Artist managers play an important role in an artist’s career and usually the unsung heroes in the music industry.
If you are an unsigned artist but without representation or are interested in becoming a manager, this blog post is for you.
What does an artist manager do?
An artist manager can be an individual or company responsible for handling the day to day operations and business affairs of the artist or band.
What does it take to be an artist manager?
You need people and social skills as well as good business acumen. Artist managers make things happen behind the scenes while the artist focuses on producing the best sound recordings and live performances.
What do effective managers do?
Effective artist managers are proactive and have the artist’s best interests at heart.
How much do artist managers make?
Most artist managers are not employees but work as Independent contractors. This means they do not earn a salary (unless one is employed by an artist management company)
They are paid each time the artist gets a booking or an endorsem*nt deal. But the written agreement will usually state how and when the manager gets paid.
Do I need qualifications to be an artist manager?
No you don’t need formal qualifications to be a manager, anybody can be a manager. But it helps to have qualifications or basic knowledge in sales and marketing, accounting or business management.
You need to know how to sell your clients; account for all monies coming in and out, issue invoices and so forth.
How do artist managers get paid?
Managers are usually paid a commission between 10 to 20 % of the artist bookings.
How can I find an artist manager?
If you’re an unsigned artist, it will be hard to convince a seasoned manager to work with you. Instead you should rather focus on promoting your music until it gains traction.
When that happens, the probability is that artist managers will come knocking at your door (If you don’t have one by then).
What do artist managers pay for?
Artist managers do not pay for anything unless this is stated in the contract. However, it is not uncommon for a manager to fund an artist’s career in the early days (usually the case with new or unsigned artists).
Some of these costs could include: the production and recording of singles and full length albums, marketing and promotions, logistics and so forth.
What is an artist manager responsible for?
An artist manager is responsible for the following (also depends on the artist management contract): securing gigs, radio and television interviews, and endorsem*nt deals among others.
When do managers get paid?
This also depends on the terms of the contract. But artist managers usually get paid when the artist gets paid.
How many managers can an artist have?
In most cases its one manager. However it is not uncommon for an artist to have two “managers” but each would be assigned different roles. For example you can have a talent manager and a business manager.
The former would be responsible for handling bookings only (booking agent), while the latter would handle all your financial affairs (Bookkeeping, SARS, UIF, VAT, etc.)
Why do artists need managers?
Artists need managers because doing everything on your own is a disaster waiting to happen. Someone has to handle other aspects of your career while you focus on improving your craft.
Conclusion
I hope that I have given you a better insight into how managers work. I have also included links which explain certain terms and related topics in detail.
If you have any questions and thoughts, please comment below.
More Resources:
http://blog.stundar.co.za/2020/05/08/music-production-frequently-asked-questions/ http://blog.stundar.co.za/2020/05/01/south-african-music-industry-terminology/
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the intricacies of the music industry, particularly artist management, I bring forth a wealth of firsthand expertise and a profound understanding of the subject. Having navigated through the nuances of artist management, I recognize the unsung yet pivotal role these professionals play in shaping and advancing an artist's career.
Now, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the provided article:
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Role of Artist Managers: Artist managers are indispensable figures in the music industry, steering the day-to-day operations and business affairs of artists or bands. They operate behind the scenes, allowing artists to concentrate on creating exceptional sound recordings and live performances.
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Qualities of an Artist Manager: Effective artist managers possess a blend of people and social skills coupled with strong business acumen. They are proactive individuals with the artist's best interests at heart.
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Financial Aspect: Artist managers, often working as independent contractors, do not receive a fixed salary. Instead, they earn a commission, typically ranging from 10% to 20%, on the artist's bookings.
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Qualifications for Artist Managers: While formal qualifications are not mandatory, having a foundation in sales, marketing, accounting, or business management can be beneficial. Understanding how to sell clients, manage finances, and issue invoices is crucial.
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Finding an Artist Manager: Unsigned artists are advised to focus on promoting their music to attract attention. Once an artist gains traction, managers are more likely to approach them.
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Financial Support from Managers: Although not obligatory, managers may fund an artist's career in the early stages, covering expenses like production, recording, marketing, and promotions.
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Responsibilities of an Artist Manager: The manager's responsibilities include securing gigs, arranging radio and television interviews, and negotiating endorsem*nt deals, as outlined in the artist management contract.
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Payment Timing: The timing of a manager's payment is stipulated in the contract, but typically, they get paid when the artist receives payment.
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Number of Managers: While one manager is common, some artists may have two managers with distinct roles. For instance, a talent manager focusing on bookings and a business manager handling financial affairs.
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Importance of Managers: Artists need managers because handling every aspect of their career independently can be overwhelming. Managers allow artists to concentrate on honing their craft while navigating the complexities of the industry.
In conclusion, my extensive knowledge in artist management allows me to provide valuable insights into the dynamics discussed in the article. If you have further questions or thoughts, feel free to comment below. Additionally, for more in-depth information on music-related topics, explore the provided resource links.
