Does Your Band Need a Manager? How to Find one

Signing a manager is a big step for a band. Not only does it mean you are ready to go to the next level professionally, it also means entrusting your musical future to an outsider. Some bands opt to ask a friend or acquaintance to manage them. While there’s a comfort level in working with someone you’re close to or socialize with, you have to be brutally objective and determine whether they have the passion, personality, instinct and drive to overcome their inexperience.  If they do, it could be a marriage made in musical heaven. If they don’t, save them and yourself time and potential grief by moving on.

Managers handle your bookings and act as your advocate with club owners, labels and producers.  The better connected they are within the music industry, the more valuable they can be for your band.  The best way to find a manager is through referrals. Talk to other musicians and people within the industry to get their suggestions and pick their brains. Find out what kind of reputation each of the prospects has, get an idea of their personalities and make sure they represent your style of music. If you are a country band and Mr. X only represents hard rock bands, this would clearly not be a good fit.

Once you’ve compiled a list of candidates, send them a demo of two or three of your best songs, a short biography of the band and any reviews you might have.  If they don’t call you to set up a meeting, follow up and call them. Be polite but persistent until they either set up an appointment or tell you thanks, but no thanks.

At the meeting, find out the manager’s vision your band to see if it’s compatible to yours. Pay attention to how you interact: does the manager really listen and interact or do they subtly brush aside your input. Most of all listen to your gut – if you have doubts, don’t. If you agree to work together, make sure to put everything in writing. A contract isn’t a sign of distrust. It protects everybody’s interest so there are no unpleasant surprises down the road.

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