A&R and Manager Advice

Music Managers St Louis MO

Music Managers St Louis MO

Finding a devoted music manager in St Louis MO can make or break your music career. An exceptional manager doesn't just handle business affairs but nurtures your talent and becomes instrumental in shaping your musical journey. In this blog post, we delve into the world of music managers in St Louis, MO to help upcoming artists understand the landscape and find the perfect music manager.

Looking to write your next song? Transform your creative ideas into songs that people will love, and skyrocket your music career with Lyric Assistant. The perfect songwriting assistant. Find out more →

The Role of a Music Manager

Ever wondered what a music manager does? A music manager is the backbone of an artist's career, responsible for the day-to-day affairs and strategic direction. They help with:

  • Scheduling recording sessions
  • Negiotiating contracts
  • Booking tours
  • Connecting to the music industry

Qualities of an Exemplary Music Manager

A music manager should have:

Write Lyrics Like a Professional Songwriter

The ultimate songwriting tool that takes your creative vision to the next level! With just a few clicks, you can unleash your inner songwriter and craft a hit that's uniquely yours. Your song. You own it.

Example: Pop, Rock, Rap, Electronic, R&B, K-Pop, Drill...
Example: Happy, sad, inspirational, romantic, gritty...
Example: Love, loss, overcoming adversity, party, faith, personal growth, reflection...
Example: Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Grimes, Beyonce, Billie Eillish, Pink Floyd, BTS ...
A bridge is used to provide a new perspective or shift in your song's mood
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Experience in the music industry
  • Business knowledge
  • Passion for music
  • Respect for the artist's creative freedom

Finding Music Managers in St Louis MO

The thriving music scene in St Louis offers an abundance of opportunities for finding the right music manager. Some tactics include:

Networking

Networking events allow you to meet various professionals in the music industry. It's an opportunity to build relationships and pitch your talent.

Online Platforms

With platforms like LinkedIn, you can connect with professional music managers who align with your music style.

Music Managers St Louis MO Example:

Let's look at a realistic example of a successful artist-manager match in St Louis. The popular St Louis band, "The Vindys", attributes its increasing recognition to their music manager, a St Louis native well-acquainted with the local music scene. Their manager utilized his connections to get them important gigs in the city. He also actively promoted them on social media platforms which brought them recognition from important players in the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a music manager?

A music manager is responsible for overseeing the professional affairs of an artist or band. This can include career strategizing, arranging and negotiating contracts, finding opportunities, advising on decisions, coordinating with other industry professionals, and generally support the artist's growth and success in the music industry.

How do I find a reputable music manager in St. Louis, MO?

Reputable music managers in St. Louis can be sourced through networking within the local music scene, asking for referrals from industry professionals, attending music events, or searching online directories and social media for managers with a proven track record in the area.

Should I have some level of success before seeking out a music manager?

Having some level of success can help attract a reputable music manager, as they typically look for artists with momentum, a solid fan base, or at least significant potential. However, in some cases, new talent is sought after if they showcase exceptional skills or uniqueness.

What should I look for in a music manager?

Look for a music manager who has a good understanding of the music industry, preferably with experience in your genre. They should have strong connections, good communication skills, be proactive, and share your vision for success. Trustworthiness and professionalism are also key attributes.

How do managers get paid?

Music managers typically get paid through commissions, earning a percentage of the artist's earnings. This percentage can vary but is often between 10% to 20%. Other payment structures can include flat fees for specific projects or a salary for day-to-day management tasks.

Can a music manager help with getting a record deal?

A good music manager can help artists get a record deal by using their industry connections, presenting the artist’s music to record labels, and negotiating the terms of such deals. Their expertise can be invaluable in forming relationships with key players in the music business.

What kind of contracts should I expect to sign with a music manager?

Contracts with music managers often outline the terms of the management relationship, including the duration, scope of the manager's responsibilities, commission rate, and grounds for termination. It is important to have a music attorney review any contract before signing.

How long does a typical music management contract last?

A typical music management contract can last from one year to several years. It's crucial to set terms that both the artist and the manager find reasonable, with clauses that allow for reassessment and potential exit strategies if goals are not met.

In what ways can a music manager benefit my music career?

A music manager can benefit your career by providing industry expertise, connecting you with important contacts, securing performance opportunities, advising on promotion and marketing strategies, and handling many of the business logistics so that you can focus on your artistry.

Is it necessary to have a music manager to be successful in the industry?

