What should I know about managing a band?!


Question: A friend of mine has (haf joking) suggested that I start managing his band ( a very good up and coming band). What do I need to know to get started in this line of work. Are there any good web resources I could use to get started? Any help at all would be good.


Answers: A friend of mine has (haf joking) suggested that I start managing his band ( a very good up and coming band). What do I need to know to get started in this line of work. Are there any good web resources I could use to get started? Any help at all would be good.

I've been in a few bands, but not managed them.
I do have a few items of advice though:

1. SIGN CONTRACTS. I don't care how good of friends you are with them, if they "make it", the first thing they (and probably the record company) is going to do, is fire you, and hire an experienced manager. Seriously. Just plan on it happening. So, what guys in your position to, who are SMART, is they have a clause written in the contract that states the duration of your service to them, in such a way, that if this DOES happen, the record company has to pay you off.
Get a real entertainment attorney to write this up for you. (Regular attorneys will NOT be OK to use for this).
Have in the contract, specifically what you are getting paid, etc.

2. Consider yourself to be the band psychologist and band babysitter, as well as all your other duties.
It's a common thing where arguments happen, and when a band is on the verge of success, this is the most likely time for them to fire people, and/or break up.
The reason is, suddenly there is a lot at stake, and all the things that were previously "little things", or things that they intended on fixing, are high priority... things like firing the drummer because he's not really as good as they deserve to have, etc.
BIG things that are going to cause problems!

Being a manager is a lot of hard work.
Learn the business, because the more you know, the more likely they will keep you if they really do hit it big.
Get the book "The Business of Music".
That will help a lot.

...and buy some earplugs.

Okay I'm not an expert but if you looked up something like the Musicians union web page it should give you some hints and tips. Be prepared to have to do a lot of ringing around, organizing of gigs, help set up gear etc.
Good luck hope it all works out.

Aye right...



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