QUINN ARTISTES – HAPPY 15TH BIRTHDAY
Quinn Artistes Entertainment was established over 15 years ago, and has flourished as a business, supplying numerous entertainment solutions including tribute acts/bands, party bands, singing waiters, comedy, magicians, and all kinds of entertainment to clients across the UK and internationally. Quinn Artistes are proud to have nurtured new talent and have created a loyal client base, there is also a sister company, Surprise Singers who primarily cater for the wedding and corporate market.
The founder and director of the businesses, Tracey Quinn gives us some insider knowledge and answers questions on what it takes to become a successful entertainment supplier in a highly competitive, challenging and changing industry.
Tracey began her career as a singer at the tender age of 16, her family, particularly her father Kevin was heavily involved encouraging and supporting her singing from a young age. After performing in social clubs locally, she had her first fully professional booking as a band singer at a holiday park in Great Yarmouth. She then went on to form bands for resident cruise ship contracts for a Greek cruise line. She was always passionate about production shows, and soon became a guest entertainer performing on Princess Cruises.
It was after a long spell working in Princess Cruises ships that she met her future husband and became a mother to Ella.
During this time, she saw an interest in tribute acts, and as a result of this decided to audition for a television show called “Stars In Their Eyes” – (Tracey sent in demos of herself imitating Eva Cassidy and another artist that she admired). The TV show’s producers saw her potential, and she appeared on the show in the early 2000’s.
This led to a number of years performing as one of her favourite artists – the dynamic Anastacia – this included a touring production show for Butlins, a private birthday party at Warwick Castle, all major holiday venues in the UK and a very ‘interesting’ venue in Germany!
Tracey was approached to perform her cabaret show onboard P&O’s Oriana, which led to many years performing her cabaret shows and Barbra Streisand songbook show.
TRACEY QUINN PERFORMING ONBOARD P&O’S OCEANA
Realising her ability to create shows, and a natural desire to support other talent, she began to direct, and polish other acts along with finding them work. It was then suggested by her husband that she should set up an agency. And that is exactly what she did!
Tracey remains passionate about entertainment and continues to encourage new talent and develop brilliant working relationships with her clients.
A FEW QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS FOR TRACEY
Who inspired you professionally?
My dad and my Auntie who was my idol as a child – she represented Ireland at the Eurovision in 1974!
I listened to pop and Irish music as a child, I fell in love with gospel and soul music in my teens which then led me to jazz and in particular – Ella Fitzgerald. (My daughter’s namesake).
What were the challenges as a young woman?
When I started performing it was accepted by the majority that male performers would earn more than women performers. I am not sure whether that is still the case in some areas of the industry, but it is certainly not something we allow at Quinn Artistes.
What’s been your favourite job?
I always got a kick out of working with great bands, and have been lucky to do so on cruise ships and land. A highlight was when I performed some Diane Schurr (Jazz icon) songs with a big band! Every booking I have done when I have performed alongside other great artists – singers or musicians.
And a funny/horror story?
I once went on stage with a coat hanger attached to my feather boa – I think most singers have done this once in their life, and lost a wig in a production show featuring popular musicals.
Did you find it difficult to transition from a performer to an agent?
No, as it was an organic move. I knew so many singers and great acts, I was happy to find work for them and provide great acts for new clients.
Do you miss performing?
Sometimes, I am so busy with the agency that I don’t have time to think about it! I enjoy a weekly get-together with a local choir. It’s great fun and there is no ‘pressure’ involved. I just turn up and have a great time with a lovely bunch of people and go home afterwards. I couldn’t recommend this any more for anyone who loves singing.
What is your favourite kind of client?
I have a great relationship with all my long-term clients. It depends really, it’s great when a client knows what they want, but equally it is rewarding to help them find the perfect act for their event or their venue.
What is the most rewarding aspect of the job?
Knowing that the client is happy and that the acts we represent have enjoyed doing what they love, while being paid speedily for their talent and professionalism. Good relationships are key in every industry – especially ours.
What would you like to change if you could about the industry?
Negativity, laziness, egos and jealousy. We just don’t have time for it at Quinn Artistes. We only work with supportive, like-minded people who see the bigger picture, who understand the variables and nature of the work.