While not strictly necessary, a music manager can significantly assist with navigating the complexities of the music industry. However, some artists manage to achieve success through their efforts or by building a team without a traditional manager.

What's the difference between a music manager and a booking agent?

A music manager handles the overall career strategy and coordinates the business side of an artist's career, while a booking agent focuses specifically on finding and booking live performance opportunities for the artist.

How can I prepare to meet with a potential music manager?

Before meeting with a potential music manager, prepare by organizing your portfolio of work, understanding your career goals, having a clear vision of what you seek in a management relationship, and being ready to ask and answer questions regarding your music career and objectives.

Can a music manager help with brand partnerships and sponsorships?

Yes, experienced music managers can help secure brand partnerships and sponsorships by leveraging their network and industry knowledge to create opportunities that align with your brand as an artist and can contribute to your revenue and exposure.

What should I do if my musical direction changes?

If your musical direction changes, communicate this with your music manager as soon as possible. A supportive manager will help you navigate this transition and adapt your career strategy accordingly to support your new direction.

How often should I expect to communicate with my music manager?

Communication frequency with your music manager will vary based on your needs and the nature of your projects. It's important to establish clear communication guidelines from the start, whether it's daily, weekly, or on an as-needed basis.

How do I know if a music manager isn't right for me?

If a music manager isn't meeting your expectations, isn't effectively communicating, or does not seem to be contributing to your career growth, it may be time to reassess the relationship. Compatibility, trust, and results are key factors in determining a good fit.

Can I have more than one music manager?

While it's more common to have a single music manager, some artists work with co-managers or different managers for different aspects of their career. This must be clearly outlined in contracts to avoid conflicts of interest or managerial overlap.

What are the potential downsides of not having a music manager?

Not having a music manager may mean you'll have to handle all the business, promotional, and strategic aspects of your career by yourself, which can be time-consuming and overwhelming, potentially taking your focus away from creating music and impacting your potential growth in the industry.

How does a music manager contribute to a successful tour?

A music manager contributes to a successful tour by overseeing the logistics, budgeting, booking, promotion, and itinerary. They coordinate with booking agents, venues, and other relevant parties to ensure a well-organized and profitable tour experience.

What happens if I want to terminate my contract with my music manager?

If you want to terminate your contract with your music manager, refer to the termination clause in your agreement to understand the conditions and process. It's best to handle the situation professionally and legally, with clear communication and, if necessary, the assistance of an attorney.

Are there any specific industry events in St. Louis where I can network with music managers?

St. Louis hosts various music events, showcases, and festivals throughout the year where you can network with music managers. Research and attend events relevant to your genre to meet industry professionals and potentially find a manager to help further your career.

Landing an efficient music manager in St. Louis MO is a crucial step to carving out your place in the music world. Remember, an excellent manager should resonate with your musical style and have your best interests at heart. Sharing this insightful article could make an immense difference in another artist's career, so please don’t hesitate to share. Also, make sure to explore other informative guides on Lyric Assistant to help you further your music career.

Music Industry Insider 2024: The Ultimate Contact Database

Unlock the key to your music career. This game-changing resource puts over 3,000 of the most influential music industry contacts at your fingertips.

Connect directly with the top A&Rs, Music Managers, Producers, Record Labels & Booking Agents who can elevate your music to new heights. With all the content information you need, including email addresses and phone numbers. Don't just dream of success, make it a reality.

Embrace Music Industry Insider and open doors to limitless opportunities in your music journey.

trustpilot 1

Music Industry Insider 2024: The Ultimate Contact Database

Unlock the key to your music career. This game-changing resource puts over 3,000 of the most influential music industry contacts at your fingertips.

Connect directly with the top A&Rs, Music Managers, Producers, Record Labels & Booking Agents who can elevate your music to new heights. With all the content information you need, including email addresses and phone numbers. Don't just dream of success, make it a reality.

Embrace Music Industry Insider and open doors to limitless opportunities in your music journey.

trustpilot 1

author-avatar

About Toni Mercia

Toni Mercia is a Grammy award-winning songwriter and the founder of Lyric Assistant. With over 15 years of experience in the music industry, Toni has written hit songs for some of the biggest names in music. She has a passion for helping aspiring songwriters unlock their creativity and take their craft to the next level. Through Lyric Assistant, Toni has created a tool that empowers songwriters to make great lyrics and turn their musical dreams into reality.