Do You Really Need a Manager as a Musician?

Do You Really Need a Manager as a Musician?

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As a musician, you've probably asked yourself at some point, "Do I need a manager?" It's a common question that many artists grapple with as they navigate their careers. Whether you're just starting out, already have a manager, or are unsure if you want one, it's important to understand what a manager can do for you, how they can impact your career, and when the right time might be to bring one on board.

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What Does a Music Manager Do?

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A music manager plays a crucial role in your day-to-day career, handling the business side of things so you can focus on what you do best—creating music. Their responsibilities can range from negotiating deals with record labels and publishing companies to securing sync licensing opportunities. They’re also there to help you grow your brand and open new doors that might otherwise remain closed.

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In today’s music industry, a manager’s role often extends to maintaining your online presence, scheduling content, and engaging with your fan base. Essentially, they ensure that all the non-creative aspects of your career run smoothly, allowing you to stay in your creative zone.

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How Do Managers Get Paid?

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Typically, a manager is compensated with a percentage of your income, usually between 15-20%. This percentage can vary depending on the manager's experience and the value they bring to your career. It’s essential to weigh their fee against the potential growth and opportunities they can offer. Consulting with a music lawyer during this stage is always a good idea to make sure you’re getting a fair deal.

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How Do You Find a Manager?

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Finding the right manager is often not as straightforward as one might hope. Many experienced managers suggest that rather than actively searching for a manager, you should focus on developing your music and brand. When you start to gain traction as an independent artist, managers may begin to take notice and approach you. This is often because they see potential in artists who have already built some momentum on their own.

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Before seeking out a manager, it's valuable to first play the role yourself. By managing your career early on, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of what a manager does and what you’ll need from them. Once you feel you’ve taken your career as far as you can solo, and things start to get overwhelming, that’s a good time to start researching potential managers.

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What’s the Difference Between a Manager and a Booking Agent?

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While both managers and booking agents play important roles in an artist's career, they serve different purposes. A manager oversees the overall direction of your career, handling everything from marketing to contracts and long-term strategy. On the other hand, a booking agent is specifically focused on securing live performances, such as concerts and tours, and handling the logistics of those events.

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If your main goal is to book and organize live shows, a booking agent might be more beneficial to you than a full-time manager. However, if you're looking to develop a broader strategy for your music career, including recording, branding, and distribution, a manager would be the right choice.

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In the coming days, we’ll dive deeper into the role of a booking agent, exploring how they can help propel your live performance career and what to look for when choosing one.

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When Is the Right Time to Hire a Manager?

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Deciding when to hire a manager is a personal choice and depends on where you are in your career. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the business side of things or believe that a manager’s connections and expertise could help take you to the next level, it might be time to start looking for one.

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However, it’s important to be strategic about this decision. For example, if you’re an artist with a strong sense of branding and direction but need help organizing a tour, a booking agent or tour manager might be more beneficial than a full-time artist manager.

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How to Find the Right Manager for You

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When looking for a manager, it’s essential to find someone who fits well with your genre and career goals. A manager who has experience with successful rock bands might not be the best fit if you’re an emerging electronic music producer. The right manager should not only understand your music but also have the industry connections that are relevant to your genre.

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A manager-artist relationship is like any other partnership—communication and transparency are key. You’ll need to work closely together, so it’s important that you’re on the same page about your career direction and goals.

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Conclusion: Do You Need a Manager?

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Ultimately, whether or not you need a manager depends on your individual circumstances. If you feel that you could benefit from the additional support and industry connections that a manager can provide, it could be a smart move to hire one. On the other hand, if you’re comfortable handling both the creative and business sides of your career, a manager might not be necessary at this stage.

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The decision to bring on a manager should be based on your specific needs and where you want to take your music career. Whatever path you choose, the most important thing is that you’re making informed decisions that will help you grow as an artist.

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