tour indicate that
their fan base skews toward a more female audience. Such data makes sense
when one considers that the Boxers possess a so-called swoon factor, one that
stems from their Beach Boys and Beatles influences. Furthermore, analysis of
their social media presence (via their Twitter followers and Facebook likes), the
age market they have most penetrated is the 18- to 24-year group, a fact
reflected in the audiences at their live shows as well. Though they might not have
quite the following that established, more popular rock artists may have, the
Boxers can still hold their own, with over 1.6 K likes on Facebook, an impressive
start considering their recent reshuffling of members.
The Boxers have a committed audience that buys albums directly from the artist
at their shows. The audience does not usually seek out records at large retailers
and, if they do, do not spend much time there searching. Other artists that they
listen to are bands such as The Beatles, The Strokes, The Kinks, Beach Boys,
Deer Hunter, Twin Peaks, MTV Ghost, Sister Crystals, The Orwells, as well as
other local Chicago-area bands. As a result of their second tour, The Boxers
audience has grown beyond the borders of the Chicago metropolitan area. Their
target audience, comprised almost entirely of internet-savvy millennial, follows
the band via their social media presence (a prominent avenue through which
they find and reach new fans), a fact reflected by the 49% increase in Facebook
likes.
(See appendix C: Live Show Audience Questionnaire)
Branding any musician is a vital part of their career in order to set them apart
from the millions of others in the world. As a result, a great brand and memorable
logo are required. Beforehand, the Boxers did not have any type of logo, a deficit
the LaSalle Music MGMT Group decided to fix.
Graphic designer Jane Manfredi created the above logo. With her extensive
knowledge and experience as a graphic designer, she was able to create
graphics that reflected the bands groovy, laid-back vibe. This Moon Gloop font
and design to add is printed on all promotional posters and stickers.
Recording Project
The Boxers latest recording project is their second album The Blue Pool. With
budget in mind and connections at AUDACIA Creative Studios, LaSalle Music
MGMT Group coordinated three full weekend sessions with producer and
partner, Johnny Meeks, to record a full length 12 song album.
Producer Bio:
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This EPK was specifically created for The Boxers submission to SXSW 2015.
(See appendix D: EPK Screenshot and Photoshoot)
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Merchandise
Merchandise
Expense
Estimated Profit
Posters (200)
$.40
$80
$920
Stickers (500)
$.10
$50
N/A
Shirts (100)
$4.50
$450
$550
Vinyl (100)
$7
$700
$300
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Pre-release Promotions
In regards to print media, LaSalle Music MGMT Group has contacted Chicago
Reader to confirm an ad for the album release show. Looking towards online
media, promotions for the album release show and the new album itself will be a
big part of the Abbey Pub email blasts. Promotion through social media via The
Boxers pages and LaSalle Music MGMT Groups Facebook page is an ongoing
endeavor. Using professional recordings The Boxers received through an in
studio session with Chicago Recording Company, there will be a video posted
online that promotes the album release and album release show.
Reaching out to radio, we have contacted 88.1 WCRX radio which is through
Columbia College Chicago to discuss radio play for single Lonely Luna. Those
in correspondence will be targeted with promotion for several weeks upon album
release.
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Nebraska - Lincoln
The Treehouse
Oklahoma - Tulsa
Our show
The show LaSalle Group booked the Boxers was the album release at the Abbey
Pub in Chicago, IL. The negotiation was 85% after expenses $400 expenses
through House Call Entertainment. Data from previous shows indicated that the
Boxers could bring in at least 200 bodies. With prices at $10 a ticket, the Abbey
Pub would make an easy profit.
Friday, November 28th, 2014
Abbey Pub
550 capacities
Talent Buyer - Derron Swan
Derron@housecallent.com
17+
Spring/Summer Tour Plans
We have routed a spring and summer tour for The Boxers. With a new expected
date of the album release to be in February, they wanted a month of March to
really promote The Blue Pool in Chicago. The Boxers are also waiting on a
response from SXSW, and if accepted to play there, will go on tour after that.
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City
Venue
4/2
Chicago, IL
Schubas
4/4
Bloomington, IL
Diggers
4/6
Nashville, TN
The Basement
4/8
Little Rock, AR
Afterthought
4/10
Kansas City, MO
4/14
Iowa City, IA
Gabes
4/17
Milwaukee, WI
Cactus Club
Where
Venue
7/14
Milwaukee, WI
Cactus Club
7/16
Minneapolis, MN
7th St Entry
7/18
Iowa City, IA
Gabes
7/20
Lincoln, NE
Bourbon Theater
7/22
Lawrence, KS
7/23
Kansas City, MO
7/24
St. Louis, MO
Station House
7/25
Chicago, IL
Abbey Pub
Should everything go as planned, The Boxers would be joined by other acts for
the spring tour, and headlining the summer tour. The genres will be similar
because they are not established enough yet to do a mixed genre show. Street
teaming is not being considered for either tour, but promotion will be done for the
entire span of dates.
