How do you get hired to work for a music artist?

Answer 1

There's a few options when looking to manage a music act/artist...

First, you have to ask yourself what commitment you are willing to make for your artist.

generally, if you have made it this far its either because you have one amazing independent artist you want to manage or you want to manage multiple artists.

If you have one artist, you must be warned that you will not be able to make a living unless your artist can pull in over 20 000 worth of merch and shows per month (Based on fairly standard 10%) This is why most managers choose the multi-artist approach... but I digress, that will come later on... Your role as single artist manager is to be the direct communication and negotiation master. You need to get gigs, and not sell out your artist (unless that's what you both want... then more power to you).

What you need to do to manage a single artist:1-know people - The more favors you do, the more you can call in. Simple concept.

2-treat it as a business- This means keep ALL records of EVERYTHING! Register a business, and know a lawyer (especially if they owe you a favor). You don't need to pay the lawyer yet, just know one you and your artist agree on, that you can call in a crisis. Also, you will need to write contracts that are legit... its a lot harder than it seems.

3-SOCAN-Register your artist for SOCAN. This eliminates a lot of your problems.

4-Press-Find ways to get your artist heard. Start a website (you should front the costs for this... as you should with all little things... the more you do for your artist, the more they wont drop you when they hit the big times. Think about where you are going to play. Have these people been exposed to this music before? Why not? Fix that.

5-Shows-

Get shows for your artist. If you are playing in new turf, consider touring as an opening act at first... you can cheaply and quickly create a fanbase that will prove inevitable.

Basically, you need to play it smart. You also need to know that you wont be making more than 10% of your artists profits (If you can think you can get more, you wont. If you can, your taking advantage of an artist). This is why most people manage multiple artists.

Its all the same, but your taking your artists needs and juggling it all with your other artists needs. You will eventually need assistance, use your own judgment.

You will also be making more. 10% isn't much... x 10 artists, your making as much as one of them. Have 20 artists on your label? Your doubling your artists pay.

All in all its a very stressful career choice, but an enjoyable small venture if you have the time.

Hope this helps your search

ACM

Answer 2

Just got to know people.