Are you an emerging artist looking to get the right set of eyes on your work, but unsure about the best way to approach music managers? Let's dive into actionable steps on how to email music managers that's professional, concise, and most importantly, effective, so you can get back to what you're passionate about - making music.
How Should You Email Music Managers Table of Contents
The Basics of Emailing Music Managers
The Basics of Emailing Music Managers
Simply sending your music to any email address you find online is not going to cut it. You need to build genuine relationships, research managers who mesh well with your style and genre, and showcase your personality without sounding unprofessional. Here's how you can do that:
Respect their Time
Remember that managers are busy people. They have to juggle multiple bands or solo artists, marketing strategies, scouting new talent, etc. So if you want to grab their attention without disrespecting their time:
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- Keep the email short & concise
- Get straight to the point
- Avoid fluff
Be Professional
Just because you're an artist, doesn't mean you can forgo professionalism. Make sure you:
- Use a professional email address
- Include a good subject line
- Check your email for typos
What Should You Include in the Email
Once you have the basis right, you should focus on what to write in the email. It should include the following elements:
Introduction
Brevity is key here. Introduce yourself and let them know why you’re reaching out.
Artist Biography
A brief biography tells your story and your accomplishments so far, but make sure to keep it succinct.
Your Music
An embedded song or a link to your music is crucial in this part. Make sure it’s your best work and represents you as an artist.
How Should You Email Music Managers Example:
Subject: [Your Artist Name]: [Your Genre] artist interested in representation opportunity
Dear [Manager's Name],
I am [Your Name], an Indie-pop musician from New York, and I came across your profile while researching professionals who have effectively managed emerging talents in my genre.
Accompanying this email is a link to my latest work, [Song Name], which recently won the prestigious [Award Name] in the independent music circuit...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What information should I include in an email to a music manager?
In your email to a music manager, you should include your name, artistic name (if different), a brief introduction to your music style, your achievements or experience, links to your music, social media profiles, and high-quality press shots or promotional materials if available. Be concise, authentic, and make sure your most important information is easy to find.
How can I make my email to a music manager stand out?
To make your email stand out, personalize your message by addressing the manager by name and reference their work. Include a unique and memorable subject line. Also, focus on professional formatting and clear communication. Highlight what makes you and your music unique without being overly verbose.
Is it appropriate to follow up on my initial email, and if so, how long should I wait?
Yes, it is appropriate to follow up if you don't receive a response. Wait for at least one to two weeks before sending a polite and brief follow-up email. Mention your original email and express your continued interest in their representation.
Can I send attachments with my email to music managers?
It's generally best to avoid sending unsolicited attachments because they can be flagged as spam or may not be opened due to virus concerns. Instead, include links within your email to your music, electronic press kit, or other promotional materials hosted online.
Should I mention my musical influences in the email?
Briefly mentioning your musical influences can help the music manager understand your style and see how you might fit within the scope of the artists they represent. However, ensure not to compare yourself directly with highly successful artists as it may come off as presumptuous.
How long should my email to a music manager be?
Ideally, your email should be brief and to the point, no longer than three short paragraphs. Music managers receive plenty of emails daily, so being concise respects their time and increases the likelihood of your email being read.
What is the appropriate way to address a music manager in an email?
Always address a music manager by their full name if known, or simply as "Dear [Last Name]" if only the surname is known. Avoid overly casual greetings and strive for a professional tone.
How can I showcase my personality in the email?
Showcase your personality by the tone of your writing and through a few well-chosen words that reflect your artistic persona. Be professional but don't be afraid to let a bit of your unique artist identity shine through.
What should I do if a music manager doesn't respond to my emails?
If a music manager doesn't respond after a follow-up, it's best to move on and try contacting other prospects. The industry is competitive, and silence might be their way of saying they're not interested at the moment. Persistence is important, but so is respecting their time and potential disinterest.
Is it better to write emails to music managers myself or should I have someone else do it?
While you can have someone write on your behalf, personal emails tend to be more genuine. If you choose to write yourself, it can show your dedication and authenticity. If someone else writes for you, make sure they understand your music and career goals to maintain authenticity.
Can I mention upcoming gigs or releases in the email?
Yes, mentioning upcoming gigs, releases, or significant events can be beneficial. It not only shows that you are active and ambitious but also gives them a sense of your trajectory and provides immediate opportunities to see you perform or hear your work.
Should I email multiple managers at once?
It's common to reach out to multiple music managers to increase your chances. However, ensure that each email is personalized to the specific manager you're contacting and do not send mass emails as they are often disregarded.
How can I research managers before sending an email?
Research music managers by visiting their websites, checking out their social media profiles, and getting to know their current roster of artists. This will help you tailor your email to their preferences and demonstrate that you've done your homework.
What should I avoid saying in an email to music managers?
Avoid making unrealistic promises or claims, speaking negatively about other artists or managers, using overly casual or unprofessional language, and sending a generic message that feels impersonal. Also, steer clear of demanding immediate attention or expressing a sense of entitlement.
How do I prioritize which managers to contact?
Prioritize music managers who represent artists with a style or career trajectory similar to yours and those who actively seek new talent. Consider the size of their roster and their willingness to nurture emerging artists. Check if they've had recent successes that align with your music career goals.
What email subject line should I use when contacting a music manager?
Craft a clear, concise, and intriguing subject line. It could include your name or artist's name, a brief indication of the content ("New Album Release", "Touring Indie Artist"), or something that might catch their attention without being clickbait.
Can I include performance videos in my email to a music manager?
Yes, but do not attach the videos as files. Instead, include a link to a high-quality performance video hosted on a platform like YouTube or Vimeo. This allows them to view your stage presence and live performance skills without clogging their inbox.
How important is it to have a professional email address?
Having a professional email address is crucial. It reflects your seriousness about your career and ensures you're taken seriously by industry professionals. Avoid quirky or overly personal email addresses — ideally, use an email that includes your name or stage name.
Should I discuss financial expectations or deals in the initial email?
It's best to leave discussions about financials or specific deal terms out of the initial email. The first contact should be about introducing yourself and establishing a rapport. If they're interested, those talks will follow in due course.
How should I conclude an email to a music manager?
Conclude your email with a polite sign-off, such as "Best regards" or "Sincerely," followed by your full name and contact information. You can also express appreciation for their time and consideration, leaving the door open for future communication.
Should I include my social media analytics in the email?
Yes, including some brief information about your social media reach and engagement can be beneficial, as it provides insight into your existing audience and your online presence. However, make this information succinct and relevant to your overall pitch.
What common mistakes should I avoid when emailing music managers?
Common mistakes include using a generic greeting, writing overly long emails, poor formatting, including irrelevant information, coming off as desperate or arrogant, neglecting to proofread, and not doing enough research on the manager or their agency. Ensuring you're aware of these pitfalls will increase the likelihood of making a positive impression.
Emailing music managers doesn't have to be daunting. Remember to always be respectful and professional, and most importantly, stay true to your music. We hope this guide eases your worries and gives you a solid direction. If you found this piece useful, please feel free to share it with other artists, and visit Lyric Assistant for more.
