Members JonPaulP Posted May 15, 2009 Members Posted May 15, 2009 Hey all! I'm new to this site. I was wondering if anyone has any good advice on how to get a manager and/or agent and if any good suggestions for books on the music industry. I'm currently recording a demo, so I'm wondering what the next step would be. Thanks!
Members LAPennell Posted May 15, 2009 Members Posted May 15, 2009 First step is to get somewhat of a following. A demo is nice, but you have to play out, so people see you. A manager/agent isn't a necessity if you don't mind working (at least to start). My last band toured for 18 months and we did it all ourselves. Being able to work from anywhere was nice for me (graphic/web design), so I was making money outside of just playing. That was when I was 21-22, and I'm sure a lot may have changed, but I still can play pretty much whenever I want with very little work involved in finding a gig.
Members pjrake Posted May 15, 2009 Members Posted May 15, 2009 First step is to get somewhat of a following. A demo is nice, but you have to play out, so people see you. A manager/agent isn't a necessity if you don't mind working (at least to start). My last band toured for 18 months and we did it all ourselves. Being able to work from anywhere was nice for me (graphic/web design), so I was making money outside of just playing. That was when I was 21-22, and I'm sure a lot may have changed, but I still can play pretty much whenever I want with very little work involved in finding a gig. second, +1! i would also add this: the minute all the behind the scene work starts to take time away from your music, then it's time for a manager. -PJ
Members danosongs Posted May 17, 2009 Members Posted May 17, 2009 Old fashioned marketing works: 1. Get a list of managers and agents2. Send them a direct mail piece introducing yourself and asking if you can submit your cd3. Submit your CD4. Wait5. Repeat with new list.
Members chevybusa Posted May 18, 2009 Members Posted May 18, 2009 Definitely do your research and find out all about whoever you are thinking about working with you wouldn't belive some of the scumbag reptiles out there that have no business calling themselves managers or agents...
Members BlueStrat Posted May 18, 2009 Members Posted May 18, 2009 Make sure you have something to manage first.
Members JonPaulP Posted May 22, 2009 Author Members Posted May 22, 2009 Thanks a lot for the replies! Would this apply to a solo classical-crossover artist (who is also experimenting with mainstream pop)? I notice most books and websites mainly talk about bands. My gigs right now are church gigs, but I'm starting to look into other venues. What's a good resource for manager/agent lists? I'm planning on getting the Musician's Atlas, is it any good? Thanks again!
Members Ronan Murphy Posted May 22, 2009 Members Posted May 22, 2009 A couple people have alluded to this already, but it is probably not the right time for you to get an manager/agent (but I would not discourage you from trying). having been in the music biz for more than a quarter or a century now, I have observed that it is usually best to self manager while you are starting your career and then when you already have a successful thing going, you bring on people to take it to the next level. As a producer/mixer, I was working as a pro for over 10 years and had major label credits before I was able to get a good manager. One of my clients, a great band with great albums that plays good gigs and festivals around the country is trying to get an agent and having trouble finding people interested, even at their level. The other advantage of launching your career yourself is that when you do get manager/agent you will have a better understand of the work they do and this can allow you to have a better working relationship with them
Members Kramerguy Posted May 22, 2009 Members Posted May 22, 2009 when you are musically prosperous, the managers and agents of the world (who matter) will find you.
