As an artist manager, I get countless calls from up-and-coming artists asking if I can manage them. Most simply found me online without doing any real homework on me. They don't try to build a relationship first. Most are just starting out. So I thought it might be of value to write this post and explain why I can or cannot be your manager.
The 1st thing to understand is that managers get paid a percentage of the income they generate for you. So if you are not at the point where you're making money and they can just use their connections and resources to take you to the next level, then it is most often not worth their time. So it's a challenge if you're not quite there yet.
I know what you're thinking - How do I get to the point where I can attract a manager? I recommend watching this video on Cartne: https://cartne.com/course/get-manager.
That said, if you are talented and serious, you may be able to find a manager who will take a chance on you and invest the time it takes to get you to that profitable level. But that is a longshot.
The 1st thing to understand is that managers get paid a percentage of the income they generate for you. So if you are not at the point where you're making money and they can just use their connections and resources to take you to the next level, then it is most often not worth their time. So it's a challenge if you're not quite there yet.
I know what you're thinking - How do I get to the point where I can attract a manager? I recommend watching this video on Cartne: https://cartne.com/course/get-manager.
That said, if you are talented and serious, you may be able to find a manager who will take a chance on you and invest the time it takes to get you to that profitable level. But that is a longshot.
Also, if I don't personally know about the genre of music you're in, it means that I would not be a good manager for you. This is true even if you were already making 6 figures from your music. What you need is someone who knows your industry and has the relationships to open doors for you quickly.
It's always good to live near a city where your genre industry is prevalent and to have a manager who lives in that city. That way, as they find out about opportunities, you can take advantage of them.
I actually violate this rule. I am familiar with the Nashville country scene and have relationships there. I often find out about private and industry-only events that I can bring an artist to. But the artist I manage is in LA. She can't just hop on a plane and be here in an hour for a meeting or a showcase. And I don't have those kinds of relationships in LA, so it's a roadblock we work hard to overcome every day.
I actually violate this rule. I am familiar with the Nashville country scene and have relationships there. I often find out about private and industry-only events that I can bring an artist to. But the artist I manage is in LA. She can't just hop on a plane and be here in an hour for a meeting or a showcase. And I don't have those kinds of relationships in LA, so it's a roadblock we work hard to overcome every day.
And finally, management is like a marriage. The artist and potential manager really need to 'date' first. They must get to know and trust each other.
Before I manage someone I need to know their work ethic, passions, what drives them, what their goals are, what they love and what they don't, how they react under pressure and so much more. I need to know that there are no insurmountable challenges standing in our way.
In other words, if I don't trust you 110%, and you don't trust me just as much, the relationship will not work. So I always insist on working with someone for 3-6 months, or whatever it takes, until I know deep in my heart that we are a good business and personal match. Some of my management clients were consulting clients first. And other times I found someone I know I could help and invested the time to find out if we re a good managment/client match.
Please don't let this disourage you from searching for a manager. Just don't waste your time until you're ready. And make sure that the manager you're seeking out is a perfect fit for you. Anything less leaves you at a n unfortunate disadvantage.
Before I manage someone I need to know their work ethic, passions, what drives them, what their goals are, what they love and what they don't, how they react under pressure and so much more. I need to know that there are no insurmountable challenges standing in our way.
In other words, if I don't trust you 110%, and you don't trust me just as much, the relationship will not work. So I always insist on working with someone for 3-6 months, or whatever it takes, until I know deep in my heart that we are a good business and personal match. Some of my management clients were consulting clients first. And other times I found someone I know I could help and invested the time to find out if we re a good managment/client match.
Please don't let this disourage you from searching for a manager. Just don't waste your time until you're ready. And make sure that the manager you're seeking out is a perfect fit for you. Anything less leaves you at a n unfortunate disadvantage.
About Vinny Ribas
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