#168 - How to choose the right management
We often get asked by artists about best practices when seeking management. The answer (in short) is that, when you’re ready, management will come to you - going out to “find” a manager isn’t something we’d recommend. But, if you’re in the fortunate position where you’ve been approached by a selection of management options, here’s how you make that all-important decision:
Enthusiastic about your music - This may sound obvious, but it’s important that your manager really believes in what you’re doing and willing to fight your corner. You’re going to be coming to this person with all manner of career advice, so it’s essential that they’re fully behind you as a musician.
Experienced in your scene - If for example, you’re a folk or acoustic musician, choosing a manager who specialises in hip-hop artists - while they might be great at what they do - may not be the wisest move. A manager who operates in your area of the industry, will have a much better understanding of what success looks like for an artist in your position, and they’ll also have better contacts!
In it for the long-run - An ideal manager is someone you can work with throughout the course of your career. So it's important to make sure this person is interested in being your manager for the long run - they need to be able to understand what your longview of success looks like, as well as the specific markers you want to hit along the way.
Honest communication - This is crucial, and goes both ways. You need to feel comfortable enough with each other that they openly tell you where you're going wrong, and that you can openly tell them any pain points you’re having too. Good communication is key.
Experience vs commitment - You’ve ultimately got two options here. Either, you can go with an experienced artist manager who will have great connections, but may not be able to offer you as much time. Or, you can go with someone less experience, who’s likely to be able to commit more time to you as an artist. One isn’t necessarily better than the other, but it’s an important thing to consider.