What advice would you give to other agents starting off?
Be prepared to put in the hours. Work, work, work! Get a great team of people who you trust around you. Don’t believe you can do it all. Hand work over to other professionals who know what they are doing.
How do you relax?
All things botany – both outdoor and indoor. Walking our dogs Buntie and Barnie.
What would you say you have learnt the most over the last 15 years?
Let go over things you can’t control. I always do my best to ensure everything goes to plan, but sometimes life happens, and you must accept that. I have also learnt about websites/social media and the importance of SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and will continue to learn and be open minded to all constructive advice from professionals in our industry.
What are your hopes for the next 15?
There is an old expression ‘Agents don’t retire, they die’ I think that may be me! I would love the business to continue expanding and enjoy watching new talent come on board – both the talented performers we represent and my talented and hardworking colleagues.
HOW DOES AN ACT APPLY FOR REPRESENTATION WITH QUINN ARTISTES?
At Quinn Artistes we need excellent promotional material, this should include agent-friendly live, and studio-recorded videos in MP4 format. Agent-friendly is promo without text or graphics on any of the material.
Promo photos are hugely important – These need to be high-resolution, quality colour images. ALWAYS use a professional photographer! Your photographer should provide you with PNG or JPG images.
A biography about yourself or a detailed explanation of your act of roughly 300 words (written in 3rd person), a song list if you are a music act and some testimonials will always help (three is a good number).
All the entertainers we represent need to be covered by Public Liability Insurance. You automatically qualify for this if you are a member of Equity or the Musicians Union.
All PA systems should be PAT tested yearly and certificates supplied.
Do not lie or exaggerate about your ability or what you can offer. This wastes everyone’s time and clients will not want to book you again.
If you need representation and would like to be considered for Quinn Artistes Entertainment Agency please read the information on the left-hand side carefully before you register.
DOES QUINN ARTISTES ENTERTAINMENT AGENCY SEE LIVE PERFORMANCES TO ‘SCOUT’ FOR TALENT? HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?
As much as we would like to see all our performers live, we just don’t have the time. We do however attend “Showcases’ as often as possible. Showcases are where talent can perform for usually up to 10 minutes, they are attended by industry professionals, they will also supply you with a professional video of your performance.
What are you looking for at showcases?
First and foremost a professional attitude. At Quinn Artistes, we will expect our performers to respect the people they are working with. We never like to see a ‘bad attitude’ on or off stage.
Along with an excellent attitude, we also want to see slick performances, in terms of great wigs, costumes, backing tracks or musical arrangements/click tracks. There are some excellent websites online where you can download backing tracks to your chosen media player. Musical arrangements or ‘dots’ as they are sometimes known should be obtained for cruise ship work. Standard bands consist of a 4 piece (piano/keys, bass, drums, and guitar) and 7-piece band consists of 3 Rhythm, and 4 Horns – the ‘front line’).
Most bands will also use ‘click tracks’, again please use a professional musical arranger to ensure you have the right arrangements for your act.
A lot of venues, such as holiday parks like to see great digital video imagery as part of the act’s stage show.
DO’S AND DON’TS
- Do spend money and time on your promotional material. Invest in yourself! Do encourage other singers and talent – it is a tough industry, and we should all support one another.
- Don’t be negative about other acts – it just isn’t cool, and it does not make your talent shine any brighter. People will make their own decisions regardless of your opinion.
- Do take advice from seasoned professionals.
- Don’t take advice from people who don’t know the industry – it is easy for everyone’s aunty to think they are the next budding Harry Styles or Taylor Swift. They love you, and want you to do well, but it doesn’t mean you are right for this industry.
- Don’t ask a friend to record you singing along to a song. Take the advice above, get a professional videographer and photographer involved.
- Do try to be flexible (within reason) in terms of learning new material or changing performance timings on the day of an event, sometimes agents and clients can’t help it if things change.
- Don’t expect agents or clients to know what you want, be clear from the outset, and try to understand if your needs can’t be met. Take note of all the details on your contract, print it off so you have a copy to hand.
With thanks for all their hard work over the years supporting and advising the businesses we are very proud of.
John Purser