What Makes a Good Music Manager?
There are a lot of things that go into making a successful musician. Talent, obviously, but also the right connections, a good work ethic, and of course, a great manager. But what makes a good music manager? What separates the best from the rest? Let’s find out!
What does a music manager do?
A music manager is essentially a musician’s right hand, taking care of the business side of things while allowing the artist to focus on their craft. They handle everything from booking gigs to negotiating contracts and securing endorsements.
A good music manager will wear many hats. They may handle PR, set up interviews and photoshoots, schedule studio time, or even help with songwriting. But ultimately, their job is to support the artist in every way possible and ensure their career continues to grow.
Why do artists need a music manager?
A successful music career involves many moving parts and can be overwhelming for an artist to handle on their own. A music manager brings expertise and experience in the industry, helping navigate the often tricky business side of things. Additionally, they bring connections that can open doors for the artist, creating opportunities they may not have had access to before.
What does it take to be a good music manager?
According to veteran musician Barry Goudreau, “It takes someone with a lot of energy, who is organized and has their act together. It’s someone who can keep up with the artists and help them focus on their career.”
So what qualities should artists look for in a music manager? Here are some of them.
Experience
It’s not uncommon to be approached by music managers early in your music career. In fact, most upcoming artists often start with an inexperienced manager.
However, as your music career grows, it’s important to have someone with experience in the industry who can handle the business side of things and negotiate on your behalf. This means previous experience managing successful artists and a strong network of connections in the industry.
Excellent communication skills
A good music manager should be able to communicate effectively with everyone involved in your career, including other artists, labels, promoters, and fans. This means being able to clearly convey your needs and wants while also being flexible and transparent. They should also be able to relay important information to you and keep you updated on any developments.
Trustworthiness
A good manager should have your best interests at heart and always act in your best interest. This is crucial in any professional relationship, but especially in the music industry, where there are often complexities and gray areas.
Good connections
A successful music manager will have a strong network of industry professionals and contacts that they can utilize to benefit their career. These connections can lead to new opportunities and open doors for you as an artist.
Resourcefulness
The music industry is constantly changing and evolving. A good manager should be able to roll with the punches and adapt swiftly to any changes or challenges that come their way.
Passion
A love for the industry and the artist’s music is essential in a manager. The best managers have a genuine passion for their job and will go above and beyond for their artists. This means putting in the extra effort and time needed to ensure your career continues to thrive.
Leadership
As mentioned earlier, a music manager wears many hats and frequently has to make decisions on behalf of the artist. Therefore, a good manager should have strong leadership skills, be able to confidently make tough choices while also keeping the artist’s vision in mind.
Business savvy
As much as talent is important in the music industry, so is understanding and navigating the business side of things. A good manager should have a strong understanding of contracts, royalties, and other legal aspects of the industry. In addition, they should be able to negotiate on your behalf to get the best possible deals for you as an artist.
Dedication
The music industry can be grueling and demanding, with long hours and constant work. A good manager should be dedicated to their job and willing to put in the time and effort necessary for the success of their artist.
Patience
Success in the music industry doesn’t happen overnight. It takes hard work, perseverance, and patience. A good manager should be able to remain calm and patient during tough times and have faith in the artist’s potential for success.
Finding a good music manager is crucial for any musician in taking their career to the next level. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider these qualities and thoroughly vet any potential manager before entering into a professional relationship. Remember, as with any partnership, good chemistry and trust is vital in creating a successful partnership.
Work with the best music manager in the industry
The life of a musician is not an easy one. Between long hours in the studio and endless tours, there’s not much time for anything else. So it’s important that musicians have the right team behind them to help them succeed. GUIÓN PARTNERS is that team.
At GUIÓN PARTNERS, we have a strong network of industry professionals and contacts to utilize for our artists’ careers and bring them new opportunities. Our team is dedicated to the success and growth of our artists, constantly seeking out new avenues for promotion and success.
But don’t take our word for it; our track record speaks for itself. We’ve worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry and have helped guide their careers toward new heights.
Trust GUIÓN PARTNERS to be the driving force behind your music career while you focus on what matters most: creating great music. Let us help you reach new levels of success. Contact us today to see how we can work together.