Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurene Vanlichtervelde.
Hi Laurene, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Since I was a child, Classic Rock and French variety music have resonated in the family home. But, my interest in music really started during my teenager years, when I spent my time in concert halls or festivals across Europe. That’s how I discovered the German band “Killerpilz” and knew I wanted to become a music agent. I was just 15 and wanted to help musicians to perform in France.
It happened when I was 17 and booked my first tour in France for this band, knowing only few stuff about the music business. It was a real jump into the music world and opened me some doors. When I was 18, I joined a music venue in my hometown to manage the music selection on their calendar. Then, at 21 years old, I worked on multiples festivals in France but also in Belgium to develop their lineup.
In Summer 2019, I decided to start a new journey in my career and moved to Los Angeles, CA. I studied Music Business at UCLA Extension and now I’m working as a music agent at one of America’s leading entertainment companies, Artists Worldwide, where I am responsible for the strategic planning and execution of national tour across the United States for their 60 artists, including the Grammy-nominee Yngwie Malmsteen, Gilby Clarke – guitarist for Guns N’ Roses and Marky Ramone – drummer for The Ramones.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Life is full of ups and downs, I had to sacrifice a lot of time with my friends or family to focus on all this work. I started my career when I was a teenager and still a student. I was studying during the day and managing some music events at night or on weekends. It was difficult to combine School Life with Work Life, but I was lucky to have some university instructors that understood I did it also in a way to learn the music business.
I moved to Los Angeles right before the pandemic. Hard time for live music. I joined Artists Worldwide in January 2020 as an intern, but in March everything shut down, I focused on the music business program at UCLA Extension and had the patience to wait the comeback of live music. And the team called me back in May to be hired as music agent.
It was a lot of hard work and lack of sleep but when I think about it now, I know its worth it because I am finally where I am supposed to be.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Artists Worldwide, I am responsible for the strategic planning and execution of national tours across the United States while serving as a talent agent for artists both in the U.S and Europe.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Arts and a Master’s degree in Management of Cultural projects or institutions. I think that’s what set me apart from others because my background in art helps me to discover new talents and potential artists that we can sign.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
The “How to be your own booking agent” by Jeri Goldstein is probably the only book about `Touring that helped me the most. I read it during the pandemic situation and helped me to continue doing what I love to do.
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