Hello my people, here in this blog post we are going to give you a step by step guide on How to Find a Music Manager in 2024 as a Songwriter or Musicians. Our step by step guide is going to help you or guide you on how to choose a music manger in 2024.
As a singer-songwriter who’s navigated the music industry maze for years, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be. You pour your heart into your craft, but sometimes, it feels like something’s missing. Maybe you’re struggling to get gigs, your music isn’t reaching enough ears, or you’re drowning in the business side of things.
If this sounds familiar, you might be missing a key player in your team: a music manager.
What is a Music Manager and Why Do You Need One?
- Help you secure better gigs and tours
- Negotiate fair contracts and royalties
- Introduce you to industry insiders and decision-makers
- Provide valuable feedback on your music and performance
- Help you navigate the ever-changing music landscape
Why Music Managers Are Essential (Even in 2024)
In today’s rapidly evolving music landscape, a music manager can be your secret weapon. They’re not just for pop stars or signed artists. Even independent musicians can benefit immensely from having a dedicated advocate in their corner.
But what exactly do music managers do?
- Career Strategists: They help you define and achieve your goals, from landing placements in TV shows to touring internationally.
- Networking Powerhouses: They connect you with industry players like record labels, booking agents, publicists, and more.
- Negotiation Ninjas: They secure the best deals for you, ensuring you get fair compensation for your work.
- Administrative Support: They handle contracts, finances, scheduling, and other time-consuming tasks so you can focus on creating.
- Creative Sounding Boards: They provide honest feedback and guidance on your music and career choices.
But finding the right manager can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide, packed with actionable tips and insights from my own experience.
Before You Start Your Search: Know Yourself & Your Needs
Before you dive into the manager hunt, take some time for introspection.
1. Define Your Career Goals:
- What do you want to achieve in the next year? Five years?
- Are you focused on touring, songwriting for other artists, or landing sync deals?
- Knowing your aspirations will help you find a manager who specializes in those areas.
2. Assess Your Current Needs:
- Where are you struggling the most? Marketing? Booking shows?
- What tasks are taking up too much of your time and energy?
- Understanding your weaknesses will help you identify the specific skills you need in a manager.
3. Create Your “Ideal Manager” Profile:
- What level of experience do you want in a manager?
- Do you prefer someone who specializes in your genre?
- What values and personality traits are important to you?
- Having a clear vision of your ideal manager will make your search more focused.
10 Essential Tips to Find a Music Manager in 2024
Tip 1: Identify Your Goals and Objectives
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Releasing a debut album within the next 12 months
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Performing at a specific festival or venue
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Building a loyal fanbase in your local community
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Collaborating with other artists or producers
Tip 2: Research and Create a List of Potential Managers
- Attending industry events, conferences, and festivals
- Browsing online directories like the Music Managers Forum or the International Music Managers Forum
- Asking fellow musicians, producers, or industry friends for referrals
- Checking social media platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook
- Experience working with similar artists or genres
- Success stories and testimonials
- Industry connections and network
- Communication style and availability
Tip 3: Research Management Companies Online:
Many management companies have websites and social media profiles. Check out their rosters to see if they represent artists similar to you. Look for companies with a track record of success in your genre and whose values align with yours.
Tip 4: Use Online Directories & Platforms:
Several online directories and platforms, like the Music Managers Forum (MMF), can help you find managers. You can filter your search by genre, location, and experience level to narrow down your options.
Tip 5: Evaluate a Manager’s Credentials and Experience
- A proven track record of success with similar artists
- Relevant industry experience and knowledge
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- A clear understanding of your goals and vision
- A willingness to work collaboratively and transparently
- Unrealistic promises or guarantees
- Lack of transparency about their commission or fees
- Poor communication or unresponsiveness
- Unprofessional behavior or reputation
Tip 6: Prepare for Initial Meetings:
Once you start getting responses, be prepared for initial meetings. Have a list of questions ready to ask about their experience, approach, and vision for your career. Pay attention to red flags, such as unrealistic promises or a lack of enthusiasm for your music.
Essential Questions to Ask Potential Managers:
- What’s your experience working with artists in my genre?
- Can you share examples of successful campaigns you’ve run?
- How do you approach artist development and marketing?
- What are your expectations of me as an artist?
- What are your fees and commission structure?
Tip 7: Understanding Management Contracts:
If a manager is interested in working with you, they’ll likely present you with a contract. It’s crucial to understand the terms of the agreement before signing anything. Consult with a lawyer or industry professional to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.
Key Elements of a Management Contract:
- Term: The length of the agreement (usually one to three years).
- Commission: The percentage of your earnings that the manager takes (typically 15-20%).
- Duties and Responsibilities: What the manager is expected to do for you.
- Termination Clause: How the agreement can be ended.
Tip 8: Building a Strong Working Relationship:
A successful artist-manager relationship is built on trust, communication, and mutual respect. Be open and honest about your goals and concerns, and make sure you’re both on the same page about expectations.
- Concerts, festivals, and industry events
- Music conferences and workshops
- Join music organizations, guilds, or associations
- Connect with other professionals on social media
- Offering support and encouragement to fellow musicians
- Collaborating on projects or initiatives
- Sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise
- Being authentic, friendly, and approachable
Tip 9: Cold Outreach (with a Killer Pitch!):
Don’t be afraid to reach out to managers directly, even if you don’t have a personal connection. Craft a compelling email or social media message that highlights your achievements, showcases your music, and explains why you think you’d be a good fit for their roster.
Pro Tip: Personalize your outreach. Mention something you admire about their work or their artists to show you’ve done your research.
Tip 10: Be Patient and Persistent:
Finding the right manager takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find the perfect fit right away. Keep networking, refining your pitch, and putting yourself out there.
Conclusion:
Finding the right music manager is an investment in your career. It’s a decision that should not be taken lightly. But with careful consideration, research, and a little bit of persistence, you can find the perfect partner to help you take your music to the next level.
Remember, this journey is about more than just finding someone to handle the business side of things. It’s about finding a collaborator who shares your passion for music and is committed to helping you achieve your dreams.
FAQs About Finding a Music Manager
Do I need a manager if I’m just starting?
It depends on your goals and resources. If you’re struggling with the business side of things and have the budget for a manager, it can be a valuable investment. However, if you’re just starting, focusing on building your skills and audience independently might be a better approach.
How much do music managers charge?
Most music managers charge a commission of 15-20% of your earnings. Some may also charge a retainer fee.
What if I can’t afford a manager?
There are several alternatives to traditional management. You can consider working with a consultant, hiring a booking agent, or seeking guidance from industry mentors.
How do I know if a manager is a good fit for me?
Look for a manager who has experience in your genre, a track record of success, and values that align with yours. Trust your gut feeling and make sure you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities.
What should I do if things aren’t working out with my manager?
Communication is key. Try to address any concerns you have with your manager directly. If the issues can’t be resolved, it’s okay to move on and find a manager who’s a better fit for your needs.
Remember: Your music career is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient, persistent, and believe in yourself and your music. With the right support, you can achieve great things.
- Music Managers Forum: https://www.mmf.net/
- International Music Managers Forum: https://www.immf.com/
- Bandcamp: https://bandcamp.com/
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/
