How To Get A Music Manager: A Complete Guide

Want to know how to find a music manager who can actually help your career? If you’re ready to level up in the music industry but feel stuck handling the business side of things alone, you’re in the right spot.

It’s something I see often – talented musicians trying to juggle making quality music, booking live performances, and managing their social media. It’s a lot for one person. But here’s the truth: you need to be ready before an artist manager will take notice.

Before diving into exactly what managers look for (and while you check out my latest beats that could help you build that standout demo), let me break down what you’ll learn in this guide:

• How to know if you need a music manager
• What an artist manager’s daily tasks include
• Ways to meet potential managers and get noticed
• What to watch out for when choosing a manager
• How to build a strong relationship with your manager

No complex talk – just real advice about finding the right manager who can take your music career to the next level. Let’s get started.

Should You Get a Music Manager Right Now?

Here’s the truth – getting a manager isn’t just about having hot beats and smooth flows. Too many talented people rush into management deals before they’re ready. Let’s figure out if you’re at the right stage for this move.

What a Manager Can Do For Your Career

A good manager doesn’t just handle marketing – they’re like your business partner, helping you with navigating the music industry. Here’s what a solid music manager handles:

Daily Support:

• Books your studio time and handles your schedule
• Talks to venues and promoters about show opportunities
• Deals with contracts and paperwork so you can focus on making music (understand how mechanical royalties work)
• Works with record labels and your producer (like me) to plan sessions

A manager’s impact goes beyond just handling business. They’re your strategic partner who helps shape your future in music. Think of them as your GPS in the music industry – they know the shortcuts and help you avoid the traffic jams that could slow down your career.

How to Know If You’re Ready for Management

Before you start reaching out to managers, ask yourself these real questions:

The Ready Check:

• Do you have at least 3-5 professionally recorded songs?
• Are you pulling in 1000+ monthly listeners on streaming platforms?
• Can you pack a local venue with 50+ people?
• Do you have a consistent release schedule?
• Do you have a clear vision for your career?
• Are you making enough money from music to share with a manager?

If you answered “no” to most of these, that’s okay! It just means you should focus on building these numbers first.

What You’ll Need to Pay Your Manager

Let’s talk money – because nobody else seems to want to be straight about this. Most management companies work on commission, typically taking 15-20% of your earnings. Here’s what that looks like:

This is why timing matters. You need to be making enough money for both you and your manager to benefit from the partnership.

Remember, these numbers are standard in the industry, but they can vary. Some managers might ask for a higher percentage if they’re investing their own money into your career, while others might start lower to build trust.

The key is finding someone who’s as invested in your growth as you are. I’ve seen artists get burned by managers who promised the world but didn’t deliver. Take your time finding the right fit – your career depends on it.

Understanding the Role of a Manager in Music

Want to know what music manager includes in their daily work? I’ll explain exactly what these industry professionals do to earn their cut.

Your Manager’s Daily Tasks Explained

Think of your manager as your business brain while you focus on being the creative force. Here’s what a typical day looks like for a good music manager:

Morning Tasks:

• Checks and responds to important emails about your career
• Updates your social media calendar and content strategy
• Talks with venues and event planners about upcoming shows
• Reviews new opportunities that could boost your career

Afternoon Work:

• Meets with industry contacts to build better connections
• Looks for sync opportunities to get your music in ads or shows
• Works on growing your fanbase through strategic planning
• Handles the paperwork side of your music business
• Seeks merchandising opportunities

Good managers also spend time learning about new trends and opportunities in the music business. They’re always thinking about ways to make your music reach more people.

How They’ll Help Shape Your Career

A solid manager doesn’t just handle day-to-day tasks – they help build your future in music. They’ll work with you to create plans for:

• Building a stronger brand that connects with fans
• Making smart choices about which shows to play
• Deciding when to drop new music for the biggest impact
• Finding ways to make money from your music beyond just streams

You want someone who understands both old-school music industry rules and new digital strategies. Your manager should know how to work with streaming platforms, social media, and traditional music business contacts.

Ways They’ll Connect You with Industry Players

One of the biggest benefits of having a music manager is getting connected with the right people. Good managers already have relationships with:

• Record label executives who might want to sign you
• Other artists you could collaborate with
• Radio stations that could play your music
• Music supervisors who place songs in TV shows and movies (how to protect and monetize your music rights)
• Producers who could help develop your sound

A strong manager opens doors that would be hard to open on your own. I’ve watched artists completely change their trajectory after finding the right manager through proper networking.

