When you think of the music industry, your mind might go straight to the artists. The singers, songwriters, and bands are the faces of music, but behind every successful artist is a strong team. And one of the most crucial roles in that team? The music manager. If you’re curious about what managers do in music, let’s break it down in the simplest way possible.
A music manager wears many hats. They’re the ones who guide an artist’s career, make important decisions, and ensure everything runs smoothly. Let’s dive into their day-to-day responsibilities and why they’re so important in the music world.
Discovering and Developing Talent
One of the first jobs a manager does in music is finding artists with potential. They often scout talent by attending gigs, checking out social media, or listening to demos. But it doesn’t stop there. Once they find someone promising, their job is to help the artist grow. This might involve helping them refine their sound, build their image, or even figure out what makes them stand out in a crowded industry.
Managers also play a big role in setting goals. For example, do they want the artist to land a record deal? Focus on building an independent fan base? Go viral on social media? A good manager helps set realistic milestones and creates a plan to achieve them.
Networking and Building Relationships
Managers are like the connectors of the music world. They spend a lot of time building relationships with people in the industry. This includes record labels, producers, booking agents, and even brands. These connections are what help an artist get opportunities like signing a contract, booking a tour, or landing a sponsorship deal.
In many ways, managers are the bridge between the artist and the rest of the music industry. While the artist focuses on their craft, the manager focuses on making sure the right doors open at the right time.
Negotiating Deals
A big part of what managers do in music is negotiating. Whether it’s a record deal, a performance contract, or a licensing agreement, managers ensure their artist gets the best possible terms. This means understanding the fine print, knowing the market value, and sometimes playing hardball to protect the artist’s interests.
For example, if a venue offers to pay an artist $500 for a performance, a good manager might negotiate for more or secure additional perks like transportation or better stage setup. These negotiations can make a huge difference in an artist’s income and overall experience.
Planning and Organizing
Managers are the ultimate planners. They’re the ones who coordinate an artist’s schedule, whether it’s booking studio time, planning a tour, or scheduling interviews. Without a manager, it’s easy for things to fall through the cracks.
Touring is a great example of how much planning a manager does. They handle everything from booking venues and organizing transportation to ensuring the artist has everything they need while on the road. They’re also there to troubleshoot. If something goes wrong, like a last-minute cancellation, it’s the manager’s job to fix it.
Promoting the Artist
Promotion is another key part of what managers do in music. While artists focus on creating, managers focus on getting that creation in front of people. This might mean coordinating with PR teams, setting up interviews, or brainstorming ways to build buzz around a new release.
In today’s digital age, promotion also means understanding social media. A manager might help an artist plan their posts, engage with fans, or even run ad campaigns. The goal is always to grow the artist’s visibility and fan base.
Financial Management
Money is a big part of the music business, and managers often help artists keep their finances in order. This includes tracking income, managing expenses, and even setting budgets for things like music videos or marketing campaigns. Some managers also help with long-term financial planning, like investing in assets or saving for the future.
A good manager ensures that an artist gets paid on time and fairly. They’ll also handle things like royalty payments, ensuring that the artist is compensated for their work.
Offering Emotional Support
Being an artist can be tough. There’s a lot of pressure to succeed, and the industry can be unpredictable. A manager often becomes a trusted confidant, offering advice, encouragement, and a listening ear when things get overwhelming.
Sometimes, the best thing a manager can do is remind their artist why they started making music in the first place. This emotional support can make all the difference in keeping an artist motivated and focused.
Adapting to Change
The music industry is constantly changing. Trends come and go, technology evolves, and new opportunities arise. Managers need to stay on top of these changes and adapt their strategies accordingly. For example, the rise of streaming platforms like Spotify and TikTok has completely changed how music is promoted and consumed. A good manager understands these shifts and uses them to the artist’s advantage.
Balancing Art and Business
At its core, music is an art form. But it’s also a business. A manager’s job is to balance these two sides. They help the artist stay true to their creative vision while also ensuring they’re making smart business decisions. This can be tricky, but it’s what separates good managers from great ones.
The Different Types of Managers in Music
Not all managers do the same thing. In fact, there are different types of managers who specialize in different areas. Here are a few examples:
- Personal Managers: These are the general managers who oversee every aspect of an artist’s career.
- Business Managers: Focused on finances, they handle budgets, taxes, and investments.
- Tour Managers: Handle the logistics of touring, including travel, accommodations, and schedules.
- Road Managers: Similar to tour managers but focus specifically on the day-to-day needs of the artist while on the road.
- Marketing Managers: Specialize in promotion and branding.
Why Are Managers Important in Music?
Without a manager, an artist would have to juggle everything on their own. This can be overwhelming and takes time away from creating music. Managers make life easier for artists by handling the business side of things so they can focus on what they do best.
Managers also bring expertise and connections that artists might not have. Their experience and relationships in the industry can open doors that would otherwise be closed. In many cases, a good manager can be the difference between an artist staying stuck and breaking through.
How Do Managers Get Paid?
Most music managers work on a commission basis. This means they earn a percentage of the artist’s income, usually between 10% and 20%. This setup ensures that the manager’s success is tied to the artist’s success. When the artist earns more, so does the manager.
What Makes a Great Music Manager?
Not all managers are created equal. The best ones have a mix of skills, including:
- Communication: Being able to clearly explain ideas and keep everyone on the same page.
- Organization: Keeping track of schedules, deadlines, and details.
- Negotiation: Knowing how to get the best deals.
- Creativity: Coming up with unique ways to promote an artist or solve problems.
- Passion: Truly believing in the artist and their music.
Final Thoughts
So, what do managers do in music? They do a little bit of everything. From planning and negotiating to promoting and supporting, managers are the backbone of an artist’s career. Their work often goes unseen, but it’s absolutely essential. Without them, the music industry wouldn’t run as smoothly, and many artists wouldn’t achieve their full potential.
Whether you’re an aspiring artist or just someone curious about the music world, understanding the role of a manager can give you a new appreciation for everything that happens behind the scenes. It’s not just about the music you hear; it’s about the team that helps bring it to life.
For further reading, explore these related articles:
- Circles Post Malone Lyrics – A Song About Love, Loss, and Life
- Billie Eilish’s Big Moment at the Oscars 2022: A Night to Remember
For additional resources on music marketing and distribution, visit DMT Records Pvt. Ltd..
