Two Tomatoes

[fivenson]

Was Laurie managing her own career when she started her label- got a publicist and an attorney? At what point did she get separate management?

Can you explain exactly how she went about getting the needed professional support- ie. how she chose , and what criteria she used, in hiring a publicist & an attorney.

What was the lawyer's role?

What kind of budget is needed to get the ball rolling at this level?

Would she have done anything differently or suggest any possible alternate approaches?

Thanks, Laurie. You're very kind to do this!
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Calypso Coeboy

[Laurie's_office]

1. Was Laurie managing her own career when she started her label- got a publicist and an attorney? At what point did she get separate management?

Laurie has always managed her own career and still does. That’s to say she doesn’t have any sort of business or entertainment manager or agent for her career. She hired staff as she was able to afford it and through them she has the support she needs. Her current booking agent John Waldman has many years of experience in the industry and often is able to give advice and guidance when Laurie has decisions to make or opportunities that come up.

2. Can you explain exactly how she went about getting the needed professional support- ie. how she chose , and what criteria she used, in hiring a publicist & an attorney.

In the beginning she simply met a lawyer who liked her work and offered to help her out as things came up. Later he introduced her to her current lawyer. In order to find a publicist she called a journalist who had reviewed one of her CDs and asked for a recommendation.

3. What was the lawyer's role?

He works as any lawyer would advising her on any legal and some financial matters.

4. What kind of budget is needed to get the ball rolling at this level?

I’m not completely sure. There’s not really a number. I know that in the beginning she got a fair amount of free and reduced rate initial help from fans of her work and juggled zero interest credit cards. Costs of everything can vary greatly.

5. Would she have done anything differently or suggest any possible alternate approaches?

I don’t think so. There's not a real model for what to do. The things she always says is to follow what feels best for you.