The music industry is a challenging landscape, where artists often rely on skilled managers to help them navigate through stormy currents. A good manager orchestrates everything - from booking shows and dealing with contracts, to managing public relations and developing artist’s image. Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 music artist managers who have masterfully helped their artists soar to great heights.
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 →
Top 10 Music Artist Managers Table of Contents
The Legendary Managers of Music Industry
Managing musical artists requires a diverse skill-set; from industry knowledge, business acumen, to authentic passion for music. Here are 10 managers whose expertise shape the careers of some of the music industry's brightest stars.
1. Scooter Braun
Well-known for managing artists like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, Scooter Braun has always been committed to discovering and developing new talent.
2. Sharon Osbourne
An established television personality, Sharon Osbourne has also successfully managed her husband Ozzy Osbourne's career, transforming his image from the Black Sabbath front-man into a beloved reality TV star.
3. Colonel Tom Parker
As Elvis Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker turned a talented musician into an immortal legend.
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.
4. Brian Epstein
Brian Epstein brilliantly managed the Beatles through their rise to universal stardom, helping them navigate the complex world of the music industry.
5. Paul McGuinness
Known as the manager for U2, Paul McGuinness played an instrumental role in the band’s career, helping them maintain their evolving sound over the years.
6. Pat Corcoran
As Chance the Rapper's manager, Pat Corcoran helped the independent artist reach staggering heights without relying on a record label.
7. Kristen Fraser and Tiffany Persons
This duo managed Childish Gambino and steered him from a promising indie artist to mainstream success.
8. Phil Walden
Phil Walden was key to shaping the career of Otis Redding, turning him into a renowned soul music idol.
9. Peter Grant
The father of band management. Peter Grant was the manager of Led Zeppelin, helping them to achieve unprecedented success.
10. Mathew Knowles
The man behind Beyoncé's stratospheric career, Mathew Knowles managed Destiny's Child and helped his daughter become an undisputed queen of the music industry.
Top 10 Music Artist Managers Example:
As an example, Scooter Braun's management of Justin Bieber reveals how the role of a manager is essential in an artist's career. Braun discovered Bieber on YouTube and quickly contacted him. From regular consultations, marketing strategies to liaise with major labels, Braun played a crucial part in Bieber's rise from an internet sensation to a global superstar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a music artist manager do?
A music artist manager plays a pivotal role in the career of musicians. They handle the business aspects of music, dealing with contracts, bookings, and promotions. Managers also provide career guidance, help build an artist's brand, and network with industry professionals on behalf of the artist.
How do you find a reputable music artist manager?
Reputable music artist managers can be found through networking, referrals from industry professionals, or by researching managers of established artists. Attending music industry events and conferences can also be beneficial in making these connections.
What should you look for in a music artist manager?
Look for a manager with a strong track record of success, industry connections, excellent communication skills, and an understanding of your vision as an artist. It's also important that they show a genuine passion for your music and career.
Can an artist manage themselves?
While it's possible for an artist to manage themselves, especially in the early stages of their career, it can be overwhelming. As their career progresses, the demands and complexity of the business side of music typically necessitate the expertise of a professional manager.
What are the first steps in working with a new manager?
The first steps usually involve setting goals, discussing expectations, and formalizing the partnership with a management contract. Additionally, outlining a clear strategy for the artist's career progression is crucial.
How do music artist managers get paid?
Music artist managers typically get paid through a commission model, earning a percentage of the artist's income from music sales, performances, endorsements, and other revenue streams. The industry standard is between 15-20%.
What makes a great music artist manager?
A great music artist manager exhibits strong leadership, understands the music industry, maintains great networking capabilities, is savvy in marketing and promotion, and is always advocating for the best interests of the artist.
Should new artists prioritize finding a manager?
While new artists may not immediately require a manager, as their career begins to gain momentum, finding a manager should definitely become a priority to help manage increasing responsibilities and opportunities.
What is the difference between an agent and a manager?
An agent typically handles booking performances and appearances, while a manager provides more comprehensive career management, including strategic planning and day-to-day business affairs.
Can an artist have multiple managers?
An artist can have multiple managers, often when their career has different facets (like acting and music), or when they reach a global scale and need managers for different regions. However, clear roles and communication are necessary to avoid conflicts.
How long does a typical artist-manager relationship last?
Artist-manager relationships can last from a few years to an entire career, depending on the success of the partnership and whether the parties' visions and goals remain aligned.
What are the common reasons for an artist-manager partnership to end?
Partnerships can end due to unmet expectations, miscommunication, financial disputes, changes in direction for the artist or manager, or a decline in the artist's career.
What legal considerations are there when signing with a manager?
When signing with a manager, it's critical to consider the terms of the management contract, including the duration, commission percentage, roles and responsibilities, and clauses about termination of the contract.
How involved should a manager be in the creative process?
Manager involvement in the creative process can vary. Some artists prefer managers who provide input and feedback, while others prefer managers who focus solely on business matters. It should be based on what is agreed upon and what suits the artist's needs.
What role does a manager play in an artist's branding and image?
A manager can play a significant role in developing and maintaining an artist's branding and image by advising on public relations, marketing strategies, and visual presentation, ensuring these align with the artist's music and target audience.
Can a good manager turn an unknown artist into a star?
While a good manager can provide the necessary tools, connections, and strategy to help an artist grow, ultimately it's the combined effort of the artist's talent, the team's hard work, and sometimes a bit of luck that turn an artist into a star.
How often should an artist communicate with their manager?
Communication frequency can vary based on the artist's needs and the manager's style, but regular, structured communication is key to ensuring both parties are aligned and that the artist's career is progressing as planned.
Is it better to sign with an established manager or one who is up-and-coming?
It depends on the artist's specific needs. An established manager may have more industry clout and connections, while an up-and-coming manager might bring fresh perspectives and a more personalized approach. Both have their advantages.
What are the biggest challenges that music artist managers face today?
The biggest challenges include adapting to the rapidly changing music industry, effectively using digital marketing and social media, managing artists' expectations, and balancing an artist's creative desires with commercial viability.
Do managers help with tour planning and logistics?
Yes, managers typically help with tour planning and logistics, overseeing many of the details to ensure tours run smoothly, although specific tasks may often be delegated to a tour manager.
How has the role of the music artist manager changed with the rise of digital music and streaming platforms?
The rise of digital music and streaming platforms has drastically shifted the music landscape, leading managers to focus more on online promotion, data analysis to guide decision-making, and diversifying revenue streams through digital channels.
Having a competent and visionary manager can make all the difference for an artist. Learn more about music, songwriting, and management at Lyric Assistant. If you’ve been inspired by this article, don’t forget to share it with your friends or other music enthusiasts, and explore more of our content. Your journey with music only gets better with Lyric Assistant!
