Counting Crows. Nickelback. Widespread Panic. Mississippi State University students have seen all of these bands perform on campus in recent years. What many of them don’t know is that one student group is responsible for bringing all of these acts to the university.
The group, Music Makers, consists of 15 students who recruit bands and publicize high-profile concerts on campus. In addition, Music Makers negotiates the contracts for the performances.
Many factors are thrown into the mix when planning a concert.
Working with a relatively small budget, Music Makers tries to find groups that are starting to make a buzz in the music industry. Band prices can run anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000 and can change at any time depending on the band’s popularity. Artist availability is also a major concern due to the hectic schedules of bands on tour.
When the group decides on a band or artist, they make an offer. That initial offer is followed by negotiations on band cost, performance dates and routing situations. The group also tries to find bands that are going to be in the area around the time of the event.
Lou Frascogna, Music Makers publicity chairman, says that the negotiation process can take several weeks.
“The process can go back and forth for a while because both sides want to agree on all terms,” Frascogna said.
Just planning the show is only half of what Music Makers does. When it is time for the show, the group helps with set design and handles artist’s needs.
“Usually on our show days, we will be there from 5 a.m. to 3 a.m., and it is neat to see how everything develops,” said Travis Wolfe, assistant student director of Music Makers.
The group also tries to please the majority of Mississippi State students-which can be difficult because of varying musical tastes.
Wolfe said the group looks for bands that are gaining heavy radio rotation and selling records.
“It is hard to please everyone, but we have to take a lot of factors into account when choosing a band,” he said.
Music Makers also serves to give students insight into how the music industry works.
Wolfe and Frascogna said they are both interested in pursuing jobs in the music industry after they graduate.
The Music Makers are planning a show in support of Bulldog Bash on September 26, but nothing has been finalized. They are also planning to have a concert in the Spring.
Scott Connelly, a senior at Mississippi State, said he is looking forward to the next concert.
“I haven’t seen a show in a while, and it would be great to have a concert here again,” he said.