Members kittybateman Posted June 18, 2009 Members Posted June 18, 2009 Hello, I'm also new to this site, but since I'm a manager I thought I would comment. It is important to point out that so much has changed in the music industry that the role of the manager can vary depending on the needs of the artist. Some prefer to use their manager to handle the business side of things, but not have input as to the career path. Some want a manager who will make it all work (and make money), shop with them, help them choose the songs on the new album, have input about a myriad of things from composition to arrangement to hairstyle. You should think about what you need and want in a manager. While things are still small do each job yourself at least long enough to figure out how it is done and what the scope of work is (i.e., booking, promotion, contracts, etc.). That way, you can better understand what your manager and others on your team will be doing for you. It will give you common ground for discussion and will help you keep a closer eye on things. Your relationship with your manager should be based on trust, confidentiality, friendship, loyalty. I'm not saying you shouldn't have a contract with them that states your agreement and is legally binding, but not everyone is out to screw you, and if you're careful you can find someone with those qualities. Find someone who you feel comfortable with, who you can open up to and be honest with, bounce ideas off, who is willing to spend time on the phone with you discussing your career, someone enthusiastic, hardworking, trustworthy, passionate, who can hold the vision of your success and champion you to the world. In an industry filled with blood-sucking vultures preying on talented creative artists, it is a tall order. Be open to people from other industries or backgrounds fitting the bill. In fact, it may even be an asset right now. Intelligence, a head for business and a good relationship with you are the keys. If they come in to the music industry from another background, there is a ton of information available on the internet and in the library that can bring them up to speed pretty quickly. It is important that you and your manager both understand the climate of the industry now and where it is headed, and be open to all the possible ways to build your fan base and think of new creative ways to give back to them. Kitty Marcus Eaton | www.myspace.com/marcus_eaton (newer music, video) | www.marcuseaton.com (to stream first two albums)
Members JEM33GEM Posted June 18, 2009 Members Posted June 18, 2009 I wrote an article addressing exactly this issue. Quick note: the article is one that I wrote and is on my business website, so event though I think it is highly relevant to the question, I apologize in advance if this is considered shameless promotion/spam and the moderator deletes it. The article can be found here: http://www.artistmanagementresource.com/artist-management/artist-management---artists--bands-seeking-representation.html
Members kittybateman Posted June 18, 2009 Members Posted June 18, 2009 Thanks for the article Jeremy - great read, and I think very appropriate for this forum. Kitty
Moderators daddymack Posted June 18, 2009 Moderators Posted June 18, 2009 I wrote an article addressing exactly this issue. Quick note: the article is one that I wrote and is on my business website, so event though I think it is highly relevant to the question, I apologize in advance if this is considered shameless promotion/spam and the moderator deletes it. The article can be found here: http://www.artistmanagementresource.com/artist-management/artist-management---artists--bands-seeking-representation.html cogent, on-topic and relevant...the moderator approves of this article
Members pjrake Posted June 18, 2009 Members Posted June 18, 2009 cogent, on-topic and relevant...the moderator approves of this article good! now i can click the link and read it -PJ
Members JEM33GEM Posted June 18, 2009 Members Posted June 18, 2009 Thanks everyone! I think it would be nice to hear from some artists/bands that have management representation and see what advice they can offer. I haven't done a search here, so there may already be a thread about that. Please keep us updated if something works out for you.
Members JonPaulP Posted June 19, 2009 Author Members Posted June 19, 2009 Thanks a lot for the helpful insight Kitty and JEM!
Members Nijyo Posted June 19, 2009 Members Posted June 19, 2009 Poor Kitty probably has about 170 private messages asking about whether she's looking to manage someone new, now.
Members Blackwatch Posted June 19, 2009 Members Posted June 19, 2009 After reading these forums for a couple of years it seems like there are a lot of bands looking for managers because they don't have a clue and they want someone to do all the work for them. And this is the reason why they should figure it out for themselves in the beginning. Not to mention the fact that Bluestrat brought up... a lot of bands (or artists) haven't reached the point of having anything to manage, but they seem to believe that if they had a manager their career would magically take off. And I think this is the reason managers won't even talk to you unless they've heard of you... It all comes down to the delusion that many have in the beginning of their musical "careers"........(Myself included)
Members Matximus Posted June 19, 2009 Members Posted June 19, 2009 If you need to ask this question you are not ready for a manager.
Moderators daddymack Posted June 22, 2009 Moderators Posted June 22, 2009 If you need to ask this question you are not ready for a manager. short, sweet and to the point...
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