So let’s say you have the talent, and you have the material.
You have the look and you have the following. Your online presence is thriving.
You have networked your ass off as much as you can do by yourself.
So is it time for a manager??
It well could be.
Like I said in Part One of this series, every case is different.
Initial stages and things you might want to be prepared for if meeting a manager:
A manager may grill you like an interview. Or cleverly grill you in a stealth fashion.
Why is it that way round? It should be…they will be there every step of the way.
If they are right for you, part of what makes them tick is the genuine want for you to be successful. Yes, they want you to do well to make them money (it’s business after all) but that will be a real slog if they think you’re an asshole. They will suss out if you are hard work or defensive or argumentative. Some people just don’t click and that is ok! You want/need to have chemistry together. You MUST check their credentials, and if you feel ok then explore this ‘partnership’ further.
Below are a few questions that you should make a note of and truthfully answer.
Try to answer these questions as they may want to know things like:
What are your strengths and weaknesses as an artist?
Where do you struggle? (Quiet in interviews…just google Prince’s first live interview and you will die inside)
What extra elements/skills can you bring to the table? (You might be a great presenter or vlogger)
What brings out anxiety and what makes you thrive? (Personal development is very important)
Be open with your answers and opinions. Know your expectations and ask questions with curiosity.
So what should you be asking them, and why…
Who have you managed and who are you working with now? (You want to find out how much love you’re gonna get, they might be too busy to look after you)
How do they see you and your place in the industry? (they may have ideas that don’t fit with yours)
Expectations of money and their cut, expenses and splits?
How large and varied is their book of contacts?
What are their expectations of boundaries regarding job roles? (They might want you to play to your strengths and pull your weight…because you are going to be a team)
Voice any concerns and be open, you have to have trust both ways. A manager will sometimes put your career before their own personal life (in some cases) because they believe enough in you or your music. Do not take that for granted.
Be patient with your work. It won’t happen overnight with or without a manager by your side. It’s an ever evolving entity and thank goodness because you should want to grow and evolve over a long varied career in music.
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