July 1, 2010 How to Find A Music Manager
An incredibly poorly named article but one that seemed to be well received.
How do I find a music manager? How do I find a booking agent? I just need to find someone to get my music to the next level. I’ve heard these questions and statements before and fifteen or so years ago I sounded exactly like this. As it turns out I wound up on the industry side of the fence and traded in the crowded smelly van for a record company desk job but I do have some answers for you. Chances are you won’t like what I am going to tell you but I implore you to keep reading.
Let’s start at the very beginning – do you have anything to manage? I know – sounds like a stupid question, but is it? I’m not asking you if you have lots of work that you could use help with, nor am I making light of the pure volume of work that is the creation of both recorded and live music. What I am asking you is do you have something ready to bring to market that needs managing or are you still building out your product? There is no shame (I’ll repeat it again) NO SHAME in being in the developmental phases of your career. We live in an instant gratification kind of world, which is why when I write articles like this I know statistically that a majority of people won’t have made it this far because they were looking for a “get famous now” button. Take your time and develop your product – this will help you rise above the MILLIONS of other people who went out to guitar center purchased their first instrument and recording gear and had the first song they ever wrote up on MySpace the next day hoping for some kind of miracle won’t ever come.
Back to management – let’s talk about what you should have together before even considering approaching someone to invest in your career. *** Notice I said invest because whether or not they spend a dime on you management is an enormous expenditure of someone’s time*** Before approaching anyone to manage you- have most of these together:
- No apology recordings of your music
- Professional looking photos of you or your group
- A basic – findable website (custom URL) you can update yourself
- A Mailing list and a place where people can sign up on said list
- A social network presence (twitter, facebook, myspace, youtube)
- Live performance footage (preferably in front of a crowd)
- A well written bio highlighting your accomplishments
These are the building blocks and the marketing materials you will use over and over and over again. There are no words, no email sales pitch and probably not even naked photos of an executive in compromising positions that will get you taken more seriously than having the items above in place. Many of these items can get pricey so do your homework and shop around if you feel that any of these items are best done by work for hire. Having these materials will get your more gigs, will get you taken more seriously by your peers and potential fans and ultimately (if you have a product people want) will help you build a business in music.
“Okay – wait – isn’t this super basic? Does he think we are Idiots?” No, absolutely not. All I can tell you is that if you buy into Google querries as a representative sample of the population (I do) it would seem that aspiring musicians are searching for the wrong things to get ahead. Check out what people search for online for music related terms according to a Google AdWords querry in June 2010:
Term: “Get My Music Heard Online” Global Monthly Searches: less than 10
Term: “Get more people to my shows” Global Monthly Searches: less than 10
Term: “Make a Living In Music” Global Monthly Searches: 46
Term: “Marketing My Music” Global Monthly Searches: 110
Term: “Get a Music Manager” Global Monthly Searches: 590
Term: “How to Get A Record Deal” Global Monthly Searches: 18,100
Draw your own conclusions but I think too many people are looking for a shortcut to fame that barring an act of God or Justin Bieber just doesn’t exist.
I wrote several articles in this increasingly poorly named series on my website. Feel free to check out part two on how to get a music manager.
Reader Comments (24)
I agree that you need to have all of those items listed above but I think should be clearly stated that just because you have those items in place doesn't mean you won't still be ignored by managers and agents.
You're comment regarding whether you have something to manage or not really hits the nail on the head. Your primary goal as an artist in today's climate should be to do it yourself until you can't juggle it anymore without bringing on a manager.
Another thought from a friend: give them more reasons to say yes instead of no.
I speak as an as-yet industry outsider, but I would submit that the one other thing that should be added to the list is: "A full calendar." I freely admit that I'm in the fledgling stages of a solo career, but I'm also happy to detail out a series of concrete steps in my timeline before I expect to achieve anything at "the next level." And one part of that is getting a year's worth, or more, or intensive once-a-week or more performances under my belt to both build my fan base and hone my performance skills.
A lot can happen between now and then, but I'm going to feel a lot more comfortable a year to 18 months from now, having (along with the "list of seven," above) the background of an experienced, working artist.
@Jon - Agreed - there is no guarantee that having all of these things in place will make managers and agents start melting down your phone but I would say the odds are better for those who do.
@Dan - Your point is a valid one too. More often than not I encounter people who find me via the web who have not performed outside of singing cover tunes in their shower asking me how to find management. The article is for them and of course little pieces of it here and there were intended for people like yourself who are further along in the hopes that re-framing the obvious will serve as a reminder and / or inspire some more action... Not many people view their career as a marathon rather than a sprint.
Thanks both for your comments,
Rick
p.win is looking
I am looking for a manger to over see advertising/album production.I have all the above outlets set in place with a professional website i use to promote my albums.This would be a part time position.
If I may add another little shortcut to getting the word out about your music. A concise, effective, short bio sure helps. The trick is to emphasize all your most sellable qualities. I found my own niche with shortbios.com, helping professionals of every stripe get unstuck and create their perfect Bio. I hope this is helpful for you. Steve Brent
i am an upcoming artiste looking for an opportunity to break into the music industry.i sing r n b and also hiphop and i have written over 35songs and they are hot.
I am a songwriter who doesn't want to perform, I just enjoy writing music. My question is how do I sell my material/ product? Do I need a manager for this? I understand that the music business is incredibly competitive and there are many brilliant unheard of song writers. I am not saying I am brilliant, but I can write a reasonable song and wondered if there is a way to sell this product?
Any comments will be appreciated.
