How to find a music manager, and whether you need one yet
The short answer
You're ready when you have more valuable opportunities than you can handle alone. Until then, a manager would be taking a percentage of very little. The best managers usually come through other artists, so ask around first. Expect to pay roughly 10% to 20%, and put everything in a written contract, even with a friend.
Do you need one yet?
You're probably ready if
- Your income is growing and getting more complicated
- Labels or distributors are approaching you
- Your release schedule has outrun you
- You're turning down good opportunities
You're probably early if
- You've barely released music
- You want someone to make things happen for you
- You have time to handle what's in front of you
- No one is offering you anything yet
A manager amplifies momentum. If the music isn't connecting yet, a manager can't fix that, and you'd give up a share of your future for it.
Where good managers come from
Ask artists you respect
Who manages them, and would they do it again? This is the best source there is.
Read the credits
Find artists one level above you and look up who runs their team.
Work your local scene
Promoters, venue bookers and producers know who's good.
Look at someone already helping
The friend who's been doing the work for free may be the person, if they're organized and honest.
Let them come to you
Keep releasing and building. Rising artists get approached.
What you're paying
Splice reports that managers typically earn 10% to 20%, with 10% of gross and 15% of net as two common models. Gross means they're paid before expenses come out, which matters a lot on a tour that barely breaks even.
A typical contract runs about three years, so it's worth asking for a checkpoint at six months or a year.
Settle these before you sign
- The commission rate, and whether it's on gross or net.
- Which income counts, including recordings, touring, merch and publishing.
- How long the deal lasts and how either side ends it.
- Whether they keep earning on your work after the deal ends, and for how long.
- Who approves spending, and who holds the money.
Questions to ask them
- Who else are you working with, and can I call them?
- What would you do in the first 90 days?
- How many artists can you give real attention to?
- Who do you know that I need to know?
What to do until then
Be your own manager for a while. You'll learn the job, and you'll be able to tell a good manager from a bad one when one shows up.
With Artistboard: it plans each release, holds your contacts and tracks your money, from $29 a month billed yearly. When you do bring on a manager, they can run it with you.
Questions people ask
How much does a music manager cost?
Typically 10% to 20% of what you earn, depending on the deal. Check whether that's calculated before or after expenses.
How do I get a manager as an unsigned artist?
Build some momentum first, then ask artists you respect who they'd recommend. Good managers want to see that you're already moving.
Can I manage myself?
Yes, and most independent artists start that way. It also teaches you what a good manager should be doing.
How long is a music management contract?
A typical contract runs about three years. Ask for a review point at six months or a year, and get it in writing.
Run it like you already have a manager
A dated plan for every release, your contacts, your pitches and your money on one board. When a manager joins, they run it with you.
artistboard.comPress kit free for life, no card. Full management suite from $29 a month, billed yearly.