What to Look for in a Great Manager
What does a music manager do for an artist?
A music manager oversees the business aspects of an artist's career, including securing opportunities, negotiating contracts, managing schedules, and building relationships in the industry. A manager often acts as the primary point of contact between the artist and labels, promoters, booking agents, and other professionals involved in your artistic career.
What should I look for in a manager?
When considering a manager, it’s important to find someone who aligns with your goals, while bringing valuable skills and qualities to the table. Here are a number of good qualities to look out for:
Good Reputation:
A manager with a positive reputation instills a level of trust from the start, and is more likely to have established connections in the industry, increasing the chances of opening doors to opportunities that benefit your career. While prior experience is not essential, it is important that they have a solid understanding of the industry and stay informed about its current dynamic, to scope opportunities and work through challenges on your behalf.
2. Good Work Ethic:
Your manager should be driven, trustworthy, hardworking, and committed to going the extra mile to help your career flourish. They need to be highly organized, as they will be managing multiple crucial aspects of your career. An important part of their role as your representative is networking with industry professionals to secure opportunities for you, so it's essential that your manager is amicable and an excellent communicator.
3. Trustworthy:
Your manager will handle many crucial aspects of your career, including financial negotiations, scheduling, and industry connections. It's essential that you trust your manager and feel confident in their ability to represent you professionally. Transparency is key. Your manager should be open about financial deals, including fees and percentages, so that you fully understand how your income and expenses are managed.
Additionally, a trustworthy manager should communicate openly and regularly, providing updates on opportunities, challenges, and any decisions that impact your career. Always ensure that you feel comfortable discussing concerns and that your manager is acting in your best interest, prioritising long-term growth over short-term gains.
4. Realistic:
Your manager should have a clear understanding of where you are in your career and the steps needed to reach your goals. Be cautious of managers who make promises that are unrealistic or not aligned with your current stage of development. A good manager should not set you up for disappointment but instead motivate and guide you to build your career strategically. Establishing a strong fanbase is essential, as it will enable you to maximize the benefits of the opportunities that come your way.
5. Good Creative Input When Needed:
A manager should offer fresh perspectives and ideas that can help enhance your work when necessary. While your manager’s primary role is to support you, their ability to step in with constructive feedback when you are experiencing writer's block or need guidance in making decisions is very important. A great manager knows when to step in and offer their input and when to step back, ensuring that their suggestions do not hinder, but rather enhance, your artistic integrity.
Trust Your Instincts
The advice above is a guide, as every artist's needs are unique, so trusting your instincts is very important. We host an annual panel at IMW where you can meet managers and ask questions. You can also book a free consultation with James Byrne, our information officer and an experienced artist manager, for advice on finding or working with a manager.