By MUBUTV Staff

Assistants vs. Agents: How Warner Bailey is Shaking Up the Music Business

Let’s talk about Assistants vs. Agents: How Warner Bailey is Shaking Up the Music Business. If you think being an assistant in music or entertainment means grabbing coffees and waiting your turn, think again. In the latest episode of the MUBUTV Music Business Insider Podcast, hosts Ritch Esra and Eric Knight sit down with Warner Bailey. He’s the founder of the viral Assistants vs. Agents platform—and he’s reinventing what it means to start at the bottom in showbiz.

You don’t need a Hollywood pedigree.
You don’t need a trust fund.
You just need the courage to ask, “Is this the only way in?”

Because the old days of “pay your dues and climb the ladder” are changing. And Warner is sparking the conversation.

Let’s unravel how assistants, agents, and entry-level music biz jobs are riding the wave of disruption—while creating new chances for everyone.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: What’s Changing for Assistants, Agents & Entry-Level Careers

• The Assistant Track Isn’t the Only Track
  For years, everyone said the best way into music or film was to be an assistant—work for someone big, swallow the tough gigs, and hope for the promotion. But Warner Bailey surveyed hundreds of assistants. Turns out, 62% think that pathway is less valuable now.
• New Pathways for New Talent
  Today, people can launch their own music blogs, TikTok advice series, or indie labels—straight out of college. The pandemic and remote tech made that easier. As Ritch Esra and Eric Knight point out, it’s not just about “who you know” anymore. It’s about “what you build.”
• The Price of Admission Just Got Higher
  Want to work in LA or New York? Entry-level assistants still earn around $45k, but rents have doubled. Even “starting” is getting more expensive, and a lot of talented people can’t afford to get their foot in the door. When you listen to Assistants vs. Agents: How Warner Bailey is Shaking Up the Music Business, you’ll realize this is a big deal right now.
• Transparency, Not Tradition
  The old-school ways of “keep quiet and earn your place” don’t work for Gen Z. Warner’s platform let assistants share real stories—good, bad, and funny. This sparked big companies to take notice, share resources, and invest in more diverse talent.
• AI and Remote Work Are Changing the Game
  Why be stuck doing boring tasks when AI can help you schedule, answer emails, or manage calendars? Warner says smart assistants are using these tools to grow skills, not just automate work.

BEST MOMENTS: The Podcast’s Top Insights

• 00:08 – How It Started
  Warner Bailey launched his account for fun, using memes to share the ups and downs of assistant life at William Morris Endeavor. Soon, it became a safe place for thousands to share, connect, and learn.
• 00:13 – Resistance Turns Into Respect
  At first, Warner hid his identity; he didn’t want trouble. But now, big agencies and entertainment companies want to work with him—to reach next-generation talent and show they care. Change is coming, one DM at a time.
• 00:16 – The Cost of Access
  “My rent used to be $900. Now it’s $2,000. Assistant salaries haven’t doubled.” Warner’s pay transparency surveys reveal what young professionals face, and why some get priced out before they even start.
• 00:20 – Remote Work Means More Opportunities
  Warner made hires in Michigan and Ohio—places where most couldn’t just pack up and move to LA or NYC. Remote roles are opening doors, even though networking in person will always matter.
• 00:24 – Gen Z Demand Change
  This isn’t a generation that accepts toxic work culture. Warner talks with college kids every week, and they want mental health, balance, and honesty. Companies paying attention will win their loyalty.
• 00:25 – AI Is a Friend, Not a Foe
  AI isn’t about losing jobs—it’s about assistants getting their own assistant. By automating basic chores, young professionals free up their time for real learning and real strategy.

TIMESTAMPED OVERVIEW

• 00:00 How Warner Bailey turned assistant frustrations into a viral platform
• 00:06 Why 62% of young pros think the old assistant route isn’t enough
• 00:16 Money troubles: The entry-level squeeze in LA & NYC
• 00:20 Remote work’s double-edged sword for new talent
• 00:24 Gen Z leads the transparency charge
• 00:25 AI isn’t scary—it’s your new best helper at work!
• 00:26 Best advice: Meet people, grow your network, and say yes to what scares you.

🎙️ Episode Transcript

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Show Transcript

VALUABLE RESOURCES

• Warner’s Assistants vs. Agents Instagram: @assistantsvsagents
• Get career coaching at MUBUTV: book.mubutv.com
• Backline: Mental health resources for musicians
• “I’m Tim” (Avicii Documentary on Netflix): A real look at balancing art and life
• “The Music Never Stops” by Peter Shapiro: For a behind-the-scenes music industry vibe

LINKS TO CONNECT WITH THE HOSTS

• Podcast Home: MUBUTV Music Business Insider
• Instagram: @mubutv
• YouTube: MUBUTV Channel
• Twitter/X: @mubutv
• Facebook: MUBUTV on Facebook

MEET THE GUEST: Warner Bailey

Warner started as an assistant with big dreams and even bigger questions. He made Assistants vs. Agents a home for honest talk, funny stories, and real change. From working at WME and Live Nation to building bridges for the next wave, Warner helps everyone see that there’s more than one way in.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Assistants vs. Agents: How Warner Bailey is Shaking Up the Music Business isn’t just a podcast episode—it’s a wake-up call for anyone dreaming of a break. Don’t just settle for “that’s how it’s always been.” Build your network, use technology, and find YOUR way in. The real key? Say yes, show up, and help others do the same.

If you want more on how assistants, agents, and entry-level careers are being reinvented, check out Assistants vs. Agents: How Warner Bailey is Shaking Up the Music Business for fresh ideas, new inspiration, and what’s coming next.