In the music industry in Los Angeles, having the right manager can make or break your career. With many artists vying for attention, a great manager can help you negotiate contracts, book gigs, and guide career decisions. Becoming a successful artist goes beyond just creating great music – it's about making strategic moves and networking with the right people. Today, we're going to explore some of the best music managers in LA that have radically impacted their client's careers.
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Irving Azoff
Irving Azoff, the founder of Azoff Music Management, is one of the most influential music managers in the industry and has been for several decades. He's managed artists such as Christina Aguilera, Journey, and the Eagles. Azoff's strategic acumen and industry knowledge has solidified his place as a top LA music manager.
Guy Oseary
Guy Oseary, who co-founded Maverick Records with Madonna, also has a solid management track record. As a talent manager, he's worked with artists such as U2 and Amy Schumer, demonstrating his versatility across genres and industries.
Services Offered by Music Managers
- Negotiating contracts with record labels, booking agencies, and music publishing companies.
- Guiding career decisions and creating a strategy to increase the artist's visibility and success.
- Booking gigs, tours, and promotional appearances.
- Serving as a liaison between the artist and various stakeholders in the music industry.
Best Music Managers in La Example:
Take the example of Scooter Braun: manager of stars like Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and Demi Lovato. Under Braun's management, Bieber went from a YouTube sensation to a global superstar. Braun helped Bieber navigate deals, book major tours, and establish a strong career foundation. Scooter Braun's management company, SB Projects, nurtures talent across music, TV, film, and digital platforms, showing his innovative approach to the modern entertainment industry.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of a music manager?
A music manager plays a crucial role in an artist's career. They are responsible for guiding the professional path of musicians, handling their business engagements, helping in making strategic decisions, negotiating contracts, and often overseeing the artist's branding, marketing, and networking activities. A proficient music manager is instrumental in helping artists reach their full potential in a competitive industry.
Why is Los Angeles considered a prime location for music managers?
Los Angeles is a hub for the entertainment industry, home to a vast number of record labels, studios, marketing firms, and music executives. The city's dense concentration of industry resources and opportunities make it an ideal base for music managers looking to establish strong networks and propel their clients' careers forward in the heart of the music business.
How do I choose the right music manager in LA?
Choosing the right music manager is a critical decision for an artist. It's important to consider the manager's industry connections, experience, passion for your music, understanding of your artistic vision, as well as their track record of success with other artists. Establishing clear communication and ensuring you share common goals and values are essential for a fruitful partnership.
What is the typical commission for a music manager in LA?
The standard commission for a music manager usually ranges from 15 to 20 percent of an artist's gross income. It's important to have a clear contract discussing all terms, including commission rates, to ensure a transparent and fair business relationship.
Can a music manager help me get a record deal?
Music managers can significantly increase your chances of landing a record deal due to their industry connections and negotiation skills. They advocate for the artist, showcasing their work to record labels, and are often involved in discussing and fine-tuning record contracts to best represent the artist's interests.
Does a new artist need a music manager?
While not mandatory, new artists often benefit tremendously from having a music manager. A manager can provide guidance, industry insights, and knowledge that a budding artist might lack, saving a lot of time and potentially helping avoid common pitfalls of the music industry.
What should I include in my portfolio when approaching a music manager?
Your portfolio should include a well-recorded selection of your music, a professional biography, press materials, photos, videos of performances, social media insights, and any press coverage you've had. A comprehensive portfolio gives managers a clear understanding of your work and potential.
How involved should my music manager be in creative decisions?
The involvement of a music manager in creative decisions varies depending on the agreement between the manager and artist. Ideally, they should respect the artist's creative control while providing input based on market trends and industry knowledge that may enhance the artist's work and marketability.
Is it common for music managers in LA to have contacts outside of the United States?
Yes, given the global nature of the music industry, many music managers in LA have established international contacts. This is beneficial for artists looking to expand their reach globally and can be crucial for international touring, distribution, and collaboration opportunities.
How do I know if a music manager is reputable?
To determine a music manager's reputation, research their professional history, seek testimonials or references from their current or former clients, and ensure they have a clear and verifiable track record of success. Accreditation from recognized industry bodies can also be a mark of professionalism and reputation.
Can music managers assist with branding and image development?
Yes, music managers often assist with the branding and image development of an artist. They understand the importance of a cohesive and engaging image and can work closely with branding experts to help create a visual representation that complements the music and appeals to a wider audience.
What are some red flags when working with a music manager?
Red flags include lack of clear communication, not having a formal contract, evasiveness regarding their past work or clients, a reputation for unethical behavior, and an insistence on making all decisions without the artist's input. Transparency and mutual respect are key in a manager-artist relationship.
How often should I expect to communicate with my music manager?
Communication frequency varies but expect to have regular updates and check-ins with your music manager. Consistent communication is vital for a synchronized effort in managing your career. Weekly or bi-weekly meetings are common, with more frequent contact during busy periods such as album releases or tours.
Do music managers handle financial management for artists?
While music managers do oversee some financial aspects like contract negotiations and revenue streams, it's recommended that artists work with a dedicated financial advisor or accountant for detailed financial management and to ensure the financial health of their career.
Can a music manager terminate a contract with an artist? If so, under what circumstances?
Yes, a music manager can terminate a contract with an artist. Usually, this happens if the working relationship is no longer beneficial or the terms of the contract are breached. Contracts often include clauses that outline specific grounds for termination by either party. It is important to understand these terms before entering into the agreement.
Should I sign an exclusive management contract?
An exclusive management contract means the manager will be your sole representative in the music industry. This can be beneficial as it guarantees full commitment from the manager, but it limits the possibility of being represented by others. Consider the pros and cons, your career stage, and the trustworthiness of the manager before deciding on an exclusive agreement.
How do music managers find new talent?
Music managers find new talent through various channels like live performances, music festivals, social media platforms, referrals from industry contacts, and music submission platforms. A manager with a keen eye and ear is always scouting for fresh, original talent with commercial potential.
What is the difference between a music manager and an agent?
A music manager handles day-to-day affairs, career strategizing, and long-term planning, while an agent primarily focuses on booking live performances and appearances. Managers usually have a closer, more comprehensive working relationship with an artist than agents do.
Is it possible to have success without a music manager?
It is possible to achieve success without a music manager, especially with today's access to digital marketing and independent distribution channels. However, a manager can provide valuable insights, connections, and expertise that might be challenging to replicate on one's own, potentially accelerating the success process.
If I'm unhappy with my music manager, how should I handle it?
If you're unhappy with your music manager, first address your concerns directly and professionally with the aim to resolve any issues. If the relationship cannot be salvaged, review your contract for proper termination procedures and seek legal advice before making decisions that could affect your career.
How will I know when it's time to look for a new music manager?
You may need to look for a new music manager if your current manager is not fulfilling their contractual obligations, fails to communicate effectively, lacks the necessary industry connections, or if there's a misalignment of career goals and visions. Always assess the effectiveness of your professional relationships in the context of your career progress and satisfaction.
Every great performer needs a leader behind the scenes to guide their career and make strategic decisions. Whether you're an aspiring singer-songwriter in Los Angeles or a seasoned performer looking for new management, knowing who the best music managers are can be a massive help. If this article was helpful, please share it with other music lovers! Also, explore our other guides and tools at Lyric Assistant. We're here to help you with effective songwriting and industry insights.
