DO YOU NEED A MANAGER? Eddie Jenner, general manager of Electromode Music, explains that the role of a manager is to manage the business activities of the artist - which include, among other things, the record deal, publishing deal, live performances and endorsements. He gives the example of one of his labels hottest acts, Teargas, who approached the label through their manager.
For this work, the manager will take a percentage of all income received by the artist. A good manager will be your point of reference for questions and frustrations, and use his knowledge of the industry to hustle for the best possible gigs and rates. Some record companies find it easier to work with artists who have good managers, as the artists are more groomed and professional - and often more realistic about their expectations.
So who makes a good manager? A manager should be experienced and connected in the local industry, but you can also go far with a friend who has some business sense, is very organized, and is passionate about seeing your music career take off. So let him take that call at 8AM, and make appointments for interviews, so that you can get back to writing your next hit song