Jesse Rivest's Blog

Want to know what I do during my days? I have a day job, but outside of that, I do each of the jobs listed here - I run my own personal business! If I didn't have a day job, then I could focus more time on these jobs. However, I currently generate very little revenue in my personal business, and since I need food and shelter, I have a day job. And I am super grateful for it, too!

I aim to generate more revenue in my business, enough to live healthily and happily. But it's going to take time. Like any small business start-up, I am relatively unknown. I need to grow a reputation before I can be in demand. When I am in demand, I will generate more revenue. My reputation depends upon my product.

I am biased - I love my product, and I am working on improvements! The success of my business depends a lot on my product and reputation, and how well these specific jobs are performed.

Jobs at www.jesserivest.com:

• Performing Artist
  This is the most important, most rewarding job for me. I perform music, and I love it! I try to focus on this job, in some capacity, every day. I need to practice, that is very important. I need to create, too - songwriting. Oh, and I need to learn new musical things, too, like theory and techniques! This job is actually quite tiring, but in a fabulous and satisfying way.
• Booking Agent
  Someone has to deal and negotiate with music promoters, as well as research music venues and promoters in unfamiliar regions. The goal is to get me booked for a gig, for an agreeable fee. I've been spending a lot of time on this job, recently.
  At this point, almost every region in the world is unfamiliar to me! I have been getting help with the research - people have been great at informing me of music venues in areas that I'd like to perform in. And sometimes I just gotta busk!
• Music Distributor
  Someone has to make my recorded music available to the public. Many recording artists outsource recorded music sales to a dedicated business. Agreements are made where the distributor receives a percentage of the income from the sales it oversees. CDBaby and I have such an agreement, but it is limited to their website on the internet. Other distributors have the power to put recorded music in every retail store in most countries! That seems a bit excessive. Essentially I am my own music distributor; my CDs are for sale from me, in person!
• Web Designer
  Someone has to keep this website updated and exciting! I spent some considerable time getting my website to where it is today. This website is super important, it is one of my best resources for spreading the word about me and my music. You can help spread the word if you like, I won't hold you back.
• Publicist
  Someone who prepares publishable material on the topic of me and my music, and then arranges for it to be published, publically. That's redundant. I don't do much in this area, aside from my website. I am sure there are many free places where I could publish things about me, but I'm just one man and my manager hasn't yet coordinated this one into my schedule. I don't think I'm ready to outsource this job, I need to build a bit more reputation first.
• Manager
  Oooh, this one is fun! someone has to ensure that I am practicing, relaxing, excercising, eating healthy, working hard, smiling, sleeping, etc... all in balance! They have to ensure that all the other jobs are being performed smoothly, too. I sometimes neglect this job, yet it is very important.
• Music Promoter
  Someone who organizes a show - a music event. Arrangements are made with the performing artists, and a venue is arranged. The promoter supports the event financially, takes a financial risk, and sometimes also seeks sponsorship. The promoter needs to get the public interested in the show through public service announcements, posters, flyers, publications, etc. Tickets need to be sold for the show, either in advance or at the door. Arrangements should be made for food or drink sales, which increase revenue at the event. A sound system (and sound expert) may need to be arranged for the venue, and sometimes lighting is needed.
  This is a time consuming job; I know a music promoter in Calgary who can verify this. My goal is be attractive to music promoters; I want to deal with them. If music promoters won't deal with me, it could possibly be financially rewarding for me to be the music promoter for my own shows.

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