Finding a Manager

A very important person on your successfulare no legitimate managers who ask for any
team is your manager. Finding a good, responsiblemoney up front, or a monthly retainer/salary. If
and reputable manager is not an easy task. If youthey do, chances are they are trying to start up
don't already have a manager, you may not needtheir own business and don't have the level of
one. Experience proves, however, that you canexperience you need to succeed.
only go so far without one. But how do youAsking for money up front is also a way of
obtain a manager if you don't already have one?stating they do not believe in you enough to take
That's a tricky one. While I have a huge list in mya risk. Why would you want to work with anyone
book, The Indie Guide To Music, Marketing andwho does not believe in you? And, why should
Money, you also need to get references. Oncethey work for you if they are already getting
you obtain a list of managers you want to talk to,paid, whether or not they get work for you? The
that are also interested in having a meeting withmain point is managers only make their money if
you, and here is a partial list of questions youthey make you money. That should be motivation
should ask a manager to find out if they will be aenough for a manager.
good fit for your musical career.Once your package is submitted to a manager,
• What style of music do yougive them a few weeks to review it before
represent? • How big do you think forfollowing up. When you do your own personal
your clients? • Do you consider andfollow-up, make sure you ask them what they
pursue corporate sponsorships, etc.? •thought of your press kit. Ask them if they've
What territory do you cover? • How arelistened to your CD. Your follow-up can also
you paid - what is your percentage rate?provide an excellent opportunity for constructive
Before you can even question a manager, you'llcriticism on how you can make the
probably have to send them a press kit in orderimprovements your press kit or CD.
to get your first appointment. As always, be sureIf both parties (you and they) decide you would
to contact them prior to sending out packets.like to work with each other, you'll need to sign a
Most unsolicited press kits either end up comingcontract. It is essential that you get a lawyer
back unopened or are simply thrown away.involved at this point. You should never sign any
If you find that you decide you want specificcontract until you let an entertainment attorney
recommendations for management, contactwho has the expertise you need advise you.
major record labels and ask the staff who theyThe same rules apply to booking agencies, as do
use. That will help you determine who you shouldmanagers. Never sign a contract until you have
contact for management. At least then you willhad your lawyer look it over and examine it for
be dealing with a manager who already has aany hidden clauses. Once I was given a contract
working relationship with a major label and whothat actually stated the booking agent would
can hopefully get you a contract. Most managers,receive 5% on any and all money I earned, in
however, who are associated with major-labels,addition to the 15% that the booking agent would
will not accept submissions from anyone otherreceive for any venues they procured for me.
than the record labels themselves or high profileThat meant 5% of anything I earned, even if it
industry contacts.had nothing to do with music would go to them.
That doesn't mean you shouldn't or can't contactProtect yourself. Read your contract even before
the managers the major labels recommended andyou hand it off to your attorney for review.
pitch your music anyway. Someone may say yes!Finally, never sign an exclusive contract. If you
Most managers will take a percentage rate of anysign an exclusive contract, you will not be able to
venues or money they are involved in bringing inaccept any gigs from outside firms. It also means
for you and your band. When selecting a manageryou will not be allowed to follow through on any
make sure your contract is very explicit on thisgigs that you negotiated yourself or already had in
point. You should never pay your manager forplace as standing gigs. If you sign an exclusive
income you receive that you developed on yourbooking contract you could also wind up with a
own. Make sure you are not locked into abooking agent who may not even negotiate any
contract that will compensate them for money orwork for you and your band. Then you're stuck.
gigs they had nothing to do with negotiating forThere are only a few major booking agencies
you.that will require you to sign an exclusive contract.
Steer clear of anyone who asks for money upOne is the William Morris Agency. Their names will
front or states that they want a percentage ofspeak for themselves. You can rest assured that
any and all money you earn. I have spoken withif you sign with on of these agencies your
some of the largest mangers and managementchances are very high for getting work. If an
firms in the industry who stated this clearly is notunknown booking agency requires you to sign an
reputable or ethical behavior for a manager. Thereexclusive contract, just say NO!