Understanding What a Music Manager Does and How to Get One for Your Band

Behind every successful artist, producer, or band is a talented and hardworking manager. They are the industry’s unsung heroes, and they work as hard to get more exposure for artists throughout their journey and rise to fame.

Managing artists is not as easy as it sounds. It is a fast-paced job that many bands overlook at first. However, the importance of a band manager is as significant as any member of the band. While the band manages songwriting, recording, and practicing for their performances, a band manager should be present to get you more bookings and exposure on the sidelines.

Music is quite complicated, and it has room for more individuals to contribute to a band’s success, such as songwriters, sound engineers, and managers. With a team of people behind a band, a band can solely focus on their music and performances—and the manager will take care of management and marketing.

For most bands without managers, it is usually the frontman or bandleader who takes charge and gets bookings for gigs and appearances. While they can manage to do that, the time is split up, and they might not be able to focus on the music. New bands might not understand what a music manager does and how important they are to a band’s career. And that is probably what’s stopping them from getting one.

If you want to learn what a music manager does and learn how to get an effective manager for your band, you are in the right place.

What does a band manager do?

Every artist needs a manager because it is too much for them to take if they don’t have someone to handle all the non-music affairs that come with their careers. A music management team will be responsible for almost everything that is going on behind the scenes, such as:

Branding

Every artist needs to develop a brand. It involves coming up with stage names, a good band name, their style and fit, and a concept around their music. It’s good that some bands have already figured out their brand, but if that is the case, an experienced music manager is still a good addition for suggestions.

Booking shows and appearances

If a band has good music and hones their craft, that wouldn’t be enough if they cannot book the right gigs. A music manager can book shows, concerts, events, and more. They would take care of it for the band and ensure they find the right crowd and the right type of event for the band. Sometimes, bad management books just about any gig, which is not a good way to build a brand for your band.

Every event must be significant and relevant to your band’s type of music. For example, you cannot play a metal fest if you are an indie or folk band, so finding the right kind of gig is essential. Good music managers should only take deals that yield the best results for your band.

Aside from booking the gigs, a good music manager will handle your schedule, ensure your tech rider is taken care of at the venue, and ensure your band is ready to play. You and your bandmates have to rehearse, show up for a soundcheck, and give a stellar performance.

Verification and licensing

New bands commonly overlook important things, such as legality and licensing. A great example of this is Taylor Swift and her battle for the rights to her music. Because she lost all rights to her music, she had to re-record some of her albums.

As an artist with a dream to become big, it is always better to stay in the legal zone and understand all the legalities and licensing to avoid suits and other mishaps. Even if you don’t have a background in licensing, any good music manager will explain it to you before you sign anything or commit any copyright infringement.

Production

Producing music is easy nowadays, and you can do it in your bedroom. However, with excellent artist management, you can get connected to the top studios in your area and have you working with the best sound engineers that will make your music radio-ready.

Multimedia

Music managers will also be there to help you make the right decisions when making music videos. This involves finding the right video team and crew, lighting, sounds, costumes, and more.

Benefits of hiring a music manager

Hiring a music manager will make your life as an artist a lot easier. All you need to focus on is your family, friends, health, and music. But one of the best benefits is contributing to your band’s development. Although you are already talented as an artist, good management will help you further improve by putting you in touch with collaborators.

How to find music managers near you?

Before typing “music managers near me” on your search engine, note that not all music managers have the same levels of knowledge and experience in the music industry. To find a good manager, you must generate initial success to be noticed. You also need to broaden your network and fit the right fit. Don’t just choose the first person who walks up to you and tells you they want to manage your band.

Although some managers are cheaper to hire, it is better if you think of the longevity of your music career. If you want to make it as a successful band or solo performer, finding the right management and representation is one of the key aspects.

GUIÓN PARTNERS Music Management and Marketing

GUIÓN PARTNERS has an extensive list of accolades and experience in the music industry. With that in mind, they are the perfect music management team to get you and your band on the right track to stardom.

They understand everything about music management and take their roles seriously. Aside from music management and handling all the non-music side of your music career—they also handle music marketing, which is a significant factor in your band’s success.

They handle music publicity for more recognition, social media marketing to have a platform for all your followers, and music promotion to ensure your music is played on streaming platforms. GUIÓN PARTNERS will do all the heavy lifting to ensure success on their part. But remember, having a band manager might help you reach fame, but that is only half of it.

You still have to focus on your craft and improve on things you are weak at. You must be able to handle criticism because music managers will have to be honest with your performance and talent.

References:

GMUSIC+ Music Management & Marketing Company – GUIÓN PARTNERS

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-an-artist-manager-understanding-what-a-musician-manager-does-and-how-to-get-one-for-your-band#what-is-an-artist-manager