The Job Description of a Band Manager

  Artist Manager - What is it? :

An Artist Manager, also known as a "Band Manager", is in charge of the business side of being in a band. Often, band members are great at the creative side of things, but aren't so great at promoting themselves, booking gigs, or negotiating deals. In a very general sense, the task of a manager is take care of the day to day operations of the band's career, so the band can focus on the creative side of things.

What Jobs Should an Artist Manager Do? Signed Artists:

The jobs a manager does depends very much on the band and where they are in their careers. For an unsigned band, a manager should:

·         Send out demos to labels, radio stations, local print media, and online publications

·         Book gigs and invite labels and the media to the shows

·         Network and market the band

·         Help book studio time and practice sessions

·         Explore funding opportunities for the band

For Signed Artists, Band Managers should:

·         Negotiate financial deals with the label for expenses like touring and recording

·         Oversee other people working for the band, like accountants, agents, and merchandisers.

What Jobs Should an Artist Manager Do? Unsigned Artists:

For an unsigned artist, the manager should be the mouthpiece of the band, and their greatest ally, making sure that everyone else involved in the band's career is doing their job and working hard to promote the band's success. For instance, the manager should be on the phone with the label, asking about advertising campaigns and then on the phone with agent asking about upcoming show opportunities.

Do Managers Need a Contract?:

In a single word, YES. Even if you're managing an unsigned band made up of couple friends and there is no money involved for now, you need to write up an agreement. (you can download a free Band Member Contract from my website) The Next Sound You Hear - Tools for Musicians

**No matter if you are just a garage band or a full working band, I highly recommend contracts for everything, as the spell everything out, so nothing is ever left to chance.

It doesn't have to be fancy or even supervised by a lawyer. Just jot down what is expected of both manager and band, what the percentage of income for the manager will be if any money should come in, and what happens if band and manager decide to part ways. Many new bands don't want to make their friends sign contracts. Put that out of your mind. When you're entering into a business relationship with a friend, a contract keeps the friendship safe.

How Do I Become a Manager?

If you think management might be a good fit for you, take a look around you. Do you know any musicians who could use someone to help organize shows or manage their websites? Volunteer to help bands you know, even if it means working for free while you're learning the ropes. *the later is how I got into Band Management and got my experience. Personally it was a lot of fun, learning along with the band as the band grew and learned along with me.

You could also approach a management company and see if they have any internship opportunities available. Like most music careers, if you keep your head down and work hard, the right people will eventually notice.

What is the Pay Like?:

Managers are generally paid a percentage of the band's income: often 15% to 20%. In addition to their percentage, managers should not have to cover any expenses out of their own pocket. And with Bands just starting out, you probably won’t get paid at first.

There are some things a manager should NOT get a cut of, Ssongwriting royalties. Any deal between musicians and managers should be negotiated up front and revisited when significant events occur that could drastically increase or decrease the band's income. It is common practice, just to add a separate piece of paper stating the new changes, this is referred to as the Memorandum.

I would like to hear some of your Band Manager stories - good and bad, so drop me a line and share your experiences.

Until tomorrow, keep making music,

Rory
http://www.thenextsoundyouhear.com/