Who is artist manager

However, how are the contracts structured when it comes to relationships between artists and managers themselves? What are the common terms of the management deal? The management deals are mostly informal, as the legal status of the manager remains very vague: in France, for example, up until recently, managers had to be officially acknowledged as agents.

There are many ways in which artists and managers deal with the paperwork. However, one thing remains constant — managers earnings are a percentage of the total artist's revenue. The scale of some careers, for example, requires a business manager and a "normal" manager to collaborate, separating the business side from the career strategy.

However, as artists evolve into large international acts, it also becomes much harder to manage them. The standard length of the management contract is three years but it can vary from 2 to 5 years on a case by case basis.

Most contracts also include a "Sunset" clause. The "Sunset" clause allows the music manager to get a share of the artist's revenue after the management contract expires for 18 to 24 months on average. Likewise, most managerial work is done pre-release rather than post-, while the cash-flows are generated at the end of the cycle.

For example, artists usually tour for 12 months after the album has been released and the promotion strategy has been implementation. As they are the ones coordinating between all sides of the artist career to steer it in the right direction, nothing is more valuable to artist managers than artists data: it provides selling points, insights, and guidance on how to develop the artists.

Content creator for Soundcharts. Deciphering the music business so you don't have to. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more Got it! All Mechanics Music Markets Insiders. Log in Get Started. Get Started. By Dmitry Pastukhov Published February 18, Jump to What does an artist manager do? Gatekeeper and a spokesperson 2. Higher Education Programmes. Ableton Live Courses. Logic Pro Courses.

Mixing and Mastering Courses. Talent In the industry, talent speaks for itself. Drive Finding an artist with a powerful drive to succeed will make your job not only easier but more exciting. Vision An artist with a strong vision of where they want to take themselves professionally will help you and your client easily set out goals, a career timeline and help manage expectations.

Dedication Along with drive, dedication is the key to success. Communication Like with many professional and social relationships, communication is paramount to keeping everyone happy.

Success Last but not least is success. This post is included in News , Round-ups. Nov 11, James Cooke. In South Africa, artist managers also take on the role of tour or road manager, these individuals traditionally take care of the logistics while the artist is on tour. Duties include making sure that everything is provided for as agreed upon, following up on items promised as part of the contract such as accommodation, payments, tour routing and communications with the person who booked the artist.

Simply put, artist managers are best viewed as a collaborative partners in the ongoing career progress of an artist, band or music group. During difficult times, it is their job to keep the ship afloat by keeping business flowing. Those who make artist management their long-term career usually manage multiple clients at a time, and the most successful among them can go on to found management companies—or "agencies"—based around their roster of clients.

As with many freelance-oriented jobs, it can be difficult to find one's first gig as an artist manager. Some start by managing artists or groups they already know, while others apply for positions at management companies, found their own, or join an artist's team in a different capacity—as a business manager , agent , or personal assistant —before taking over management duties.

In order to be a successful manager, one must be intelligent, creative, egoless, hardworking, organized, and thick-skinned. It's not a job for those who crave the spotlight, as artist managers must be ready and able to work tirelessly behind the scenes on behalf of their clients. Perhaps most importantly, managers should have the flexibility, communication skills, and emotional intelligence to adjust their management style to fit their clients' needs. A career as a manager is consuming, with very little divide between work hours and pleasure hours.

As a result, it suits impassioned and driven individuals who are comfortable working around the clock. Most days are packed with meetings, small business transactions, and planning for the future, while nights are dedicated to live music and networking events. Depending on the client, an artist manager may travel frequently as part of the job—including on tour, although successful clients may have the funds to hire a separate tour manager.

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