How did Slip get started? Has it always been just you?

I’ll try to make this short – I started Slip with Gabriel Wiley (mineral/pop unknown) as a promotion company – Slip’s first show was actually Mineral’s last show ever at Emo’s with Promise Ring and Compound Red October 26, 1997 here in Austin. We started doing shows and then I was asked to book a tour for Appleseed Cast for spring 1998. They’ve never toured and I’ve never booked so it was a learning experience but I fell in love with it and that’s how it started. I refer to Slip as “we” a lot, but after 10 partners, it’s just me.

Per week, how many bands solicit you?

Probably an average of 10 a week – and about 15% of those bands aren’t even close to the music we work with.

How do you decide which bands you will book for and which ones you will not? I'm sure style of music is a big factor, but do you look for things like past touring experience or anything?

We have our strict prerequisites which are we have to love your band, the band has to have booked a couple full US tours themselves, they have to have a label and distro and do their part to get their name out. Most of the bands that have been on the roster started out as friends of mine. But most importantly I have to be in love with the music. A lot of bands don’t understand why I won’t book for them – but booking is not my full time career, it’s my passion and I can be picky if I want!

Are bookers and promoters one in the same. If you book a tour is it your job to send out promo material, or in your case flier in Austin? Where does that responsibility lie? You, the label, the band?

It’s sometimes hard to get bands to understand that booking agents aren’t promoters. I never send out stuff but it is my responsibility to get contact information of the promoters and venues and send it to the labels. I have worked with some incredible labels who have done a great job with tour support, Revelation, Crank!, Initial, Deep Elm, Saddle Creek. Good tour support is a huge factor in a good tour. I am also a promoter and have been doing shows here in Austin for nearly 4 years.

What are some of the hardest towns to book a show in? Some of the hardest clubs to get bands into?

Seattle used to be tough – with all their venues shutting down about a year ago but since then it’s been getting better. I hate booking Cleveland. Other than that everywhere else is pretty good.

Is it easier to book a tour for an individual band or for a packaged tour?

That all depends – I don’t recommend a tour with more than 2 bands unless you’re pretty big, but I’ve seen it happen and it can work. I would only book a package tour with more well known bands.

What is your policy on bands that want a guarantee at clubs? Does that make it harder to book for a band?

Well, I usually leave that up to the band and give my own advice. As a promoter, I very rarely do guarantees but as a booking agent I usually ask for them for bigger bands. It really depends on the venue – at some, the payment can be a lot larger if it’s a percentage instead of a guarantee.

Have you ever booked shows outside of the United States?

I have done several shows in Canada but unfortunately about 30% of the time something goes wrong and the bands can’t get in. We have done everything to get by this besides buying a working visa and you just never know. I get a lot of emails from people in Canada asking for my bands to play there. I have also booked a couple of shows in Tijuana, Mexico.

How much does Slip make off of each client?

We charge 10% of each show flat.

How many bands are currently on your roster? Who are they?

There are about 6 right now but some are extremely inactive or are either pretty much done. Cursive, Hero of a Hundred Fights, Traindodge, Mid Carson July, Camera Obscura, The Postage Era. I am also currently booking a tour for Employer Employee. All together, Slip has booked tours for over 20 bands within the past 3 years.

What was the longest/biggest tour you have booked?

The very first Slip tour was Appleseed Cast which lasted 6 months. No kidding.

Do you think being a female tour booker has made any difference at all?

Hell yeah! It pays to have a sexy voice!

Who is your favorite band you have booked a tour for?

Silly question – all of them!