Step One: Consider the Pros of Hiring an Artist Manager
#1 Experience
Managers can provide outside knowledge of the music industry for your band. Whether you’re an up-and-coming group or have years of experience preforming, hiring a manager will provide knowledge that can prove to be essential when dealing with hosts, venues and sponsors.
#2 Third Party Ear
In addition to providing knowledge of the industry, managers can also serve as a third party perspective when disputes arise within the band. Having an unbiased opinion can help to resolve budding conflicts between artists.
#3 Concentrate Vision
Hiring a good manager can also be a perfect way to narrow in on a brand for your band and develop a solid vision for your group’s future.
Step Two: Consider the Cons of Hiring an Artist Manager
#1 Money
Managers aren’t free nor are they cheap. If your band is going to end up losing money or barely breaking even by hiring a manager- maybe consider holding off for the time being.
#2 Loss of Artistic Freedom
It’s no secret that a band loses the total control they started with when they decide to hire a manger. Though releasing some control may prove to be beneficial for the musician’s future, you must decide if the end goal is worth it.At the end of the day, hiring a manager is an investment that only you can deem worth the expense and risk. But the important decision-making doesn’t end there; after deciding if a manager is a right move for your band, it’s time to decide how to attract and choose the right one.
Step Three: Attracting a Manager
After deciding to find a manager for your band, you’ll learn the first step in finding the right one is to not look. No you did not read that sentence wrong—don’t go looking for a manager; the right manager will come looking for you.
With that said, there are certain methods of speeding up the process. The more buzz there is around your band, the more managers will know who you are and where to find you. To learn more about growing your fanbase check out “Super-Fan: How To Engage A Solid Fan Base.” After you attract managers who embody the same vision you have for your group, don’t be afraid to give them some control while still maintaining your own individuality, of course.
Maintaining some control of your own booking and touring can be made easy for those who choose to hire a manager and those who fly solo through youbloomConnect and/ or sign up here: https://www.youbloom.com/artist-apply/ where you can get partnered to perform with other local artists, build a steady fan-base, and even get your band on the road.
