So, you’ve hit that sweet note with your band, and things are getting serious. Congrats! With great power chords come great responsibilities. Think of a band manager as a guiding star who can make or break your musical journey.
Rewind a few decades, and the primary job of a band manager was booking gigs and handling some press. Fast forward to today, and oh boy, have things changed!
A band manager’s role now extends far beyond getting you stage time. One of the most significant changes? The art and science of music distribution.
With the rise of streaming platforms and digital media, it’s not just about making music — it’s about ensuring that music reaches the ears of your fans, wherever they might be. This isn’t the age where you just slap your track on a CD and call it a day.
Understanding music distribution platforms, getting to grips with online strategies, and knowing the ins and outs of digital rights are all in a day’s work for today’s band manager. If they aren’t talking about distribution avenues, you might as well be playing your hit single on mute!
From The Beatles to Beyoncé, every top act has had a trusty manager by their side. Still, how do you ensure you’re shaking hands with the next Brian Epstein and not a dud? Buckle up, rockstars, because we’re about to unveil the red flags that’ll keep you from hitting a sour note with your potential manager.
1. Lack of Clear Communication
When it comes to picking a band manager, good communication isn’t just crucial; it’s non-negotiable. If you find a potential manager being vague about plans, evading questions, or constantly “getting back to you,” you might have a problem on your hands.
Imagine you’ve got a gig lined up, but the specifics are all over the place. Venue, time, equipment, and soundcheck are all unanswered questions. The D-day is nearing, and your manager is still “figuring things out.” Sounds like a nightmare, right? That’s precisely what a lack of communication can create.
Ensure you’re on the same frequency (pun intended!) with your manager from the get-go.
2. Doesn’t Understand Digital Ecosystems
Welcome to the 21st century, where your music can travel from Nashville to Nepal in a nanosecond, thanks to the digital world. It’s where SoundCloud rappers become Grammy winners and where TikTok tunes can top the charts. Your potential manager needs to navigate this digital jungle like Tarzan swinging on a vine!
If they’re still stuck in the MySpace era, or if Spotify and Apple Music are foreign concepts to them, you might want to reconsider. It’s not just about uploading your songs somewhere online. It’s about leveraging platforms, understanding algorithms, and making sure your new summer jam doesn’t get lost in the vast ocean of the internet.
Your manager should be as familiar with digital music strategies as a guitarist is with his six strings. Otherwise, your band’s digital presence could hit a flat note.
3. Overpromising and Under-Delivering
“We’ll get you on a world tour in six months!” “You’ll be dining with top record execs by next week!” Sounds fantastic, right? But unless your potential manager has a magic lamp stashed somewhere, such grandiose claims might be too good to be true.
It’s fantastic to have an optimistic manager who sees your band’s potential. Still, there’s a thin line between positive ambition and lofty daydreams.
Overpromising can lead to disappointments, misaligned expectations, and missed opportunities. It’s essential to find someone who sets realistic, achievable goals and then hustles hard to exceed them. So, while shooting for the stars is admirable, make sure you’ve got a reliable spaceship first!
4. Ambiguity about Finances
Moolah, greenbacks, bucks — whatever you call it, money matters. And when it comes to managing your band’s earnings, there’s no room for shady business. If your potential manager is vague about financial arrangements, commissions, or how the revenue pie is sliced, it’s a glaring red flag.
Remember, this isn’t just about cash. It’s about trust. A transparent financial arrangement ensures everyone gets their fair share and feels valued.
From concert ticket sales to online streaming revenues, every penny should be accounted for. Think of it as a duet with both parties harmonizing perfectly. If things seem out of tune, it might be time to change the track.
Encore Essentials: Making the Right Managerial Match
In the grand concert of your musical journey, a band manager is the unsung hero behind the scenes. While the stage lights and fan chants might dazzle, it’s essential to ensure you’re harmonizing with a manager who truly gets your groove.
Stay attuned to these red flags, and you’re on the path to a standing ovation. Here’s to chart-topping success!
