[Follow Rank: DewPoints: 13.75]

Hey everybody, I am new to the music industry and I’d live to try to manage my first band. All I really know is that I want to be involved, and I want to help artists stay organized. And of course, it would be cool to be paid a little bit for my efforts.

But really, I’m just super curious about how it all works. Since I don’t know where to begin, I am trying to learn as much as I can about how to get started as a manager for a band, and what it’s like to be a band manager. I hope there are some artist managers reading this forum who can give me some advice and insight.

Do I simply reach out to a band I like and ask to be their manager? Do all bands even have managers?

I guess not all of them would be able to pay one especially if they are just starting out.

[sgmgmt]

When I first started managing, I reached out to the artist directly with a proposal of helping them book a few shows/ rather than coming on strong to an artist you barely know about managing them — also in your best interest to wait because it might not be a good fit in terms of compatibility (personally and professionally because communal reputation is important). I’ve also discovered another band at a house show. Going up to the band and introducing yourself and finding a way to weave in interest of managing the band is more than reasonable. You will eventually start getting approached by bands to manage them, once you’ve made enough of a name for yourself for people to come to you.

I now run my management through more of a freelance booking forum- that way income is a more definitive factor. I also just feel like on a DIY level booking is the main aspect of managing along with giving the band advice to better following, music, social media, etc. but it’s hard to just get paid for “advice” until the band is on a larger level. I find this way of running my business is more effective for me and my clarity in working with people. Have a clear mission- no one wants to hire empty ideas. Come in with a plan of how you bring something different to the table. And why your advice is valuable.

when I first started I didn’t charge, mostly because I had an insecurity that I didn’t deserve it/ the band needed it more.
GET PAID. Even if it’s minimal (which it will be a majority of the time, on a smaller level). I’ve learned how important it is to make a percentage – making sure you aren’t taken advantage of- especially as a woman.

Your time and efforts are valuable and should be valued.

last thing- LOVE THE ARTIST’S MUSIC. If you’re passionate it propels your work ethic and encourages the band.

Just my two cents!!!

best of luck

• This reply was modified 1 month ago by sgmgmt.
• This reply was modified 1 month ago by sgmgmt.

[Follow Rank: DewPoints: 13.75]

Thank you so much for the response! It sounds like I have some work to do because I don’t really know that many bands. I really love music and want to get involved and this seems like a good way for me to do it.

I guess I will start by going to more shows in the local music scene and getting to know some of the people there. That makes sense what you say about coming on strong, and I don’t even know how to book a show so I really have a lot to learn.

[Follow Rank: DewPoints: 7.25]

I’ve had a lot of experience with this over the years, and I’d like to echo what SG said. Getting involved in the scene is the first step to becoming a manager. Simply by going to shows with the presence of mind to know that you want to work in the music industry, take time to observe.

Pick out the people who are working at a show and see what they’re up to. You can usually tell because many people will just be hanging out with their friends, but the working people will be focused on something a lot of the time. Those are the things you’d be focused on as a manager.

I’d start with a smaller band to get some practice personally. Take a percentage sure, but really try to learn as much as you can.

Also, if you aren’t already used to sending and receiving lots of emails. Get used to it.