Music Management: A Comprehensive Guide for Artists
Photo Credit: Nataliya Vaitkevich
What is Music Management?
Music management is the process of helping a musician develop and achieve their career goals. Music managers act as a liaison between the artist and the music industry, and they provide guidance and support on a wide range of tasks, including:
Career development: Music managers help artists develop their long-term career goals and create a plan to achieve them. This may involve developing a signature sound, building a fan base, and securing record deals, tour bookings, and other opportunities.
Business affairs: Music managers handle the business side of an artist's career, including negotiating contracts, managing finances, and overseeing marketing and promotion.
Creative support: Some music managers also provide creative support to their artists, offering feedback on songwriting, production, and stagecraft.
When is an artist ready for a manager?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it depends on the individual artist's goals and circumstances. However, there are a few signs that may indicate that an artist is ready for a manager:
The artist has a clear vision for their career and is serious about making music their full-time profession.
The artist has a growing fan base and is starting to generate interest from the music industry.
The artist needs help with the business side of their career, such as negotiating contracts or managing finances.
The artist wants creative support and feedback from a trusted advisor.
Where to find a music manager
There are a few different ways to find a music manager. One way is to network with people in the music industry, such as other artists, producers, and promoters. Another way is to search online for music managers in your area. There are also a number of websites and organizations that specialize in connecting musicians with managers.
There are a number of websites and organizations that specialize in connecting musicians with managers. Some of these include:
How much does a music manager cost?
Music managers typically charge a commission on their artists' earnings. This commission can vary from 10% to 25%, depending on the experience and success of the manager. In addition to commission, some managers may also charge a monthly retainer fee.
Here are some additional tips for finding and working with a music manager:
Do your research and interview multiple managers before making a decision.
Make sure the manager has a good reputation and a track record of success.
Be clear about your goals and expectations.
Communicate regularly with your manager and keep them updated on your career progress.
Music management in the digital age
The digital age has brought about a number of changes to the music industry, and music management has evolved accordingly. In the past, music managers were primarily responsible for securing record deals and tour bookings. However, today's music managers need to be well-versed in digital marketing and social media in order to help their artists reach their fans online.
In addition, the digital age has made it easier for artists to manage their own careers. As a result, some artists are opting to work without managers. However, for most artists, having a manager is still essential for success. A good music manager can help artists navigate the complex music industry and achieve their career goals.
Conclusion
Music management is a complex and challenging field, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. For music artists who are serious about making it in the industry, having a good manager is essential. A good music manager can help artists develop their careers, manage their business affairs, and provide creative support.
What’s Next?
Now that you have some ideas on what music management is, as well as when you are ready to hire one, and how much it may cost, be sure to become a FREE member of the Music Accelerator, which is our hub of music tools and resources that will help you take your music career to the next level of success!