In the music industry, one of the most significant milestones in an artist's career is finding the perfect manager. A good manager has the potential to elevate your career to unimaginable heights. They know the right contacts, how to navigate the music industry's complex dynamics, and how to negotiate deals that will benefit your brand. But how do you find a manager in the music industry? This guide will help navigate this crucial step in your music career.
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How to Find a Manager in Music Industry Table of Contents
Finding the right Manager
A musician's relationship with a manager should be based on mutual trust and a shared vision for the brand's future. Here are some tips to find a suitable manager:
Do Your Research
- Find out the managers of your favorite musicians, especially those who have a similar sound or brand to yours.
- Look at the musicians your prospective manager represents, and assess whether their career trajectories match your own aspirations.
- Use industry directories and music industry contacts to find potential managers.
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Networking
- Attend industry events, shows, or conferences, where managers often scout for fresh talent.
- Use social media platforms and music forums to network with industry professionals and find potential contacts.
What to Look For
- Experience in the industry: Your manager should know how to navigate the industry's intricacies.
- Shared vision: Your manager needs to understand your music, your brand, and your career objectives.
- Attention capacity: A manager with too many clients may not give your career the attention it needs.
Approaching a Manager
Before you approach a potential manager, you need to make sure your brand is attractive enough:
Build a Strong Portfolio
- Make sure you have a collection of well-produced music ready.
- Have a professional image through promotional photos, logos, and well-curated social media profiles.
Pitching to a Manager
Your pitch should demonstrate a clear career plan and a strong willingness to work hard and bring something unique to the table.
How to Find a Manager in Music Industry Example:
Consider an indie-pop artist based in New York, looking to find a manager. The artist identifies a manager, who currently manages an artist they admire. The artist attends an industry event where the manager will be present. They approach the manager, introduce themselves, and explain why they would be a good fit for their portfolio. They present a concise but powerful pitch, showcasing their unique sound, their vision for their brand, and a portfolio of their music.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a music manager do?
A music manager guides the professional career of artists in the music industry. They are responsible for networking, negotiating contracts, planning promotional activities, and overall helping to make strategic decisions that will boost the artist's career and visibility.
Why is having a manager important in the music industry?
Having a manager is crucial because they bring expertise and contacts that most artists don't have. They allow artists to focus on their creative work by handling the business side of things, from booking gigs to dealing with record labels and organizing marketing strategies.
When should I start looking for a music manager?
Look for a manager when you feel that your music career is gaining momentum and you can no longer handle all the business aspects yourself, or when you need professional industry insights to help you grow and manage your workload effectively.
How can I find a music manager who is right for me?
Research potential managers who work with artists similar to your genre and aesthetic. Network in industry events, use social media, and ask for referrals from industry professionals. Always check their background and previous work to ensure they align with your goals.
Should I choose a manager with a big roster or a smaller, dedicated one?
This depends on your needs. A manager with a big roster might have more industry clout but less time for you, while a smaller, dedicated manager might offer more personalized attention but have less influence. Assess what balance of attention and influence will benefit your career the most.
What are the common terms in a manager's contract?
Terms typically include the length of the contract, the manager’s cut (usually around 15%-20% of your earnings), responsibilities of the manager, grounds for termination, and how to resolve disputes. Always have a lawyer review any contract before signing.
What red flags should I watch out for when choosing a manager?
Be wary of managers that promise too much too quickly, lack references or have a history of short relationships with artists. Also, avoid those who ask for money upfront or who don't seem to have a clear understanding of your music or brand.
Is it better to have an individual manager or a management company?
This depends on your career stage and needs. An individual manager can offer a personal touch and dedication, while a management company might have more resources and a wider network. Assess which will provide the support and services you need.
Can I manage my career by myself?
It's possible to manage your own career, especially early on, but as your career grows the workload can become overwhelming. A manager can help you navigate the complexities of the industry, negotiate better deals, and open up more opportunities.
What is the typical commission rate for a music manager?
A typical commission rate for a music manager ranges from 15% to 20% of your gross income. However, this can vary based on the manager's level of experience, the range of services they provide, and the specifics of your working relationship.
Can a music manager help me get a record deal?
Yes, a music manager can help you get a record deal by leveraging their network and industry knowledge to pitch your music to record labels, negotiate contract terms, and facilitate meetings between you and potential labels.
What's the difference between a music manager and an agent?
A music manager handles an artist's career on a holistic level, whereas an agent typically focuses on booking live performances. An agent will usually work within a territory and take a commission on the artist's performance fees.
How long is a typical manager-artist agreement?
Manager-artist agreements can range from one to five years, but most are structured around a period of two to three years. This time frame allows both parties to develop a working relationship and make significant progress in the artist's career.
Should my manager have connections in the music genre I specialize in?
It's beneficial if your manager has connections in your particular music genre as they can provide more tailored advice, access to specific industry players, and better opportunities that align with your musical style and target audience.
How often should I communicate with my potential or current manager?
It's important to establish regular and open communication with your potential or current manager. Most artists and managers touch base weekly to discuss ongoing projects, career planning, and upcoming opportunities or issues.
Can a friend or family member be my music manager?
While a friend or family member can become your manager, it’s crucial they possess or can develop the necessary skills and business acumen. The relationship must also be professional, clearly defined, and with agreed upon terms to prevent personal conflicts affecting the business relationship.
How much control should a manager have over my music and image?
A manager is there to provide guidance and support your career goals, not control your music and image. You should maintain creative control, with your manager offering advice and suggestions that align with your brand and artistic vision.
What should I prepare before meeting with a potential manager?
Before meeting with a potential manager, prepare an updated portfolio of your work, a press kit, music samples, performance videos, your bio, any press you have received, and a clear outline of your career goals and expectations.
Do I still need a manager if I only want to do local gigs and small-scale releases?
If you're only interested in local gigs and small-scale releases and are able to handle the workload, you may not need a manager. However, even for smaller-scale operations, a manager can offer useful connections, strategic advice, and help with promotional efforts.
What if I sign with a manager and it doesn't work out?
If your relationship with a manager doesn't work out, you can part ways according to the terms in your contract. It's important to have clear termination clauses when drafting your agreement to avoid complications if things don't go as planned.
Can I work with multiple managers at the same time?
Working with multiple managers is uncommon and can lead to conflicts of interest and complications. It's generally advisable to have one main manager who can coordinate with other industry professionals, like agents or publicists, on your behalf.
Finding the right manager for your music career can be a challenging task, but with proper research, networking, and preparation, you can find the perfect match that will significantly impact your career trajectory. Don't forget to employ technology and applications such as Lyric Assistant to simplify your music career journey. Enjoyed this post? Share it with your friends and check out our other guides on the Lyric Assistant blog!