Tim Crew
Well i know if you love music you gotta persue it.. Thats what im trying to do and maybe one day be as famous as Lil Wayne or eminem.. #Respectafterwork #Worknowplaylater #moneyaintsleepingwhyareyou #agents #managers #music
Look me up on twitter, where I write freestyles from time to time of whats going on in my life.
I want to become famous, I just need to meet the right people.
Lets go. #getrichordietryin #like50
@AntB_PRL
I do orginal music good feed back looking for manager / promoter .I am on itunes look up mama and the crack pipes Call Bob 414 419 9101 if intrested freeform9101@hotmail.com Call rather than email It will work.
I am a solo singer songwriter guitarist who has been in the job for 15 years, and am sick of still playing the same old venues, and not getting anywhere else. ive done as much as i can do on my own, but without a manager or agent, can't do much else. i want to play in new york, and europe, and of course, get a record deal. the amount of bands i see who are TERRIBLE, yet just because they have 40 acolytes at every gig which must mean they are the next best thing, is so sickening! have a look at my work - see what anyone thinks -
www.salfordrecords.co.uk/chrisjameson
thanks for your time.
hi i am looking for a manager i have my mix tape i have my singel and i all so have my video as well its ben really hard to get stuff to sell in bermuda i need sum body to help me with that just sum body to help manage my music i sing i proform i need sum market help thats all i need sum body thats good at helping i all so have wrote sum sougs too ok
im at the age of 13 going on 14 and i would LOVE to get a record deal or a manger,...and i KNOW how to sing...can someone juss please email me at jacquelyn_hopkins@ymail.ccom,..and im warning now that my mom is a little strict but im nice as heck,..and shy juss a little bit, and trust me i wont waste yo time! email my mom for permission at mzsugar78@yahoo.com...please hurry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!....i would like a good non-strict manager also...thns plz do this ASAP!!!
hey, my name is ohmma mon, im 14 almost 15 i have been writing music since i was 8 and i have been singing since i was 4, my mom use to sing and record songs back in her country, and i wanna do the same thing but i want to make it big , i have real potential and im ready for it. i want to perform live with my acoustic guitar and sing the songs i wrote in a room full of people i dont know. i feel like singing is my destiny and i really want to make a career out of it,
thanks for you time ,
Ohmma mon
Ok, 2 Questions I Hope Someone Can Answer, 1st, Whats The Best Way To Build A Website?
2nd, He Mentioned Some Supplies That Would Help, What Do These Consist Of? Right Now All I Have Is An Electric Guitar, If Someone Has The Answers, Contact My Email, Stevenwmccann@yahoo.com, Thank You.
Great article. Thank you for the constructive advice, much appreciated!
im looking for a manager tht can help me make it at the big time i right my own songs and have a clear, well toned voice.....f your looking for a client call 417-425-1513 :)
I also agree. I'm just looking to build a team. I want to be able to trust my team to help me take us to the top. I'm not looking for a short cut, I'm just looking to get started and someone to believe in my dream. An investor & a manager. If you can give advice on that or can suggest someone to me i will truly appreciate that. I know ,everyone says the same thing but I hope you can look past that and give me a chance. I also model. Thank you
Email: sincerecarvalho1988@yahoo.com
Facebook: Sincere RiskTaker Carvalho
Twitter: NY_is_Sincere
Sincere Carvalho
im sixteen years old and im looking for manger. I write my own songs, right now i have three. One about my life another one thats r and b called me and you i have a gospel song called closer. I believe god gave me gift im trying to use it i believe i can make it as a singer. I dont have a youtube video but i can sing for you. Heres my mom number 757 7630368.
Hi.
My name is Raphael Mirabelli (Italy).
I propose Classical and Jazz music video of my band.
I ask if you want to be our manager and if He wants to give concerts.
Greetings and Thanks.
Raffaele MIRABELLI
Via Montegrappa, 6
MONTANARO 10017 (TO)
ITALY
Tel. 0039 3497501928
duomirabelli@email.it
www.duomirabelli.it
hello me and my friend is 18 years old and my sister is 11 and we put a group together and wrote some songs that i will be recording on a cd soon but for now we are looking for a manger to help us be recongnized and would apperciated if you would work with us here is my cell 347-645-0323 and email: lalaport09@yahoo.com thank you
I am one stone and I am having a problem on of reaching out to the fun of reggae so my question is who will help to reach in the home of music but i think the answer is my manager so how will i gate them ally GOD knows
so if I may have same one to take me to the scene of music i can do my best
If I may add another little shortcut to getting the word out about your music.
A concise, effective, short bio sure helps. The trick is to emphasize all your most sellable qualities.
I found my own ONE STONE with short bios helping professionals of every stripe get unstuck and create the perfect Bio in the reggae scene that KENYAN are looking for. I hope this is helpful can be real. Oneston.
hello my name is kayode i am from nigeria i am also musician i hav good 8 track but i am looking for a manager that will help me to get a show and sign me this my number 234167520194 or 07043382881 my stage name is k6 pls help me
100% agree that so many want to be famous instantly. After doing music for over a year, and wishing for that "big break" I know it just does not happen. If you are truly passionate about doing music then you will do whatever it takes to do that.
Many may not want to hear this, but unless you are getting quality STUDIO time (I'm not talking in a closet) then no one is going to think you are anything special. You have to promote and sell yourself first before an agent is going to take a shot with you. You get out what you put into your music. If you aren't willing to work a few more hours to pay for studio time, then you just don't have the drive to be in music. Writing songs and singing is a lot of fun, but you are kidding yourself if you think anything is going to be handed to you.
KiD V
You hit the nail right on the head, i wasn'tt looking to be famous overnight however i do have all the listed requirements and more, therefore i started looking at managers and recording studios, and i've just been offered a recording contract and a world tour !!