On this episode of the Female Entrepreneur Musician Podcast, Bree Noble sits down with the dynamic co-founders of EVA, Mackenzie Stoeckel and Channing Moreland, to dive deep into the lucrative world of corporate and private event bookings for artists. Based in Austin and Nashville, Mackenzie and Channing share the journey of building EVA—a platform designed to streamline the connection between event planners and artists, simplifying the booking process and helping musicians access better-paying, less conventional gigs outside of the usual bar and venue circuit.
The Value of Corporate & Private Gigs:
Corporate and private events (like conferences, receptions, and private parties) often pay significantly more than traditional venues, sometimes four to five times as much. These events usually come with set budgets, offer easier logistics (like shorter set times and weeknight performances), and open opportunities for artists to fill their touring calendars with lucrative gigs.
What Clients Want:
The needs of corporate clients vary: some want inspiring performances, others need engaging background music, and some look for unique offerings like speaker-musicians or interactive experiences. EVA has evolved to help artists showcase all their potential offerings, from DJ sets to keynote presentations.
Negotiation & Budgeting Made Easy:
EVA’s platform asks planners to state their budgets upfront, removing much of the awkwardness and guesswork from the negotiation process for both parties. This transparency enables artists to quote comfortably and ensures faster, clearer communication.
Expanding the Booking Experience:
While EVA primarily targets corporate gigs due to their recurring nature, they also facilitate private events like weddings and bar mitzvahs. The platform’s goal is to become a go-to for planners who need entertainment regularly, ultimately benefiting musicians with more consistent opportunities.
Technical Support & Guidance:
Beyond matchmaking, EVA educates planners (many of whom are new to music tech) about essential details like sound requirements, technical setups, and equipment needs, making events smoother for all involved.
Promoting the Artist’s Brand:
Artists don’t have to just be “hired guns.” Many events genuinely want authentic performers who represent their city’s music culture and original material. EVA allows musicians to indicate whether they play covers, originals, or a mix, and helps facilitate conversations about self-promotion, merch, and fan engagement depending on the client’s preferences.
How It Works for Artists:
Musicians create a profile on bookwitheva.com, uploading videos, bios, references, and even artist comparisons to help planners find their perfect fit. Once approved, artists can view and quote on gigs in their regions, with many seeing opportunities as soon as they’re live on the platform. EVA automates feedback collection after every event, giving artists valuable testimonials for future bookings.
Growth & Expansion:
EVA is actively growing beyond its core cities by building relationships with both artists and corporate planners through direct outreach, partnerships, and strategic marketing. They emphasize a “technology with heart” philosophy, combining software efficiency with personalized guidance.
Final Thoughts:
EVA stands out as an invaluable resource for musicians looking to expand their revenue streams and for planners seeking reliable, talented entertainment. If you’re an artist curious about booking more sustainable and well-paid gigs—or a planner needing musical magic for your next event—EVA might just be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Learn more or sign up:
[bookwitheva.com](https://bookwitheva.com)
Find them on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @bookwitheva
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Thanks to Mackenzie Stoeckel and Channing Moreland for sharing their insights and building a platform that truly bridges the gap between artists and event organizers!