10 things to consider when selecting Artist Management
Selecting the right artist management can make a significant difference in an artist's career trajectory. Good management can help you navigate the complex and competitive music industry, open doors for you, and provide valuable guidance and support. Here are the top 10 things to consider when selecting artist management:
Experience: One of the most important factors to consider when selecting artist management is their experience. Look for a management team with a proven track record in the industry of choice, particularly in talent management, negotiations, and networking. Make sure the team has worked with artists in your genre and has experience in managing careers similar to yours.
Compatibility: Compatibility is key when selecting artist management. It's important to find a team that understands your music and your vision, shares your values and priorities, and with whom you can communicate effectively. A good management team should be open to your ideas and receptive to feedback.
Communication: Effective communication is critical when working with artist management. You need a team that is responsive and available to discuss any concerns or questions you may have. Make sure you and your team establish clear communication expectations and check-ins to ensure you are both on the same page.
Industry Connections: Good artist management should have established relationships with key players in the industry, including record labels, publishers, booking agents, and other industry professionals. They should be able to help you connect with people who can help further your career and provide opportunities that you might not otherwise have access to.
Financial Management: Good management should have experience managing budgets and finances and be able to provide guidance on how to make the most of your earnings. It's important to establish clear expectations and agreements about financial compensation and expenses, including how you will split revenue from your music and other income streams.
Mental Health and Wellbeing: The music industry can be a challenging and demanding environment that can impact an artist's mental health and wellbeing. When selecting artist management, it's important to find a team that prioritises your mental health and wellbeing. Look for a team that has experience working with artists and understands the unique pressures of the industry. They should be able to provide support and resources to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, such as on-hand industry experience counseling and access to artist wellbeing program support.These resources can include support for stress management, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and other issues that can arise in the industry. A good management team should also be able to help you establish healthy boundaries and work schedules that promote your overall wellbeing.
Marketing and Promotion: An artist management team should have a solid understanding of how to market and promote your music effectively. This includes developing social media strategies, public relations, advertising, and other marketing tactics. They should be able to work with you to develop a strong brand identity and help you stand out from the crowd.
Goal-Setting: Working with artist management should help you achieve your goals and make progress in your career. A good team will work with you to establish realistic short-term and long-term goals, including developing a clear plan for touring, recording, and releasing new music.
Contract Negotiation: Negotiating contracts can be complex, so it's important to have a management team that has experience in this area. They should be able to negotiate favorable terms on your behalf for recording contracts, publishing agreements, and licensing deals.
Trust: Ultimately, you need to find artist management you can trust. Look for a team that is honest, reliable, and ethical in their business practices. They should be transparent about their plans and strategies and have your best interests at heart.
Selecting the right artist management is a critical decision that can significantly impact your career and overall well-being. So take this list into consideration when looking for a productive, successful and healthy creative career.