By Peter Kennedy
New bands looking to book gigs and establish contacts often startlooking for a manager to handle the business aspects of their music.This is especially the case in cities with big music scenes, like NewYork, Los Angeles and Austin.
Before diving into such a relationship, however, musicians shouldconsider the pros and cons. Bands may determine that they don’t need amanager. On the other hand, few bands can exist without any management.Realistically, the choice often lies between hiring an outside managerand taking on certain important responsibilities yourself.
The main advantage of hiring a manager is that it allows musiciansto focus on the creative aspects of the music, without being distractedor burdened by business details. Sometimes, when creative people takeon business responsibilities, their outlook on the creative process maychange as a result.
For example, if the guitar player takes on promotionalresponsibilities, he may start infusing his newfound marketing driveinto the song-writing process, and try to manufacturer a “big hit” towin the favor of industry executives. Depending on the band’s goals,this may or may not be a positive development.
The main disadvantage of hiring an outside manager is that it willcost money. Typically, manager will charge somewhere in theneighborhood of 15% of revenues. Musicians should make sure that amanager only charges fees on revenue he or she has personallygenerated. If musicians can handle most managerial aspects themselves –booking shows, keeping track of money, ordering merchandise – they maydecide against hiring a manager.
Alternatively, you may choose to take on some of theseresponsibilities, while hiring a manager to handle otherresponsibilities. In this case, you may try to negotiate a lowermanagement fee. Generally speaking, musicians should pay for a managerif they are “profiting” from the relationship.
Musicians who handle their own affairs get a great sense ofsatisfaction from booking their own gigs. In addition, it is importantto gain a ground-level understanding of how the music industry works.In many cases, musicians handle their own affairs until they reach acertain level of success, and then look for a professional manager.However, in deciding whether or not to hire a manager, musicians shouldthink realistically about how self-motivated and responsible they are.
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