Getting a Manager 

Q: We are a band with a CD and successful stage show. We would like to take ourselves to the next level, which many suggest includes getting a manager.  Can you give us some rules of thumb about when the right time to get a manager is, what we should look for in their skills, and what actual activities a manager would be responsible for? 

A: "Successful stage show" can mean many things...let me just assume that you have achieved the level of doing the customary "local band as the opening act for a major label/mainstage artist show when they come through your town." "The next level" can mean many things. I will assume that you want steady work, at larger venues, and a record deal. This will give us a starting point!

1. Have a band meeting and make the decision to look for a manager.  

Since you are a band, you will have need to agree. There will be money and career decisions involved...you must all know that you will not all agree 100% of the time. Make sure you have a group commitment to go with a group plan. Don't expect a manager or a new person to iron out old personal problems in the band.

2. Make a list of the things that you want to accomplish with your band.  

Since you are a band - do it together. All parties must agree - because it's a group effort. Make the list concise, complete, and realistic. Be sure to put down the timeframe that you want to accomplish these things in. If someone disagrees, continue to talk it out until you all do agree. Examples: Better press, better gigs, better image, endorsements, a backer or investor, airplay, distribution, record deal. These are all very real needs in a band's career. 

3. Prioritize your list.  

Put everything in order of importance. Discuss this with the band. Be sure that you all agree with the list and the priorities. This sort of focus will make the band even tighter and will keep out a lot of the questions and doubts later when you are entrusting your decisions to someone else.

Look at your list - are there things on it that you can do yourselves? That you are doing now? Are the things on the list too much for you to do time wise? Or do you not have a vision for what to do next on the list? This list should give you a clearer idea of your needs as a band. It will give you a checklist for your discussions with prospective managers.

4. Discuss Money

No one works for free unless they are family and they really love you and even then, working for free can ruin relationships. Hiring a Manager is just that - HIRING. Most times there is a monthly fee you will have to pay to the Manager plus a percentage of your earnings on everything (sales, bookings, etc.). At the very least you will be paying a percentage. Be aware of this and meet it head on before you waste any time.

5. Interview Managers

DO THIS! Don't just accept that your drummer's girlfriend's sister has always wanted to be a manager. Don't just accept that the local booking agent says he/she can manage as well as book you. Go over the list with the candidates and ask for feedback. Do they feel they can help accomplish this list? A Manager should have a level of excitement for what you do! A Manager should have a vision for your band long term. It may be slightly different from what you are doing now - but a Manager's vision can be worth it's weight in gold if they are good. If a Manager cannot personally do everything on your list - don't fret! Part of the skill of being a Manager is knowing where to get something done at a great rate (not just doing it yourself). Contacts are important for a Manager to have. Your Manager should come up with a list of things that you will need to do as well -- haircuts and showers, new photos, new songs, better lights, etc. Your Manager is pushing a product - YOU!

6. Put it in Writing

There is nothing worse than doing a job when you don't know what the job is or what the framework is to do it in. Draw up a simple contract. Pinpoint your list of expectations, the timeframes, and what the pay is for the Manager. 

There is no job description for a Manager. NONE. The job description for YOUR manager is what you need - another artist's manager may do more or less than yours - for more or less money. As with anything is the music biz - no two artists/bands are the same and therefore no two deals are the same. That can make it hard for some - but it really should make it easy!

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