A good manager has many roles to play in managing the business and professional development of his clients. A good manager has a wide range of responsibilities, including music distribution, management, media relations, PR & management for musicians, labels & entrepreneurs.
- Negotiate contracts
Music industry contacts are incredibly complicated. A large part of artist management consists of advising a client on business decisions and negotiating on their behalf. Because managers have a financial interest in their client's success, it is interesting to negotiate hard for the best possible deals. A good manager has strong interpersonal skills and negotiating acumen.
- Marketing and image
The success of an artist depends mainly on good marketing and branding. A manager can help create a musician's public image with an eye to current music and pop culture trends.
• Tours: Managers work with an artist's record label and booking agent to put together their clients' tour schedules. Tours have many moving parts and require plenty of logistics and planning skills. Managers work to get their clients to book in the right places and markets and follow up to ensure they run smoothly.
- Artist Development
Managers help nurture an artist creatively. Music managers often have industry contacts with music producers or other artists who can collaborate with their clients and grow as artists. Managers often speak to their clients daily and guide them through a variety of music and business decisions.
- Promotion
The success of an artist depends on a good promotion. A manager works hard to promote her clients' music and get them featured on music websites and publications to help extend her reach.
- Budgeting and money management
Good managers team up around an artist to help manage their finances and keep touring and production under budget. Artists rarely have the business acumen or interest in managing every area of their finances. Artist managers often connect their clients with sound business managers and accountants to help them manage their money.
How does a musician find a manager?
- Generate Initial Success
The first step in finding a manager is making a name for yourself. If you're not booking a gig or getting listened to, you're still not of much use to a manager. Of course, it can be challenging to move to the next level without adequate representation. Nevertheless, you have to do a little work before most big-name managers decide to hire you.
- Network
Once you've made a bit of a name for yourself, it's essential to get out there and start making connections within the music industry. Having an online presence is also helpful in attracting the attention of managers.
- Find the right option
There are many different types of managers, and it is essential to find the right choice for you. Some managers work alone and manage only a few artists or bands. Some managers work in large, high-profile management companies. It is essential to sit down with a manager and make sure the goals and expectations you have for your music career are aligned.
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