Why Do I Need A Manager?

Once you have gotten to a certain level in your music business career, you will not be able to be in many places at one time, nor will you be able to to continually tour, make appearances, work on your music, book shows, run your website, handle the day to day operations of your company (if you've developed one), and be the end all by placing all your hats in one basket. You will need a manager.

However, just because someone has label contact does not mean they will be a reputable manager,. or even the right manager for your career. Look at Prince'sand Michael's career in the beginning, and you will understand why I say this.


ARTIST MANAGERS
An artist manager represents an artist or act, overseeing and guiding all aspects of the artist's career. This may include contract and business negotiation with other agents, career development and advancement and financial management. Artist managers require excellent interpersonal and communication skills, an in depth knowledge of the music industry and industry networks, good business and management skills and the ability to negotiate the best deals and conditions on behalf of the artist.

Artist managers are usually self-employed and work freelance, but may be employed or contracted by an organisation or recording company. People are usually expected to have some skills before they enter the job and prior experience in accounting, business management, administration and working with people are an advantage. Networking with people in the industry is an important factor in getting work.

This is why it is so important that you gain as much viable knowledge about the business/industry as possible, before you begin to work with anyone. How can you know you are being cheated if you don't know what you are signing, or the resources of income that your music earns?


Do you or will you need a:, Business Manager, Personal Manager, Touring Manager, Music Manager, Publicist, Entertainment Attorney, Accountant (Conference Of Managers)? Eventually you may need one or more of these professionals.



Yes there are sharks out there, so be aware of them. Read this very informative article and what to avoid from these "Con Artist Managers"
(http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/706133/debunking_con_artis...)

In the beginning of your career, I would suggest hiring or retaining a professional consultant, until you have signed with a legitimate manager or management company. It is good that when you begin talks with a label that you have good representation, an entertainment attorney, and a manager. If not, then you will fall in the category of most artists today, "Non recoupable", if you don't knwo what you are negotiating and signing. I've seen it happen over and over again in this business.

Hiring of Your Friends and/or Family Members
Don't hire your friends you grew up with, producer, or dj to be your manager if they have no knowledge of the business. This is another mistake a lot of artists make as well. There are so many resources on the internet, there is no excuse why anyone should be getting ripped off today in the business.

I know some might refute all of this and say it's a headache letting someone else handle your business, but on the other end of the spectrum, it's an even bigger headache when you have poured your life into this business/industry, and someone else is reaping the benefit of that hard work because you did not handle your career as a business first.