In the music industry, the triumph and defeat of a song do not rely solely on the artist; the right people working behind the curtains play a vital role. One of those integral people is the artist manager. Finding an artist manager who understands and supports your music style can catapult your career to unanticipated heights. But how do you find an artist manager? This article will guide you through this process.
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Find Artist Manager Table of Contents
Understanding the Role of Artist Manager
Understanding the Role of Artist Manager
Artist managers function as the backbone to an artist's career. They are instrumental in maintaining the balance of the artist's professional commitments and artistic vision.
- Handles Business Affairs: Managers facilitate deals, handle paperwork, and oversee the artist's business affairs.
- Guides the Artist's Career Path: They help guide artists in areas like personal branding, genre identification, and market positioning.
- Creates Networking Opportunities: They also create important networking opportunities for artists and expose them to music industry heavyweights.
How to Find an Artist Manager
- Identify Your Needs: Identify what you need from a manager. Pinpoint these needs first before starting your search.
- Network: Attend industry conferences, shows, and events where industry professionals usually gather.
- Use Social Media: LinkedIn, Instagram, and even Twitter can also be used to find prospective artist managers. Research potential managers and then make direct contact.
- Go For Referrals: Ask your existing network if they know any artist managers they can recommend.
- Trade Publications and Websites: Read music trade publications and surf music websites that regularly feature interviews with artist managers.
Qualities of a Good Artist Manager
Connections and experience are valuable, but the right manager for you will have the following traits:
- Passion: Music industry is 24/7 business. Hence, managers must be passionate about music and truly dedicated to your career.
- Transparent: All business deals should be transparent. Managers keen on closed-door deals are often a red flag.
- Resilient: They must be able to handle rejection, pressure, and stress while being resilient in securing the best opportunities for you.
Find Artist Manager Example:
Meet Jane, an up-and-coming indie rock artist. She wants to drive her musical career to new peaks but struggles to balance between her creative process and business side of her musical vocation.
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Jane recognized her need for an artist manager, who could shoulder this burden, allowing her to focus on her music. She networked extensively, attended industry events, scoured social media, asked her network for referrals, and read trade publications.
Having identified her needs and requirements, she came across Mark, an enthusiastic manager with a professional record of successful artist management projects, and transparency in his dealings. Mark's proven resilience aligned perfectly with Jane's aspirations, and they started working together to scale new heights in Jane's music career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an artist manager?
An artist manager is a professional who guides the professional career of artists in the entertainment industry. Their role is to represent an artist and help them navigate the business aspects of music production, promotion, and performance scheduling. They are often the point of contact between the artist and industry stakeholders.
Why do I need an artist manager?
An artist manager can be invaluable for handling the business side of your music career, allowing you to focus on the creative aspects. They can help secure contracts, organize tours, manage your image, and build key relationships with labels, promoters, and other industry professionals.
What should I look for in an artist manager?
Look for someone with strong industry connections, a good reputation, solid communication skills, and a proven track record of managing successful careers. Compatibility and shared vision are also key factors to consider.
When should I start looking for an artist manager?
You should consider looking for an artist manager once you've developed your talent, begun to establish a fan base, and are ready to take your career to the next level but find that you are needing more help with the business aspects of your career.
How do I find a reputable artist manager?
Research is crucial. You can start by asking for recommendations from music industry contacts, browsing professional directories, attending music conferences, and networking on social media platforms dedicated to the music industry.
Can I negotiate the terms and conditions with an artist manager?
Yes, it's important to negotiate the terms such as percentages of revenue, length of contract, specific responsibilities, and performance expectations to ensure that both parties are clear and agreeable to the terms set forth.
What are typical artist manager fees?
Artist manager fees usually range from 15 to 20 percent of the artist's total income. However, this can vary depending on the manager's experience and the specifics of your arrangement.
Do I need a contract with my artist manager?
Yes, it's very important to have a written contract outlining the terms of your relationship with your artist manager. This helps to ensure that both parties understand their roles and can help prevent future conflicts.
How long does a typical artist management contract last?
Artist management contracts commonly range from one to five years. It's important to agree on a term that allows for enough time to achieve set goals but also includes provisions for early termination if necessary.
Can I change my artist manager if I'm unhappy with their work?
Yes, if your contract has provisions for termination, you can change managers. However, ensure to handle such transitions professionally to maintain good relations in the industry.
How involved should an artist manager be in creative decisions?
The level of involvement of an artist manager in creative decisions varies. Some artists may seek their manager's opinion, while others prefer to keep creative control entirely separate. This should be discussed and agreed upon to avoid conflicts.
What distinguishes a good artist manager from a bad one?
A good artist manager has a strong network, demonstrates professionalism, communicates effectively, and exhibits a genuine interest in fostering the artist's career. They should be proactive, resourceful, and transparent in their dealings.
Should my artist manager help me with branding?
While not all managers tackle branding, it can be extremely beneficial if they do. An experienced manager can provide valuable insight into developing a consistent brand that resonates with your audience.
How can I trust an artist manager?
Trust must be built over time through open communication, transparent business practices, and by seeing tangible results from the manager's actions on behalf of your career. Also, always make sure to verify their credibility through references and past work.
What if I can't afford an artist manager?
If you cannot afford a full-time manager you might consider freelance or part-time managers. Alternatively, focusing on building your skills in business management, networking, and promotion could also be beneficial.
Is it okay for an artist manager to manage multiple artists at once?
Yes, many artist managers handle several clients. However, ensure they have the capacity to give your career the attention it needs and that there are no conflicts of interest.
How can I make my management needs clear to a prospective manager?
Communication is key. Discuss your career goals, expectations, specific needs, and concerns upfront to ensure your prospective manager is prepared and willing to meet those needs.
What are some red flags to watch out for when selecting an artist manager?
Be wary of managers who promise more than they can deliver, lack clear communication, avoid questions about their track record, or are unwilling to put agreements in writing.
Can I have more than one manager at a time?
While unusual, some artists have co-managers, especially if they manage different aspects of an artist's career. However, this should be very clearly delineated in contracts to prevent overlapping responsibilities or conflicts.
Will an artist manager help me to get a record deal?
An experienced manager can help in navigating the process of securing a record deal by leveraging their industry connections and negotiating on your behalf. However, they are not a guarantee of a deal.
What should I do to maintain a healthy relationship with my manager?
Maintain open lines of communication, set realistic expectations, regularly review goals and progress, and ensure you're both contributing positively to the partnership. Mutual respect and understanding are the cornerstones of a productive relationship.
Indeed, finding the right artist manager might feel like finding a needle in a haystack, but with patience and precision, success is just around the corner. As an artist, focusing on what you do best – creating exceptional music – should be your primary focus. Let the right manager handle the rest. If you found this guide useful, feel free to share it with your fellow artists. Also, don't forget to explore other helpful guides on Lyric Assistant to boost your musical journey.
