What is a music manager - how do I get one?

If someone in the music industry told you that they had a manager, that could mean tons of different things in the music industry. Sometimes it means that they have a huge record company that is handling all of their money and deals and promotion, while other times it means that they have one of their friends helping them with a couple of different things. Because of this, the duties of a manager range drastically from band to band. One job they could have is educating the band on the ways of the industry. They will help explain what needs to be done and why, but this means that they themselves need to be very knowledgeable in the music industry. They could also deal with many of the companies like record labels, merchandising companies and advertisers. It would then be the manager's job to talk to each of these companies and ensure that the band is getting what they deserve for their work, or paying what they should for the service they are receiving. This too would have to indicate the manager must know what he/she is doing and be very knowledgeable in the industry of music. They should also be able to network and start to get to know more and more people in the business. Having a manager, especially on national level, who has connection with other people in the music industry can be an irreplaceable asset to your band.

If you band has decided that it is time for them to have a manager, there are some important features and things that you will need to remember before selecting one. One of the biggest things is his personality. You will need to like and trust your manager. This is mostly because you will deal with him more than you will with almost anyone else (outside of the band itself) in the music industry. He will be your connection to everything and you will have to feel as though you can talk to him/her about anything on your mind relating to the band and its music. Your manager should also be one of your biggest fans. He or she will have to know your music and your talents and be excited about them, just like you are. If your manager doesn't believe that your music is great, they won't be able to make a convincing argument when negotiating with any venues or other music companies. Trusting your manager will also be a huge part of hiring the right person. Not only should you trust him, but other people in the music industry will have to as well. You will want to take a look at his reputation in the music business. If no one else will work with him, you probably shouldn't either. He may be a great guy, but he will be dealing with people in all parts of the music industry and if they hate him and won't work with him, then your band won't be doing a whole lot of anything.

When you start to approach people for your management position, you will find that the good ones will have a contract ready, or will want to sit down to negotiate one. Having a contract in place is simply a way to ensure that both parties are going to end up getting what they are expecting to get out of this deal. This contract should also include the time frame that the manager and band are going to stay together. This time is generally two to three years, but can be whatever is decided amongst the parties involved. There should also be an exit clause. This means that if manager doesn't get you in 'x' amount of venues or record 'y' amount of songs within the first year, you can drop him. It also goes the other way. The manager will ask for a portion (normally ten to twenty percent of the band's earnings) and if the band doesn't make over 'z' dollars, then the manager can get out. Any manager that is any good will agree to these types of conditions because it will protect everyone involved.

Giving your manager the power of attorney is actually a very good idea. This essentially gives the manager the ability to sign things as if he were the entire band. Handing over this power will allow your band to play more concerts or venues because the manager will be able to be out searching on new gigs, while you and the band practice or are recording or touring elsewhere. This can be a risky power however. Because the manager can sign anything and legally bind the band to it, you will have to fully trust the manager you've chosen. You may also want to limit the range of the manager's power of attorney. Basically this means that you add clauses and stipulations to his power. Things like caps on how much money he can commit the band to and other terms such as that will help keep your band protected from a overly bad management decision.

One of the things that you will want to watch out for that some managers will try to put in the contract is something called assign ability. This clause means that at any point the manager can sign off his management duties to someone else. You will want to get this clause taken out of your contract if you see it there. While the manager may make a convincing argument for why this is good idea, it's a terrible one for you and the band. You will want to a manager that is committed to your band and will be around for a while, not one that can pass off his duties if he feels like it.