The role of music managers – part 2

The manager should be someone with contacts in the business or someone who is capable of creating contacts.

The artist should avoid unscrupulous and untalented managers. Wherever possible, it is advisable to get professional legal advice. The job a manager does depends very much on the band and where they are in their careers. For any band, a manager should:

• Send out demo tapes to radio stations, the print media and online publications.
• Book gigs and invite labels and the media to the band’s shows.
• Network and talk to people about the band.
• Help book studio time and practice sessions.
• Explore funding opportunities for the band.
• Negotiate financial deals with the label for expenses like touring and recording.

Do managers need contracts?

In a word, YES! Even if you’re managing an unsigned band made up of personal friends and there is no money involved for now, you need a written agreement. It doesn’t have to be fancy or even supervised by a lawyer. Just jot down what is expected of both manager and band, what the percentage of income for the manager will be if any money should come in, and what happens if band and manager decide to part ways.

Many new bands don’t want to make their friends sign contracts. Put that out of your mind. When you’re entering into a business relationship with a friend, a contract keeps the friendship safe.

A management contract is a two-way agreement. It should include:

No impediments such as artist being contracted to someone else. The manager should make this clear from the beginning that he or she will take care of all of the artist’s business or a section of it, depending on what is agreed upon.

Some managers prefer to deal with recording only while others choose to do concert promotion only. It is up to the parties to agree on a suitable arrangement:

• Exclusive deal that the artist will perform all contracts entered into by the manager.
• All enquiries for live performances are referred to the manager, even if they come through the band members.
• No negotiation of any contracts without consulting the manager.
• The length of this contract is often three years with an escape route in the event that the band is not successful.

Control over money is a decision between the artist and manager

Artist should never allow the manager to be the sole signatory. It is either him with you or with your accountant. When there is an emergency it might be necessary to set up a second account or provision for petty cash. This is one business in which the artist can fire the manager in case of serious misunderstandings.

Expenses should be paid on receipts only. Generally 20% on gross income is paid to the manager but this is subject to negotiation. If the band has to pay income tax this must be deducted first. Only expenses reasonably and necessarily incurred on behalf of the band should be entertained.

Termination of contract comes if the manager goes bankrupt, fails to attend to artist affairs for more than two months or is guilty of serious breach of contract. If you think management might be a good fit for you, take a look around you.

Do you know any musicians who could use someone to help organise shows or manage their websites? Volunteer to help bands you know, even if it means working for free while you’re learning the ropes. Most musicians need managers.

Fred Zindi is a music professor at the University of Zimbabwe. This article first appeared in The Herald in 2011.

Read part 1.