Music Manager

Working Schedule

• Music Managers may work full-time jobs, with some slow periods and some hectic ones. They spend lots of time on the phone and writing emails or sending messages, but many duties are performed outside of typical business hours. Travel is often required. 

Typical Duties

Note, some duties of a Music Manager occasionally overlap with those of an artist’s agent. Sometimes, agents even pull double duty as work as Music Managers. However, agents must be licensed in certain states, thus Managers must be careful about doing any duties that require licensure. 

• Find musical acts to represent and reach out to offer services and establish a management contract
• Serve as a central point of contact and “filter between the band and any third party”
• Watch out for the act’s financial health and protect their best interests
• Set up meetings with appropriate record label A&R executives who might want to do a record deal 
• Coordinate with the act’s agents and concert promoters to schedule more gigs, better venues, bigger tour packages, and good-paying promotional activities
• Suggest merchandising and marketing opportunities 
• Promote the musical act (band or artist) to raise awareness and attract fans; maximize the potential of websites, YouTube channels, social media, newsletter campaigns, fan clubs, and other outreach
• Suggest suitable producers to partner with for the best recording sessions possible
• Review contract details and keep track of artists’ earnings (including royalties). Ensure they’re getting paid
• Provide specific guidance for career advancement to include branding and marketing for albums and tours
• Facilitate brand sponsorships and other cross-promotional opportunities that can enhance visibility
• Stay up-to-date on industry trends to help ensure acts stay relevant and popular 
• Ensure one’s own commissions are paid per the contract terms
  • For example, a Music Manager typically gets a percentage of “gross earnings (all income, fees, advances or royalties)” excluding certain expenses. They also receive a set commission “based on net income generated from live performances”

Additional Responsibilities

• Help resolve interpersonal disputes. Keep artists focused on their creative tasks, including writing new songs, getting ready for gigs and tours, and preparing for studio recording sessions 
• Follow social media groups that discuss music acts. Pay attention to what people are saying about what they want (or don’t want) to see
• Build strong relationships with artists, agents, promoters, other managers, and record label executives
• Manage fan and press requests; update press kits 

Soft Skills

• Attention to detail
• Confidentiality
• Creativity
• Goal-oriented
• Entrepreneurial 
• Initiative
• Integrity
• Leadership and management skills 
• Multitasking
• Negotiation skills
• Organization
• Passion for music
• Patience 
• Persuasive
• Problem-solving
• Strong communication skills 
• Teamwork
• Time management 
• Trust

Technical Skills

• Artist relations 
• Brand development
• Broad knowledge of many music genres, artists, and trends
• Cultural awareness
• Familiarity with concert marketing strategies
• Good “ear” for music
• Knowledge of entertainment contracts and tour riders
• Logistics (such as travel arrangements, including lodging, meals, and transportation)
• Press releases 
• Profit and loss statements and split points
• Scheduling

• Self-employed

Music Managers must look out for the best interests of the artists they represent. This goes beyond just immediate financial responsibilities; it’s a long-term endeavor and requires a genuine investment in the artists’ success. 

Musicians can, at times, be picky, rowdy, or difficult to manage. Many start that way so it may be hard for them to get used to having a Music Manager. Others change over time as their popularity—and income—grows. Managing high-earning acts can be challenging, especially if they disagree with their Manager’s advice and want to try and do things on their own. 

Some days may feel like a high-wire balancing act, trying to please the talent while telling them things they don’t want to hear. In recent times, many headliners have begun to break ties with their Music Managers, some after years of effective collaboration. This can turn into a financial problem for Managers who invested so much time in building up an act, only to be let go at the peak of their earnings.

Music Managers are a vital part of the industry, and up-and-coming acts rely heavily on them to get their music heard and their shows booked. Managers charge up to 20% for their services and sometimes, as bands grow in popularity and start earning more income, they resent having to pay that same percentage to the Managers who helped them reach that point. When an artist decides to try and go it alone, they might fire their long-time Manager, which obviously hurts the Managers’ earnings. 

Another part of this trend is how modern music gets monetized. Consumers don’t buy full albums the way they used to. Instead, they might buy a single, or just pay for a music streaming service. That’s why music acts have started to rely more heavily on tours to earn a living, with concert ticket prices now soaring. This change has impacted how Music Managers earn their income. Previously, if an album were successful, they’d get their commission plus royalties for many years, but they don’t have that same ability to draw long-term royalties from live performances.  

Even though Music Managers are predominantly focused on business, they’ve got to truly love music to make a successful career! They may have gone to see live music events growing up and wanted to be involved with the industry from an early age. Some are even musicians themselves but are ultimately drawn more to the business side of things. 

Because they must be outgoing and self-motivated, Music Managers may’ve been very talkative, charismatic go-getters as kids. Most are extroverts who may have held early jobs in marketing, sales, entertainment, or creative fields.