(See appendix F: Booking Log)
(See appendix G: Talent Buyer Letter)
(See appendix H: Booking Proof)
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Media Strategy
We did not plan to target radio stations for airplay, but contact Columbias local
radio station. The music The Boxers create is not particularly aligned with the
music on the radio today and, as a result, they have never contacted stations in
the past. Their growth before LaSalle Music MGMT had been solely through
word of mouth and social media. However, we coordinated a live studio session
with Chicago Recording Company, which included professional photography,
sound recording, and video. This footage will be used for future promotions via
social media and relevant online blogs like Pitchfork, AlternativePunk.net,
Punknews.org and Alternative Press.
In regards to print media, we put out an ad for the album release party in Chicago
Reader.
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Web site/Technology
To develop their fan base, The Boxers have and maintain Facebook, Twitter,
Bandcamp, YouTube, and Instagram accounts, all key instruments in spreading
word of the Boxers music. LaSalle Music MGMT Group has access to their
Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts where we have posted throughout
the months updating statuses, posting tweets and posting Instagram photos of
live studio sessions. LaSalle Music MGMT Group also updated the About Us
section on Facebook so it would be more presentable to talent buyers interested
in them, and changed their profile picture and cover photo which caught a lot of
attention.
Facebook
Bandcamp
YouTube
Purpose
News, interactions,
basic info, contact,
tour dates
Real time
news
Listening,
downloading,
tour dates
Music
videos
visual
news,
show
promotion
s
Fanbase
1,752 likes
381 followers
total
visits: 1,700
plays: 3,300
downloads:
105
39
231
Average
Posts
Daily
weekly
n/a
total
plays:
5,363
monthly
Interaction
liking, sharing,
commenting: 297
fair
n/a
average
plays:
2,000
fair
Growth in
3 months
total
visits: 845
plays: 1,900
downloads: 53
Highest
single
amount:
4,363
15 new
followers
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Distribution/Retail Strategy
With their second album currently delayed, we do not plan to distribute through
any huge retailers. Efforts through sales at shows, in person, will be of utmost
importance. The Boxers will make The Blue Pool available for digital download
on their Bandcamp page.
LaSalle Music MGMT Group believes that proper distribution is vital and
correlates with the growth and fan base of the band. Selling through retailers
such as Reckless Records or Target would be a financial liability at this point in
time. We are still working out details with the band and setting them up with
Tunecore, which will be of benefit for them, as getting their music on Spotify and
iTunes could result in previously unexplored profits.
(See appendix J: Tunecore Interest)
Special Events
The Boxers do not have any current plans for any special events or special
causes. They have performed at Chicago Remix Festival that is more than a
festival, but an effort to inspire a community to Remix, Rethink, And Recycle!
Chicago Remix Festival was founded in 2011 and takes place in Logan Square.
With freshness to the festival scene, it has a great cause behind it that The
Boxers look forward to playing again.
(See Appendix K: About Chicago Remix Festival)
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Video Production
LaSalle Music MGMT Group intends to coordinate a music video shoot for The
Boxers to coincide with the new album release date. The music video will be their
second single release, Sunsetters and we will use the video for promotional
purposes. Current plans are to schedule the shoot within the next two months.
They currently have a YouTube account that has a montage music video for their
song Sleep which includes clips from The Twilight Zone.
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Songwriting
Member Duncan Lee is the songwriter for The Boxers. He and the band do not
intend to write songs for others but strictly for themselves. They do not have their
song lyrics officially copyrighted but it is definitely something they want to do.
LaSalle Music MGMT Group is in the process of registering The Boxers with
ASCAP. Duncans name is on all of his original works in songwriting and
publishing, as well.
Sponsors/Investors
The Boxers do not currently have any sponsors or investors, but plan on
negotiating sponsorships in the near future. Companies Vincent is most
interested in negotiating with for drums would be Ludwig. Adding smaller items to
this, Vix Firth drumsticks and remo drum heads. In regard to guitar necessities,
Ernie ball guitar strings have a good name and a dream sponsor would be
Gibson for actual guitars.
LaSalle Music MGMT Group did not approach potential sponsors because The
Boxers have a solid fan base but are not established to attract sponsors. Shaping
the band as a whole and really making sure they can come together at all times
will be something to work on so they can prove they are able to book even more
shows and acquire a sponsor.
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S.W.O.T. Analysis
Strengths
Loyal fan base
Average 50 kids a show
Talented and proficient
musicians
Very communicative
Self motivated
Opportunities
Relevance to Chicago music
scene
Large potential demographic in
Chicago
Large number of potential
venues in Chicago to play
Weaknesses
Irresponsible lifestyle
outside of work
Can be unprofessional
Occasionally lacks focus
Very genre-specific sound
Threats
Competition
Rehearsal space in
dangerous neighborhood
(chances of stolen
equipment)
Bad economy
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Goals
3 months (this semester)
Create a solid band mission and vision
Increased fan-base through print marketing
Arrange photoshoot for new band photos
Increase online presence - Twitter followers increased by 100 Facebook likes
increased by 600
Book a show at Abbey Pub
Coordinate live studio session with Chicago Recording Company
Develop merchandise line (posters, T-shirts, stickers)
Record and release 2nd album
Embark on 2nd national tour
6 months
Increased fan-base through print and radio based ads
Book and perform SXSW
Expand merchandise (mugs and bumper stickers)
Release surprise EP, Beyonce-style
Film and release first music video
1 year
Increased fan-base
Sign with label
Third tour/album
Collaborate with major, well-known artist
Get a manager and agent
3 years
Gain global fan-base
Sign with major label
Guest on Ellen
Featured song on major primetime TV show
Experiment with other genres
Grammy nomination for Best Newcomer
5 years
Write a Bond theme
Win Oscar for aforementioned Bond theme
An intergalactic, multi-generational fan-base
International tour
Write a Broadway musical
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Financial
The Boxers budget for the album project completion is $5,000. This money has
already been earned and saved by The Boxers from previous merchandise sales
and show revenue.
