Finding a reliable and suitable music manager can be tough, but it’s an essential step in the journey if you’re serious about your creative career. Put simply, a music manager handles career decisions and business ventures for musicians. This post explores various tips and strategies to source a reliable music manager, setting your music career on the right path.
Find a Good Music Manager Table of Contents
Why You Need A Music Manager
With countless details to attend to and many opportunities to miss or mishandle, the music industry can be a daunting world for emerging artists. At this juncture, an experienced music manager plays a critical role. The manager takes the reins and offers professional direction in your music career. Their connections, business experience, and knowledge of the music market will be your best assets.
Qualities To Look For
Experience
Managers with solid industry experience will be better equipped to guide your career strategically and connect you with critical resources and contacts.
Dedication
Your manager should commit to your career goals fully, prioritizing your success over temporary gains.
Trustworthy
Honesty is crucial in this relationship. Transparency in all business dealings should be a given.
How to Find Your Music Manager
Here are a few strategies to deploy when hunting for your perfect music manager:
- Networking: Attend music industry events to connect with like-minded professionals.
- Online Platforms: Use platforms like LinkedIn and BandCamp to source potential manager profiles.
- Referrals: Request recommendations from established artists and professionals in your network.
A thorough vetting process is essential before tying the knot. Once you have a short-list, interview each candidate to discover if there’s a genuine connection and shared vision for your career.
Find a Good Music Manager Example:
For instance, let's assume that you're an alternative rock band. You've been gigging for a few months, but now you're looking to reach new heights. You decide that hiring a music manager is the best step forward.
You begin by tapping into your local music scene and participating in industry events. During a regional music conference, you run into the former manager of a prominent alternative rock band that you admire. You strike a conversation, finding that you share similar perspectives, and you're impressed by his industry know-how.
Following up on this meeting, you conduct an interview with this potential manager, discussing your vision and, in turn, learning about his strategies for your career. His honesty, dedication, and experience check your boxes, and you decide to bring him onboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a music manager and what do they do?
A music manager is a person who handles the business and career affairs of musicians and artists. They are responsible for things like negotiating contracts, booking gigs, managing publicity efforts, developing career strategies, and often advising on creative decisions to maximize the artists' potential and commercial success.
Why do I need a music manager?
Having a good music manager can be crucial for your career. They provide the business acumen and industry connections that most musicians lack. This support allows the artist to focus on creating and performing music while the manager works to build their career and handle the logistics.
When should an artist start looking for a music manager?
An artist should consider looking for a manager when they feel overwhelmed with the business side of music or when they've reached a point in their career where professional help could significantly advance their position in the industry.
What are the signs of a good music manager?
A good music manager should have a strong network of industry contacts, a proven track record of success, excellent communication skills, a deep understanding of the music business, and a genuine passion for and belief in the artist's work.
How do I find a music manager?
You can start by networking within the industry, asking for referrals from fellow musicians, conducting research online, attending music conferences and events, and looking into management companies that align with your genre and career goals.
Should I choose a manager with a lot of clients or a few?
The number of clients a manager has can reflect their capabilities, but it's also vital that they have the time and resources to dedicate to your career. The key is to find someone who can provide the attention you need to grow as an artist.
What should I look for in a music management contract?
Look for terms that define the scope of the manager's responsibilities, duration of the contract, commission percentages, expense policies, grounds for termination, and any other clauses that outline the relationship and expectations on both sides.
How much do music managers cost?
Music managers typically work on a commission basis, which ranges from 10% to 20% of the artist's earnings. However, fees can vary based on the manager's experience, the artist's career stage, and the services provided.
Can a manager help me get a record deal?
A good manager often has industry connections and can assist in getting a record deal by promoting the artist to record labels, helping to create a strong pitch, and negotiating contract terms on behalf of the artist.
Is it alright to change managers if I'm not satisfied?
Yes, if your career needs are not being met, it's important to reassess the relationship. However, this should always be done in accordance with the terms stipulated in your management contract.
What are the most common mistakes artists make when choosing a manager?
Common mistakes include rushing into agreements without proper vetting, failing to align on vision and goals, not reading the management contract thoroughly, and choosing someone based purely on their industry status without considering personal work style compatibility.
How involved should my manager be in creative decisions?
This depends on the artist-manager relationship. Some artists prefer their managers to take an active role in creative decisions, while others prefer their managers to focus solely on business matters. The level of involvement should be mutually agreed upon early on.
Can I negotiate the terms of a management contract?
Absolutely. Just like any business agreement, the terms of a management contract are negotiable. Ensure that the contract reflects a fair and balanced relationship, and don't hesitate to seek legal advice if necessary.
How can I trust that a manager will prioritize my best interests?
Trust is established through consistent communication, transparency, and proof of their commitment to your success. Initially, gauging their reputation in the industry and speaking to their current or former clients can also provide insight into their reliability and dedication.
What's the difference between a music manager and an agent?
A music manager deals with numerous aspects of an artist’s career, while an agent primarily focuses on booking live performances. Agents are usually regulated and work on a separate commission for securing gigs, whereas managers tend to have a broader contractual scope.
How long does a typical management contract last?
Management contracts can vary in length, but they often last between one to five years. It’s important to set a duration that gives both parties enough time to work together effectively while still allowing for future reassessment of the partnership.
Will a music manager handle my social media and online presence?
Some managers may include overseeing social media and your online presence as part of their services, while others might coordinate with a separate team or advise you to hire a specialist for this purpose.
Should my manager have experience in my specific genre of music?
While it’s not mandatory, a manager with experience in your specific genre may be beneficial due to their more targeted industry connections, understanding of genre-specific trends, and knowledge of the particular fan base.
What if I can’t afford a manager right now?
If you can't afford a manager, focus on developing a foundational business knowledge and building your career independently. You can also consider working with a lesser-known manager who may be willing to take a lower commission in exchange for the experience.
Is it possible to manage my music career on my own?
While self-management is possible, especially in the early stages of an artist's career, as your career progresses, the complexity and time commitment of managing all aspects can become overwhelming and limit your growth opportunities.
Can a manager guarantee my success in music?
No manager can guarantee success, as the music industry is unpredictable and success depends on many factors, including talent, timing, determination, and public reception. However, a good manager can significantly improve your chances by guiding you strategically and leveraging their industry know-how.
Whether you’re a solo artist or part of an upcoming band, finding the right music manager can make all the difference. Managerial guidance helps shape your professional trajectory while ensuring that every decision aligns with your musical vision. Feel free to share this post with other aspiring artists and explore other guides on Lyric Assistant to set your musical journey on the right note!
