Delving into the music industry, it’s easy to focus solely on the artist's role. However, there's another key player behind the scenes who usually help propel musicians to new heights: music managers. Join us as we explore the top music managers in the industry who have been instrumental in crafting the careers of your favourite artists.
Top Music Managers in the Industry Table of Contents
What is a Music Manager and What Do They Do?
A music manager is a person, or team, who orchestrates an artist's career. They plan, coordinate, network, and negotiate on behalf of their artist to ensure they’re on the road to success. From setting up studio sessions to sealing endorsement deals, a music manager undertakes many roles to navigate the complex terrain of the music industry.
Top Music Managers in the Industry
Here we’ll dive into some of the top music managers who’ve brilliantly managed the careers of some of the greatest musicians:
1. Scooter Braun
Famous for discovering Justin Bieber on YouTube and subsequently shaping his career, Scooter Braun has become a household name in the industry. He manages a roster of high-profile clients that include Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato and Justin Bieber.
2. Sharon Osbourne
Best known as a television personality, Sharon Osbourne notably managed her husband Ozzy Osbourne's solo career after leaving Black Sabbath. She is credited with his successful transformation into a global brand.
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3. Pat Corcoran
Pat Corcoran, known as "Pat the Manager" is the man behind the success of Chance the Rapper. Corcoran has played a pivotal role in Chance's rise, helping him remain independent and profitable without the backing of a record label.
4. Kris Jenner
Kris Jenner, self-proclaimed 'momager', has helped launch the careers of her daughters, known universally as the Kardashians. Though not traditional music artists, they have equally significant influence in the entertainment industry.
Top Music Managers in the Industry Example:
Remember, a music manager's role varies depending upon the needs of their artist – every relationship is unique. For example, let's consider Scooter Braun and Justin Bieber. After discovering Bieber, Braun oversaw every facet of building his career – setting up recording contracts, planning tours, managing press relations, and even providing personal support and counsel in Justin's journey to fame. However, this wide-ranging involvement might not be the same for all manager-artist relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a music manager?
A music manager is a professional responsible for guiding the career of artists in the music industry. They handle business negotiations, provide career advice, create opportunities, manage schedules, and act as a liaison between artists and industry players like record labels, promoters, and booking agents.
Why is a music manager important for an artist?
A music manager is important because they help artists navigate the complex landscape of the music industry, maximize their potential for success, and keep them focused on their creative endeavors by handling the business side of their careers.
How do music managers get paid?
Music managers typically get paid through a commission-based structure, where they earn a percentage, usually between 10-20%, of the artist's gross income from all music-related activities.
Can an artist succeed without a music manager?
While some independent artists manage to succeed without a manager, having a professional manager can significantly improve an artist's chances of making it in the industry by providing expertise, connections, and support that the artist may not have on their own.
What are the signs of a good music manager?
A good music manager should have a strong network within the music industry, show a deep understanding of the music business, possess good communication skills, demonstrate integrity, be passionate about the artist's career, and have a proven track record of success.
What should I look for when choosing a music manager?
When choosing a music manager, look for someone with experience managing artists in your genre, an excellent reputation, powerful industry connections, a clear understanding of your vision, a compatible personality, and a passion for your music.
How do you approach a music manager?
Approach a music manager with professionalism. Send a concise and compelling email that includes a brief introduction, links to your music, recent achievements, what you're looking for in a manager, and why you believe they would be a good fit for you.
What is the difference between a music manager and an agent?
A music manager provides career guidance, manages daily affairs, and negotiates business deals, while an agent primarily focuses on booking live performances and appearances. An agent typically requires a manager or the artist to be established, whereas a manager can work with artists at any stage of their career.
Can a music manager help with getting a record deal?
Yes, a music manager can be instrumental in getting a record deal. They use their industry connections to get an artist's music in front of label executives, negotiate contract terms, and often play a critical role in securing a favorable deal.
At what point in their career should an artist start looking for a music manager?
An artist should start looking for a music manager when they've developed their talent to a professional level, are generating interest with their music, and are ready to navigate significant business opportunities and career decisions.
What can I expect from a top music manager?
From a top music manager, you can expect an extensive network of industry contacts, vast experience in artist development and deal-making, a strong reputation in the industry, strategic career planning, and a dedicated approach to advancing an artist's career.
Is it common for artists to change music managers?
Yes, it is common for artists to change music managers throughout their careers as their needs evolve, or if they're seeking new perspectives, expertise, or a better working relationship to advance their careers.
How can a music manager influence an artist's image and branding?
A music manager can significantly influence an artist's image and branding by providing insights on current market trends, advising on public relations matters, helping craft the artist's public persona, and ensuring consistency across all promotional materials and media appearances.
What legal knowledge should a music manager have?
A music manager should have a good understanding of contract law, copyright law, publishing rights, licensing agreements, and other legal aspects relevant to the music industry to effectively negotiate deals and protect an artist's interests.
Should an artist have a written contract with their music manager?
Yes, it's essential to have a written contract with a music manager to clearly outline the terms of the working relationship, responsibilities, compensation, and conditions under which the partnership can be terminated, ensuring both parties are legally protected.
What kind of challenges do music managers face?
Music managers face a range of challenges including the competitive nature of the music industry, evolving technological advancements that impact how music is consumed, keeping up with the latest trends, negotiating fair deals, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance for their artists.
How often should an artist communicate with their music manager?
An artist should maintain regular, open communication with their music manager to ensure both are aligned on goals, strategies, and day-to-day decisions. The frequency of communication can be agreed upon based on the artist's needs and the manager's style.
Can artists have more than one music manager?
While it is not typical, artists may have more than one music manager in certain cases, especially when their career has a global reach, requiring different managers for different territories. However, clear roles and communication are vital to avoid conflicts.
What is the role of a music manager in an artist's touring?
A music manager's role in an artist's touring includes planning the tour, negotiating contracts, coordinating with booking agents, handling logistics, budget management, and ensuring the tour aligns with the artist's overall career goals.
How do music managers build relationships within the industry?
Music managers build relationships within the industry by attending music conferences, networking events, establishing a presence at shows and festivals, collaborating with other professionals, and maintaining a reputation of professionalism and success.
Can having a top music manager guarantee an artist's success?
No, having a top music manager does not guarantee an artist's success, as success in the music industry also depends on the artist's talent, marketability, work ethic, fanbase, and sometimes a degree of luck. However, a top manager can significantly increase the chances of success by maximizing opportunities and guiding the artist's career strategically.
Identifying and understanding the role that music managers play behind the scenes can encourage us to appreciate music and the business behind it in a whole new light. Stay tuned to Lyric Assistant for more in-depth and engaging articles about the music industry. Remember, knowledge shared is music magnified. So, don't forget to share this article and explore other guides on our website.
