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Music Managers

by Lior Shamir

Musicians typically hire music managers (also referred to as artist managers, band managers or, if they work beyond the sphere of music, talent managers) to oversee the creative and business aspects of their careers. Traditionally, music managers receive a commission anywhere from 10% - 20% of their clients' gross income as opposed to a monthly retainer for their services.

Whereas some music managers are very much regarded part of the "family", taking the managerial role because they were close to the artist or band from the beginning (and no one else wanted the job!), others are actively pursued for their industry connections and business acumen.

Renowned music managers include Brian Epstein (The Beatles), who persuaded George Martin to listen to an early demo by the group; Paul McGuinness (U2), who has been with the group from the start of their successful career and also manages PJ Harvey, Art of Noise and several others; Simon Fuller (Spice Girls), also famed for his reality-driven Idol series across the world; Lou Pearlman (Backstreet Boys), who, aside from his music questionable music industry accolades, was exposed in 2006 for perpetuating one of the biggest and longest running fraudulent investment operations in American history.

Successful music managers have a keen sense for hiring the right booking agents, radio promoters, lawyers and other team players, and making new connections that may lead to new opportunities for their clients. Traditionally, music managers were most valued for their ability to put their clients' demos in the hands of A&R executives at well financed record labels and negotiate the terms of record contracts. Since the convergence of music media with digital media, their role has changed somewhat and a new breed of young, dynamic music managers are emerging with extensive know-how in internet and technology marketing tools, allowing their clients to compete for attention on the web more so than on the ground and make their music available directly to the consumers without the aid of a label or distributor.

MyDrifts provides music managers with the tools to find and reach new fans, promote gigs, connect with music industry professionals, and manage relationships. Learn more about MyDrifts.