A music manager can be a valuable addition for an artist. They can help you attain recognition and credibility, help you stand out from the rest of the industry, offer direction and insights, and resolve disagreements and disputes.
In other words, a music manager allows you to focus on what you do best – make amazing music.
If you are thinking about hiring a music manager, we have compiled a list of factors to consider that will help you find the best fit.
Things to Consider When Hiring a Music Manager
1) Availability
It is natural to want to hire an established music manager. After all, they probably work with a number of other successful artists and brag a glittering track record.
Well, this may not always be the best idea.
For one, if a manager is already handling so many other artists, how will they make time for you? If they already work for bigger artists who make them the majority of their money, those are the artists that the manager would want to spend most of their time on. After all, they would not want to leave something proven for something that may be a success.
Secondly, if you are just starting out and do not have a history of sales and press coverage, getting these big-time managers to work for you can be quite the challenge.
Hence, a less-established manager who has more time on their hands is often the better bet for new artists.
2) Industry Knowledge
Hiring a less-established manager does not mean joining hands with someone with no industry knowledge at all. Not having existing links or connections is still acceptable, as long as your manager understands the music industry and your particular genres.
On the other hand, if they are a blank slate without any prior knowledge, they are unlikely to be able to add any value to your career.
3) Reliability
Since your music manager will be directly involved in various aspects (including income) of your musical career, they need to be someone you can trust.
If you feel you are too trusting, you might want some outside help in determining the trustworthiness of a manager. For instance, if you work with a band, you could get every member’s opinion on the manager and act accordingly.
4) Financial Acumen
Speaking of money, your manager must be good with finances. They should be financially astute and responsible and should look out for your financial interests at all times. This applies to music licensing, record contracts, gigs, and any other sources of earnings.
When signing a contract, keep an eye on the manager’s cut of your earnings. Although music managers make money off their clients’ success, they should not be receiving a larger portion of the income pie than yourself or your bandmates.
Wrapping Up
Having a good manager can make a world of positive difference to your musical career and make the journey to the top considerably easier for you. We hope that the tips discussed in this blog will help you find the right musical manager.
Eric Dalius is The Executive Chairman of MuzicSwipe, a music and content discovery platform designed to maximize artist discovery and optimize fan relationships. Eric is also known for his weekly podcast “FULLSPEED,” where he converses with influential entrepreneurs from a range of industries. Additionally, he supports education through the “Eric Dalius Foundation,” which grants four scholarships to US students. Stay connected with Eric on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn,YouTube, Instagram, and Entrepreneur.com.
