Finding an Artist Manager

As musicians we desire to focus on talent and gifted side of the business. However we must be careful to not forget that the music industry is a business. We should be dedicated to learning more about business strategies, contracts, and finances along side learning new chord progressions and vocal runs.

This is the reason why management is important to the advancement of any artists’ career. One of the ways to get management is to choose a manager.  Recently I read a book titled “This Business of Artist Management” by Xavier M. Frascogna and H. Lee Hetherington. In the following paragraphs I will briefly review their ideas on the manager’s role and management choices as discussed in chapters 2 & 3.

 Artist Managers Role

The manager’s role is to simply do and be what ever the artist needs to help advance the artists’ career. In most cases the artist will business aspects of the business including negotiating, tour planning, and advising. In addition many managers are known to also contribute to the creative aspect of the business as well including helping to choose what songs will be selected for an album, and lyrics. The manager is the overseer. In many ways they enable the artist to focus on music and the manager will focus on the extras.

Management Options

Essentially there are 3 categories of management options. The first one is Self Management. Self management is probably the cheapest choice for an artist or band. It simply means that you will manage yourself and is often a good choice for new careers as there is not the same demand for time as there is for established artists. Usually an artist or band that manages them will be face conflict once they experience some success and no longer have the time to organize. Also the lack of experience and/or education could cost them money in the long run.

 Next is Limited Management. A limited manager usually will take on specific duties that the artists require and all other aspects of managing will be done by the artists. For example the limited manager might be an attorney who is only responsible for the contracts and negotiations of the artist. That artist would then be responsible for booking, tour planning, appearances, etc. The limited manager does not usually take on the responsibility of the artist’s career advancement. This option is good for artists who still have time to be a manager but need to delegate tasks to others who can get something done more efficiently.

 The last option is Total Management. The total manager is usually involved in all aspects of the artist’s career. The person or firm would take on full responsibility to advance the career of the client. The total manager is the most likely choice for the established artist who needs and can afford full time services to manage their day to day tasks.

Check out the following for more info on artist management.

http://www.artistshousemusic.org/articles/how+lawyers+differ+from+managers