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Songwriting Guides
Management
What do you want a manager to do?
A manager can do much more than just post your demo off to people but what a manager does for you depends also on what you want the manager to do.
It is therefore a good idea to think about what you want your manager to do before you start talking to them. Why do you want a manager? Is it to handle people? Is it to help you in the studio to define your sound? Is to conduct all your business for you? Do you need someone to run your life while you make music? Or you may want a manager to do all those things.
A manager needs to able to approach record and publishing companies. It is best they have some experience of dealing with record companies and have an understanding of record deals. Record labels are uncomfortable dealing directly with the artist, though it does happen, particularly with the smaller independent labels. However on the whole they prefer a manager so they can talk through the cold business detail without the artist being there.
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The days of just getting a manager are over, you have to understand what's going on.
Boomy Tokan, music biz advisor
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This can mean a record company will recommend a manager they know because they feel more comfortable working with that person. In this case, do some research and find out why the company recommends this person and get views from other sources before accepting their choice.
Obviously a manager should like your music and be interested in your creative development. It is not always the case that managers help to shape your musical sound. There are artists who have clear ideas about how they want their music to sound, who they want to work with, what studios they want to use, etc. and will shape their creative direction themselves. However a good manager will have contacts with producers or other writers who can help shape your demos and song writing before you approach record and publishing companies and who will offer advice if you want it or need it.
Ideally your manager will have good personal skills. Diplomacy, patience, ability to think strategically and long term, endless energy and the fine art of salesmanship are all essential in a manager's kitbag.
Once you have decided how you want a manager to fit into how you run your life and your musical career then it is easier to put the questions you need to a prospective manager.
Things to think about:
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What kind of person do you want to work with?
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Do you need help finding contacts in the music business?
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Do you want record deal soon or do you need help in developing further so you are ready to go to record companies?
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Do you have a long term strategy? If not do you need someone to help you work one out?
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Do you want to be involved in business decisions or leave it to someone else?
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 Songwriting Guides
Writing a Song
Performing
Working with Other Writers
In the Studio
Publishers
Record Companies
Management
What Does a Manager Do?
Do You Need a Manager?
What do you want your manager to do?
Finding a Manager
A Brief Look at Contracts
Ending the Relationship
Staying on Track
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