It can be both a thrilling and daunting experience when music managers are on the lookout for new artists. The talent pool available today is diverse and expansive, making the task of identifying individuals who can be molded into the next chart-topping sensation a considerable challenge. This guide will aid in breaking down the process and characteristics these music professionals are scouting for in potential recording artists.
Music Managers Looking For Artists Table of Contents
What are music managers hunting for?
What are music managers hunting for?
As a music manager, finding the ideal artist largely depends on a few key components:
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Natural Talent:
The starting point is innate ability. It is essential for music managers to spot an artist rich in their musicality, songwriting prowess, or vocal range.
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Uniqueness:
An artist needs to stand out from the crowd. This could be their vocal style, their stage presence, or even the way they engage with their audience.
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Work Ethic:
Sustained success in the music industry requires a lot of work. Managers want someone willing to put in the time and effort both in and out of the studio.
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Marketability:
It’s just as crucial that the public likes an artist as much as their manager does. Managers are looking for artists that have the potential to sell records and merchandise, and fill concert venues.
Where do music managers scout?
Music managers use various platforms to unearth new artists:
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Live Showcases and Open Mics:
These events are often bursting with yet-to-be-discovered talent. They provide an excellent observation ground for gauging an artist's live performance skills.
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Social Media Platforms:
Platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Soundcloud have increasingly become a hub for discovering and nurturing musical talent.
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Music Conferences:
Attended by industry professionals, these forums can serve as a potent platform for talent scouting. Artists often perform in front of influential music business figures here.
Music Managers Looking For Artists Example:
Lyric Assistant can provide an illustrative example of an artist who successfully captured a music manager's attention. Shrouded in mystery, her style was refreshingly unique. Her songs, which she wrote herself, had depth and appealed to a broad audience.
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She had uploaded some of her songs on Soundcloud and shared videos of her performances on Instagram, creating a buzz. A music manager, scouting on SoundCloud was instantly hooked on hearing her. He saw her potential, her commitment to her craft, her relatability, and her marketability. They soon formed a partnership and embarked on a journey to musical stardom together.
As music managers are voraciously searching for new talent, uprising artists should also be diligently polishing their skills and strategically presenting themselves. Music managers are the gateway to a flourishing music career and with perseverance, determination, and a touch of luck, you could be the artist they are looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does a music manager do for an artist?
A music manager oversees the business affairs of musicians and artists. They handle contract negotiations, arrange bookings, organize tours, oversee marketing and PR campaigns, manage the artist's schedule, and advise on career decisions. Essentially, they are responsible for managing an artist's professional life, enabling them to focus on creativity and performance.
How do music managers find artists to represent?
Music managers may discover new talent through live performances, social media, music industry networking events, recommendations, or direct submissions from the artists themselves. They are always on the lookout for fresh and promising talent to add to their roster.
What should I include in my portfolio when approaching a music manager?
When approaching a music manager, include a well-organized portfolio that showcases your music, videos, press coverage, social media presence, performance history, and any notable achievements or awards. If available, provide analytics that reflect your fan base and audience reach.
Do music managers prefer certain genres over others?
Some managers specialize in specific genres due to their personal interest, industry experience, or established connections. However, other managers are genre-agnostic and base their decision on the artist's potential, talent, and marketability rather than the genre.
Is it necessary to have a large following before a manager takes interest?
A substantial following can certainly make you more appealing to a manager; however, an artist's talent, potential for growth, and work ethic can be just as important. Managers often look for passion and drive as well as the ability to develop a dedicated fan base over time.
Can unsigned artists get noticed by music managers?
Absolutely. Many music managers are keen on finding unsigned artists with the raw talent and potential for success that they can help develop. Being unsigned means managers have the opportunity to shape an artist's career from the ground up.
What terms are typically discussed in a contract with a music manager?
Contracts with music managers usually discuss terms such as the duration of the agreement, the manager's percentage (typically between 15-20% of net income), duties and responsibilities of each party, expenses, and provisions for dissolution of the agreement.
How should I prepare for a meeting with a potential music manager?
Prior to meeting with a prospective manager, prepare by researching their background, roster, and management style. Clearly define your career goals, have a solid grasp of your music and brand, and be ready to present your portfolio and articulate what you can bring to the table.
How do I protect myself from unscrupulous music managers?
Seek legal counsel when reviewing management contracts and do thorough research on a manager's reputation and past clients. Trustworthy managers should provide references and be transparent about their business practices.
Can a music manager guarantee my success in the music industry?
No one can guarantee success in the music industry as there are many factors involved. However, a good manager will increase your chances by providing guidance, resources, networking opportunities, and industry know-how that can significantly navigate and propel your career.
Should I only look for managers in major music cities?
While major music cities may have a higher concentration of industry professionals, it's more important to find a manager who believes in your work and has the skills to help you succeed. With the connectivity of the digital age, location is becoming less critical.
What red flags should I watch out for when talking to potential managers?
Be cautious of managers who request payment upfront, lack a clear and successful track record, are unable to provide references, or avoid answering direct questions about their strategies and successes. Transparency and a clear understanding of the industry standards are key.
Do music managers work with artists on a global scale?
Many music managers do work with artists internationally, helping them to expand their reach and tap into various markets. However, this typically depends on the manager's network, resources, and expertise.
How long does a typical artist-manager relationship last?
Artist-manager relationships can last indefinitely, provided both parties are satisfied with the arrangement. Some relationships remain professional throughout the artist's career, while others may dissolve after a few years due to various reasons such as changes in creative direction or management needs.
Can I negotiate the terms of the management agreement?
Definitely. It's important to negotiate a management agreement that reflects a mutual understanding between the artist and the manager. Both parties should be comfortable with the terms before signing. Consult with an entertainment attorney to help navigate this process.
What should I do if a conflict arises with my music manager?
If a conflict arises, communicate openly with your manager to discuss and address the issues. If the conflict persists, consult the terms of your contract for resolution procedures, and consider obtaining legal advice if necessary.
How involved should a manager be in the creative process?
This depends on the artist's preferences and the manager's expertise. Some artists prefer managers with a hands-off approach to their creative process, while others may seek active involvement and feedback. Establish these boundaries early in the relationship to ensure a good fit.
Can managers assist with funding or sponsorships?
Managers often have connections and expertise that can assist artists in finding funding opportunities and sponsorships. However, securing such opportunities also largely depends on the artist's marketability and the quality of their work.
What makes a music manager successful?
A successful music manager is proactive, has extensive industry knowledge and connections, strong communication and negotiation expertise, and a deep understanding of their artist's vision and ambitions. They should be well-versed in marketing, promotion, and financial management.
How do I know if a music manager's interests are aligned with my own?
Open communication is critical. Discuss your long-term career goals and expectations with your manager. A good manager should resonate with your artistic vision and have a strategic plan that aligns with your career objectives. Compatibility in working styles and communication is also fundamental.
Will having a manager mean I have less control over my career?
Hiring a manager doesn't mean you relinquish control over your career; rather, it means you have a partner to help manage the business aspects. It's vital to maintain open lines of communication and ensure all decisions align with your overall vision and goals.
Remember, tools like Lyric Assistant can help in honing your songwriting skills. So keep writing, keep shining and let the world hear your music. If you found this guide helpful, please consider sharing it with your network. Don't forget to delve deeper into the other resources available on Lyric Assistant.
