Tips On Engaging A Manager In The Music Industry

When is the right time to get a manager?

Because of the many different roles managers are mandated to serve to artists, there seems to be many misconceptions and questions around them.

How do you get one? What do they do? How do you know if they are a good manager? When signing a deal, how do you know if you are getting a good deal?

Hiring a manager is not a decision to be taken lightly, more so because signing a contract with one can tie you to that deal for several years and if it’s a bad deal, you are stuck with the bad deal.

It is extremely important to get a manager that has your best interests at heart.

As an artist however, it is even more important to develop your brand and craft first before setting out to get a manager.

I will be break down some crucial aspects that artists need to explore around getting management.

Are you ready for a manager?

The importance of the difference between being ready for a manager and wanting a manager cannot be overemphasized.

You know you are ready for a manager when you are now finding it hard to balance the business and the creation sides of music and when managers start headhunting you.

It is not advisable to go out looking for managers, the idea is for them to come to you and not the other way round.

Ideally, you want to have several management offers on the table and then go on to choose the one best for you.

If you are struggling with balancing the business side of music and however not getting any offers from managers, don’t go hiring the first manager you can find, get an admin assistant instead that will be responsible for responding to emails, pitching shows and taking care of the day to day activities.

Once you ascertain you are ready for a manager, there are details you should look for or be wary of in a manager. This will go a long way in scoring the best manager that will align with your brand, values and mission.

Get a manager that understands music

This goes without saying, but a music manager needs to understand how music as business works.

Most importantly, your manager must understand how music promotion works as it plays a big role in building your brand and cementing you in the industry.

This requires knowledge of the music industry. A pro manager should follow the latest trends in the industry, be aware of up and coming artists, and know how best to promote your music.

It is difficult to promote something when you know nothing about the industry. When interviewing a manager, make sure you ask plenty of questions. Test their knowledge to ensure they have a good sense of the music industry.

In part two (2) of Tips on Engaging a Manager in the Music Industry, I am going to touch on the following:

1. Get a manager you trust and get along with
2. Get a level-headed manager
3. Get a manager willing to test the waters with you

Israel SEBENZO® is a Singer, Songwriter and Artist & Repertoire (A&R) Executive