Being a manager of any sorts takes many skills and unique characteristics. Being an Artist Manager requires more; some would argue. Being the manager of a successful entertainer requires many days, and even weeks, away from their homes. It also means having a monthly cell phone bill that parallels raising a child in America. But on paper, the primary functions of an artist manager are vastly similar to any other type of manager.
An artist manager of an unsigned artist or band needs to send out demos and press kits to labels, radio stations, and any other relevant channels and agencies to help promote the artist or band. The manager needs to be the main promoter of the act and constantly using word of mouth to spread the name of the act. They need to be in constant contact with anyone who contributes to the success of the act to ensure everyone is working hard and doing their job.
Once the artist or band is signed, the manager needs to be able to handle all of the different departments, elements, agencies, etc. that works with the artist. The manager needs to ensure all deals are going through, the rider is completely fulfilled, travel is taken care of, and al financial obligations are met. According to the teachings of my Artist Management course teacher, Kate Hartig, the roles of an artist manager are: planner, advisor, organizer, strategist, overseer, coordinator, detail person, traveling companion, and a friend. I couldn’t agree with her more!
Typically, managers receive anywhere between 10-35% of the artist or band’s income. It varies per manager if the earnings will be from their gross or net income. Any with management, the more it costs doesn’t mean the better the service. There are plenty of scam artists out there that ask for 50% or more promising all sorts of fame and fortune. If a manager promises you this, run the other way.Artists need to understand that in reality, only 1-2% of signed artists become famous, household names. But that doesn’t mean you should deny signing to a manager who doesn’t handle those artists or bands. There are numerous amounts of successful performers, signed to independent labels, having incredibly successful careers not being household names. The most important thing is for the manager and artist or band to meet and discuss their goals and expectations from one another. There needs to be a comfortable relationship to make the partnership work. This goes for both parties.
You can click here for more information on being an artist manager.
(Photo resources: http://www.baskunnen.nl/_xcm/EN/artistmanagement.html & http://www.andyneill.com/contact.html Information resources: http://musicians.about.com/od/otherindustrycareers/p/artistmanager.htm)http://www.andyneill.com/contact.html
