When it comes to succeeding in the music industry, having a great music manager can be a game changer. Especially in the melting pot of creativity that is New York City, a capable manager can guide an artist towards endless possibilities and opportunities. In this blog post, we introduce some of the best music managers in NYC, who have managed to make an indelible mark in the biz.
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Best Music Managers NYC Table of Contents
What makes a Great Music Manager?
What makes a Great Music Manager?
To begin with, let us outline what makes a great music manager. These qualities are the core of every manager you will read about hereafter.
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Vision:
Good managers can identify talent and also see longevity and a long-term career for their artists. They not only think about the present but strategize for the future success of their musicians.
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Network:
The best music managers will have a broad network across the industry. This gives them the ability to deliver opportunities for exposure and collaborations that will help grow their artist's career.
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Business Savvy:
This industry is, after all, the music business. A great manager knows how to negotiate, understands contracts and can manage the financial aspect of an artist's career.
Top Music Managers in NYC
Here is a list of some of the top music managers based in New York City, who have been making waves in the music industry.
1. Jordan Feldstein (Maroon 5, Robin Thicke)
Though Jordan unfortunately passed away in 2017, his impact on the music industry remains. During his career, he managed Maroon 5 and helped propel them to global stardom.
2. Mark Pitts (Chris Brown, J. Cole)
Mark Pitts is a veteran in the music industry, having worked with big names like Notorious B.I.G., Chris Brown and J.Cole. His company, ByStorm Entertainment, continues to influence the RnB and hip hop industry.
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Best Music Managers NYC Example:
A Day in the Life of a Music Manager
To give you a glimpse into the life of a music manager, we take the example of our fictional manager - Johnny Bravo.
Jonny starts his day early, checking his emails and coordinating schedules with the teams of the artists he represents. After planning their daily agendas, he's off to a meeting with a record label executive, negotiating the terms of a new album deal for one of his artists.
Jonny also spends time contacting club owners and media outlets, lining up gigs and publicity. He ends his day reviewing a new contract. It's demanding, but for Johnny, the satisfaction of seeing his artists succeed makes everything worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a music manager?
A music manager, also known as an artist manager, is a professional who guides the professional career of artists in the music industry. Their responsibility includes negotiating contracts, seeking opportunities, managing schedules, and generally taking care of the day-to-day business affairs of the artist.
Why do musicians need managers?
Musicians often require managers to handle the business aspects of their careers so they can focus on the creative and performance elements. Managers provide support, industry connections, and expertise that many artists don't possess organically.
How do I choose the right music manager in NYC?
Choosing the right music manager involves researching their industry track record, understanding their connection networks, evaluating their communication skills, and ensuring their vision aligns with your career goals. It's also important to get feedback from their current or former clients if possible.
What should I expect to pay for a music manager?
Typically, music managers charge between 10-20% of an artist's earnings. However, rates can vary based on the manager's experience, the level of the artist, and the specific services provided.
Can a music manager help me land a record deal?
A competent music manager can help you network with record labels and industry professionals, and potentially land a record deal by leveraging their contacts and experience.
What's the difference between a manager and a booking agent?
A manager handles the overall career strategy and business affairs for an artist, while a booking agent specifically focuses on finding and negotiating performance opportunities.
How involved are music managers in creative decisions?
Music managers can be involved in creative decisions, offering advice and feedback. However, the level of their involvement can greatly vary and should be defined in the management agreement.
Is it necessary to have a local music manager in NYC?
While not necessary, having a local manager can be beneficial due to their familiarity with the local scene, venues, and industry professionals within New York City.
What qualifications should a good music manager have?
A good music manager should have a strong understanding of the music industry, business acumen, excellent interpersonal skills, and a proven track record of success with other artists. Formal education in music business or related fields can also be advantageous.
How long does a typical management contract last?
Management contracts typically last anywhere from one to five years, but the duration can be negotiated depending on the needs and comfort levels of both the artist and the manager.
What are the red flags to look out for when choosing a music manager?
Red flags include a lack of transparency, poor communication, no clear contract terms, a history of short-term artist relationships, and promises that seem too good to be true.
Can I manage my own music career?
Yes, many artists start by managing their own careers. However, as your career progresses, the complexities of the business may require the expertise and connections of a professional manager.
How do music managers find new talent?
Music managers often find new talent through live shows, referrals, social media, music streaming platforms, and industry events.
What kind of network should a good manager in NYC have?
A good manager in NYC should have a robust network that includes connections with record labels, booking agents, promoters, publicists, media professionals, and other industry players within the city and beyond.
What should I include in my pitch when looking for a music manager?
Your pitch should include a brief artist bio, links to your music, any press or accolades you have received, live performance footage if available, and a clear outline of your career goals and why you believe the manager would be a good fit for your team.
How can I trust a potential music manager?
Building trust with a potential music manager involves research, asking for referrals, thoroughly reviewing their track record, and having open and honest conversations about their management style and your career expectations.
What happens if things don't work out with my music manager?
If things don't work out, you can end the relationship according to the terms outlined in your management contract. It’s important to maintain professionalism and ensure a smooth transition to protect your reputation and future music endeavors.
Can a music manager help with marketing and promotion?
Yes, a music manager can assist with marketing and promotion strategies, often coordinating efforts with publicists, marketing teams, and utilizing their own industry connections to enhance an artist's visibility and brand.
What should a management contract include?
A management contract should include terms regarding the scope of services, duration of the agreement, compensation details, clauses on termination, and any other relevant details pertinent to the artist-manager relationship.
How do I know if a music manager has a good reputation in NYC?
To gauge a manager's reputation, you can look into their past artist relationships, seek testimonials, research their industry achievements, and ask for opinions from industry professionals within the NYC music scene.
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