Expenses
AUDACIA Creative Studios
Tracking the album: $1000.
Colin Croom
Mixing & mastering the album: $1000.
United Record Pressing
Creating 500 physical vinyl records: $2505.
Derron Swan of House Call Ent, Inc.
Booking The Abbey Pub for Saturday, February 28th: $0.
Expenses Master Total: $4505.
Aside from expenses for the recording of the new album, financial records from
the show at Abbey Pub on November 28th include:
$150 from available merchandise that we were able to get to the show (since
CDs were not pressed)
$1,100 profit from the show, where $300 went to Oketo.
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Conclusion
The Boxers are a charming group of boys that will steal your hearts with song the
first measure. As Chicago natives, they have an advantage in their music scene
and LaSalle Music MGMT Group is dedicated to furthering their opportunities.
Previously sharing the stage with bands such as Twin Peaks, Sister Crystal and
MTV Ghost, they have established themselves as a name to remember in the
scene and clearly display their potential to become an even bigger success.
The management plan, created by LaSalle Music MGMT Group, has brought
light to what The Boxers are truly capable of from simply touring with other bands
to recording and releasing a full length album. LaSalle Music MGMT Group
kicked off this project 3 months ago and accomplished the 3-month goals and
then some. Where as The Boxers were not first established with a creative
managerial direction, LaSalle Music MGMT Group is very happy with what we
have accomplished within teaching the band how to sustain a career in the
industry. The process has lead to be more well rounded with the ins and outs of
the industry and we are happy to have helped develop their fan base and
understanding of the industry.
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Appendix
A. Artist Interview Questions
1. Are they at the beginner, intermediate or advanced level of their trade? What
work will be required to get them ready to market?
Compared to other bands on the scene, we'd like to think that we're
somewhere between intermediate and advanced levels.
2. What market demographic are they trying to reach? What do you perceive their
marketing angle to be?
The main demographic we're trying to reach is the 18 to 32 age range.
3. What are their goals? (3 months, 1 year and 5 year) Will you be able to achieve
those 3 month goals with them or are you in over your head? Are you on the
same page and heading in the same direction regarding their goals?
Our short term goals involve us earning more money for merchandise, and
getting a good following from our tour. Well hopefully have a big enough
reputation within a year to be touring again and working on having all of our
material for the next album. We also hope to play SXSW within the next five
months.
4. Do they absolutely love what they do? Are they doing what they do for the love
of it or do they want to make a million dollars and live in a mansion on the
hill?Either way, can you handle it?
Yes, we love what we do.
5. Do they have any existing deals (management, productions, spec, recording,
recordings)? Will any of these deals conflict with or complicate your
involvement? Can they legally move forward with you or do you have to buy
somebody out, co-manage with somebody else, help get the artist out of an
existing contract, etc?
Were currently working with Audacia Studios and Observatory Studios, but
were not actually signed with either. There are no present conflicts.
6. Do they operate as a company or do they own any other companies
(production, publishing, design, etc.)?
We operate as a company and are in the process of making it legal.
7. Where do they live? How often have you agreed to contact each other
regarding this project? And how?
Mostly in various neighborhoods throughout Chicago. We mainly keep in
contact through phone and email.
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B. Business Cards
27
28
29
E. Oketo
Oketo is a rock band from Lincoln, NE that The Boxers have played many shows
and are close friends with.
F. Booking Log
30
31
H. Booking Proof
32
I. Social Media
Twitter
33
34
J. Distribution
35
L. Collaboration
Melo is a Chicago Soul/Rap artist. He is currently working under AUDACIA
Records, where The Boxers are also recording. With a cool laid-back vibe, they
really believe they could work together.
36
37
Bibliography
Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 11 Dec. 2014.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Chicago#Rock>
"The Boxers." Facebook. Web. 11 Dec. 2014.
<https://www.facebook.com/ThaBoxers/info?tab=page_info>.
Web. 11 Dec. 2014. <https://twitter.com/ThaBoxers>.
Lee, Yuvin. The Boxers Audience Survey. N.d. Raw data. United States.
n.p.
Lee, Duncan. Interview with Duncan. Personal Interview. 23 Oct 2014.
Pimentel, Vincent. Interview with Vincent. Personal Interview. 23 Oct 2014.
Kiser, Terrence. Interview with Terrence. Personal interview. 23 Oct 2014.
Bridgeman, Zach. Interview with Zach. Personal interview. 23 Oct 2014.
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