Imagine being a singer or a band in the stressful and never-sleeping music industry. You have to make decisions about your music, your image, your tours, your branding, and much more. It often feels overwhelming, doesn't it? After all, music is what you do best and focusing on business-related issues can often distract you from creating the art that you love so much. Fortunately, there are top music managers out there who can handle these stressors for you and guide you towards success. But who are these industry gurus? Let's talk about the top managers in the music industry.
Who Are the Top Managers in the Music Industery Table of Contents
Irving Azoff
Irving Azoff, the CEO of Azoff Music Management, is one of the biggest names in music management. He has worked with several famous artists such as the Eagles, Steely Dan, and Van Halen. Irving is especially known for his fierce and dedicated advocacy for artists' rights.
Scooter Braun
Scott Samuel "Scooter" Braun is a household name in the music industry having managed global artists like Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and Demi Lovato. He is the founder of SB Projects, a full-service entertainment and marketing company.
Pat Corcoran
Pat Corcoran, the former manager of Chance the Rapper, has been instrumental in carving an independent path in the music industry which has earned him great admiration and respect.
John Silva
John Silva is the co-founder of Silva Artist Management. He has driven some of the most successful alternative rock bands like Nirvana, Sonic Youth, and the Foo Fighters.
Claire Bogle
As the Co-founder and President of Mick Management, Claire Bogle stands out as a successful music manager in the industry, representing renowned artists like Sarah Bareilles, Walk the Moon and Leon Bridges.
The Role of a Music Manager
- Negotiating contracts and deals
- Networking with industry professionals
- Overseeing marketing and promotion strategies
- Planning and arranging concerts
Who Are the Top Managers in the Music Industery Example:
Imagine you're an upcoming artist with a fresh sound that you believe shines a light on what music should sound like, you put out a mixtape and it's getting buzz around town. You have a gig at a local club and in the audience is John Silva, impressed by your sound, he offers to manage you.
In the constantly evolving music industry, having a top manager can significantly influence the trajectory of an artist's career. Understanding and recognizing the top managers in the industry not only gives a glimpse into their successful management strategies but can also inspire aspiring managers. After all, crafting the perfect song might be an art, but managing an artist is a field in its own right.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a music manager do?
A music manager plays a crucial role in the career of artists and bands. They are responsible for guiding the professional career of the artist in the music industry. This includes negotiating contracts, organizing tours, managing promotions, connecting with record labels, and overseeing the day-to-day business affairs of the artist.
Who are some of the top managers in today’s music industry?
Some prominent figures include Scooter Braun, who manages artists like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, Irving Azoff, a legendary figure managing acts like the Eagles, and Sarah Stennett, who has been instrumental in the careers of artists like ZAYN and Ellie Goulding.
What qualities make a great music manager?
Great music managers possess a mix of industry knowledge, networking prowess, strong negotiation skills, strategic thinking, empathy, and patience. They must be able to adapt to the rapidly changing music landscape and advocate effectively for their clients.
How do managers help artists with their branding?
Managers aid in shaping an artist's brand by aligning their public image with their music and personal values. They can coordinate with marketing teams to ensure a cohesive and appealing brand is presented across all platforms and public appearances.
Can a music manager help in getting a record deal?
Yes, one of the primary roles of a music manager is to help secure record deals. They leverage their industry connections, showcase the artist’s talent to labels and negotiate contract terms on behalf of the artist.
Do all music managers have a background in music?
Not all managers have a background in music, but most have a deep understanding of the industry. Some come from business or legal backgrounds which can be highly advantageous in contract negotiations and strategic planning.
Is it necessary for an independent artist to have a manager?
While not mandatory, having a manager can be incredibly beneficial for independent artists. A manager can take on the business side of things, allowing the artist to focus on creativity and performance.
How do managers contribute to an artist’s tour?
Managers are involved in planning and executing tours, which includes booking venues, planning tour routes, negotiating deals, handling logistics, and ensuring the tour aligns with the artist’s overall career strategy.
What percentage do music managers take from their artists?
Music managers typically take around 15-20% of an artist's gross income. However, rates can vary depending on the manager’s level of experience and the specific arrangement they have with the artist.
How do music managers find new talent?
Managers find new talent through various methods, including scouting live shows, accepting referrals, monitoring social media and streaming platforms for emerging artists, and sometimes through unsolicited demos.
Can a good manager turn an unknown artist into a star?
While a manager can significantly contribute to an artist's success through their expertise and contacts, it ultimately requires a combination of talent, timing, and market conditions to turn an unknown artist into a star.
What are the signs of a bad management deal for an artist?
Bad management deals often include unfair financial terms, lack of transparency, poor communication, and the manager's lack of commitment or effort in the artist’s career advancement.
How has the role of the music manager changed with the rise of digital music?
The digital age has shifted a music manager's focus towards online marketing, digital distribution, and streaming platforms, in addition to exploring alternative revenue streams beyond traditional album sales and live performance.
Do managers work with other members of an artist's team?
Yes, managers frequently collaborate with the rest of the artist's team, including agents, publicists, lawyers, and accountants to ensure a cohesive and coherent strategy for the artist's career and financial affairs.
What should an artist look for when choosing a manager?
Artists should look for a manager with a solid track record, someone who understands their vision, communicates effectively, and demonstrates a clear commitment to their career growth.
How do music managers handle conflicts of interest?
Professional music managers are expected to maintain transparency and prioritize their clients' interests. When conflicts arise, they should be disclosed immediately, with the manager recusing themselves from decisions where they cannot impartially represent their client.
Can an artist have more than one manager?
Yes, particularly when their career spans multiple facets of the entertainment industry, artists may have a personal manager, a tour manager, and possibly other specialized managers to handle different aspects of their career.
Do artists have to pay managers if they aren’t making money?
The financial arrangements between artists and managers vary, but in most cases, managers only make money when the artist does, due to the commission-based nature of their compensation.
What happens if an artist wants to terminate their relationship with a manager?
Terminating the relationship typically involves legal steps outlined in the management contract. Both parties must adhere to the agreed terms for separation, which might involve notice periods, settlement payments, or other conditions.
How do music managers stay updated with industry trends?
Music managers stay informed by constantly networking, attending industry events, following trade publications, participating in panels, and adapting to new tools and technologies that affect the industry landscape.
Can music managers help in developing an artist’s sound or is that strictly a producer’s role?
While a producer usually handles the technical and creative aspects of recording music, a manager may also provide input on an artist's overall sound in terms of its marketability and alignment with their brand.
And if you’re seeking assistance with your songwriting journey, why not try Lyric Assistant? With options from genre to artist similarity, you can write the perfect unique song in minutes. And while you're here, feel free to share this article with friends and explore our other guides on Lyric Assistant.
