There comes a time in an artists’ career when it’s time to take their goals and make them into reality and a good manager can help with that.
A manager is an individual that can help artists get to the next level in their career by guiding them in through the business. Managers tend to have a place in every part of an artist’s career. This includes working on placements, publishing, record deals, booking, scheduling and much more.
Successful artist/manager relationships work when the artist is willing to do all the work on their own, but may not have time to work on their craft in addition the business aspects of their career. When artists get to the point where they are not able to manage all of these aspects on their own, it may be time to seek a manager to help with that.
In today’s industry there are many “do-it-yourself” artists that that are making it on their own, but at some point they are going to need help. This is where a manager comes in.
Managers can also help explain and handle the business parts of the industry that artists may not understand. With a management team to help work out the business aspects, the artist can focus more on recording, performances, and developing their individual brand.
“You don’t need a manager, until you have something to manage,” Rico Brooks, CEO of Adella Thomas Management.
Before looking for management, artists and producers need to first figure out if it’s the time in their career to get a manager. Most likely, if an artist is at the point in their career where they’re beginning to reach new heights, there will be people looking to work with them. Sometimes it’s best for managers to find the artist, not the other way around.
When looking for management, there are many things artists or producers should consider. A manager doesn’t have to be a notable manager with an amazing roster. It can always just be someone that supports the artist’s hustle and has legitimate goals for the artist’s career with plans to accomplish them. This could even be a friend or a family member.
A good manager has to understand that he or she must be willing to work for free and even have to spend their own money to launch the artist’s career. Managers make anywhere between 10-20% (on average) commission of their artists so when the artists wins, so does their management.
If the manager is already established in the music industry, they need to have access to resources and capital. This can mean studio connections, money for merchandise or even just access to reliable transportation for their artist.
One of the most important aspects of a good manager is their connections in the industry. They can help introduce their talent to A&Rs, agents, lawyers, in order to build a strong team behind their artists.
They need to be organized and really have the time to take care of an artist’s career. It’s a must that a manager sees possibilities and opportunities for their artists that they may not see in themselves. They have to really push the artist to reach their full potential.
Co-management is also something artists and producers should consider. Having a management team only opens an artist up to more opportunities and networks within the industry. This also means that there is more time and attention given to the artist to get the necessary work done.
A manager and artist relationship has to be a strong one. In many instances, the artist and manager will be spending more time together than they do with their actual friends and family. (So find someone that you actually like!)
As artists reach a certain point in their careers and cannot manage things on their own, it may be time to find a manager. Whether their manager be a friend or someone already established in the music industry, it’s pertinent to choose wisely. A great management team can take an artist to new heights, but they need to have the right resources and relationships to make it happen.
DIY artists are great, but great artist/management relationships have been proven to create success in music and a longer, stronger career.
