A talent manager, also known as a personal manager, is one who guides the career of artists in the entertainment business. The responsibility of the talent manager is to oversee the day to day business affairs of an artist; to advise and counsel talent about professional matters and personal decisions which may affect their career. The roles and responsibilities of a manager vary slightly from industry to industry, as do the commissions to which the manager is entitled. Music managers duties differ from those who advise actors, writers, directors, etc.
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Music Managers
Music managers can manage Bands, singers and DJs. The role of a music manager is extensive; often tasks are divided among personal managers, business managers, tour managers, agents, bookers, and promoters.
Starting off
Early on in an artist's career, the different facets of management and marketing falls upon either the band itself or, if they have one, the manager. Because the band or artist is relatively unknown, promotion, booking, and touring are minimal. When starting off, a new music manager should establish a clear understanding of what the artist(s) want. This can be done through a written or verbal contract. A music managers' First task should be focused around a CD launch.
Compensation
Rates should be clearly stated initially. A manager normally gets 20% of the band's total income. This obviously depends on the level of development the band or artist is at and the experience, networks and resources of the Manager (The less developed the artist and more experienced the manager, the higher the commission)
Gigs
It is important for a band to have experience in front of crowds. Birthday parties, free shows(like basement shows), and talent shows are good experience and do not require a lot of commitment (in terms of fan pull) on the part of the artist. If the artist wants a gig in a bar or venue, expect there to be conditions. The following is a list of some questions asked by bar owners/managers (in no particular order).
- What kind of music?
- How many people can you bring?
- Do you want a door cover?
- Can you provide a door person?
- Will you be selling your demo tapes?
These are some of the main questions. In most cases they will ask for a demo tape/CD. This can be any type of recording, with any number of songs on it, and preferably the artist's better songs. The main objective for the bar owner is to fill their floor on any given night. To do this, the band should be as professional and as practiced as possible as to keep the bar patrons and more importantly, the bar owner, interested in you. This will have a positive effect on your getting booked for another show in the future. Bring as many people as you can to the show through promoting and advertising. Although most bars and venues prefer you bring a good number of people to your shows, which also helps with future bookings, it's not mandatory to do so everytime. In very rare situations for small bands, the said venue could charge the band a fee for a certain number of people 'not' showing up to the show. This is a number of people guaranteed to be present and would have been agreed upon between the owner and band previously before show night. If those people don't come, the band pays. This fee is to cover bar costs and loss of money invested in setting up the show for the headlining band, and usually implemented in larger, more well known venues.
Photography
While the artist is recording, a photographer should be found. Pictures of the artist can be used for websites, CD labels/jackets, posters, and press kit. Cost for high quality rolls of film and their processing could be upwards of $200 for 150 pictures (labour not included). Finding a photographer friend is helpful but don't expect him or her to cover material cost. Have the photographs taken before your CD designs or artwork go into production.
CD launch venue
Once a production date is given you can safely go out searching venues. CD launches are more attractive to bar owners because it nearly guarantees an audience. Consequently CD launch venues are relatively easy to land. Try to book a place where the crowd will feel good walking in and out. Presentation is everything. The crowd should be talking about the artist on arrival; not the undesirable conditions of the neighbourhood or bar. The size of the venue should be no bigger than the crowd you will attract. If the place is too big, the artist will look unimportant. A small place can be a good thing. Just make sure the stage can fit the band's gear.
Press Kit
Once a CD launch date is established a press kit should be prepared. The press kit is used to contact the press to promote the band. By this stage in the artist's career they should have a good grasp of their level of talent. A press kit consists of:
- Pamphlet with artist(s) biography, career highlights and pictures.
- A written article about the artist that the press can easily edit and submit in their paper (less work for them).
- A demo CD (in some cases the entire CD should be sent so the magazine/newspaper/radio station can review the entire CD.
- Two tickets to the CD launch(if there is one).
It is important for the press kit to be flashy and attractive.
Key industry players
Typical large artist management companies include: Undertow Music, Gremlin UK, Triskele and Wise Buddah