Remember, though – your manager isn’t a magic ticket to success. They’re more like a partner who helps you make better moves in your career. The best managers work alongside you, not above you.

How to Find Managers in the Music Industry

There’s no single “right way” to find a music manager. But there are smart ways to look. Let’s break them down.

Choosing Between Local and National Management

Both local and national managers can help your career. Here’s what to think about when choosing:

Local Managers:

• Already know your city’s music scene and venues
• Can meet with you face-to-face more often
• Might have stronger connections with local radio and press
• Usually work with fewer artists, so you get more attention

National Managers:

• Have wider music industry connections
• Often work with bigger artists
• Can help you break into new markets
• Usually have more experience with major labels

Starting with a local manager often makes sense. They can help you build a strong base in your hometown before going after bigger markets. Plus, you’ll learn how management works without jumping into the deep end too fast.

Meeting Managers Online vs. In Real Life

These days, you can meet potential managers both online and offline. Each way has its good points:

Meeting Online:

• Can reach out to more managers quickly
• Easy to share your music and numbers
• Can connect with managers anywhere in the world
• Saves time and money on travel

Meeting In Real Life:

• Build better personal connections
• See how they interact with others
• Get a real feel for their personality
• Often leads to meeting other industry people

The best approach? Mix both methods. Use online platforms to find managers, but try to meet them in person before signing any deals. I’ve seen artists get stuck in bad contracts because they rushed into online-only relationships.

Using Social Media to Get Their Attention

Social media isn’t just for sharing your music – it’s a great way to catch a manager’s eye. Here’s what works:

• Tag managers when you share big wins (like packed shows or streaming milestones)
• Comment thoughtfully on their posts about the music industry
• Share behind-the-scenes content that shows you’re serious about your career
• Build relationships with artists they already manage

Good managers are always looking for new talent on social media. But don’t just spam their DMs with your music. Build a real presence that shows you understand the business side of music too.

Quick Tips for Social Media Success:

• Keep your profiles professional but personal
• Post regular updates about your music journey
• Share content that shows you’re active in the music scene
• Build genuine connections with other artists

Remember to keep your online presence real. Managers can spot fake followers and engagement from a mile away. Focus on building a real fanbase – that’s what will really get their attention.

How to Get a Music Manager’s Interest

Getting noticed by managers takes more than just good music. Let me share what makes them pay attention to new artists.

Building a Fanbase That Gets You Noticed

Before reaching out to managers, you need to show them you’ve got fans who love your music. Here’s what catches their eye:

Real Fan Engagement:

• Regular comments and shares on your posts
• Fans showing up to your local shows
• People streaming your music consistently
• Genuine interactions with your content

Managers want to see that you can build real connections with fans (build your career as an independent artist). Focus on turning casual listeners into true supporters before hunting for management.

Creating Your Digital Presence

Your online game needs to be strong. Make it easy for managers to find info about you and your music:

• Keep your Spotify profile updated with your latest tracks
• Post regular content on at least two social media platforms
• Share behind-the-scenes looks at your music process
• Create a simple website with your music, photos, and contact info

Think of your digital presence as your music resume. Make it clean, professional, and easy to check out.

Standing Out with Your Artist Brand

Your brand is more than just your music – it’s your whole story. Here’s how to make it strong:

Brand Basics:

• Pick a clear music style and stick to it
• Use consistent colors and visuals across all platforms
• Share your unique story and background
• Show your personality in your content

The best artist brands feel natural and real. Don’t try to copy what’s hot right now – managers want artists who stand out, not blend in.

Remember: good managers look for artists who are already moving forward on their own. They want to help speed up your success, not create it from scratch.

Best Ways to Promote Your Music to Prospective Managers

Now that you’ve got your brand looking good, let’s talk about how to actually reach out to managers.

Writing an Email That Gets Responses

First impressions matter big time. Your email needs to catch their eye fast but not look desperate. Here’s a format that works:

The Perfect Manager Email Format:

• Clear subject line: “Artist Name – Genre – Key Achievement”
• Short intro (2-3 sentences about who you are)
• Your biggest win so far (streaming numbers, packed shows, etc.)
• Quick mention of why you picked them specifically
• Link to your best 2-3 songs
• Simple call to action (like asking for a quick call)

What Not to Put in Your Email:

• Long stories about your music dreams
• Full life history or background
• Links to every song you’ve made
• Desperate pleas or promises
• Complicated attachments they won’t open

Keep it simple and professional.

Putting Together an Impressive Press Kit

Your press kit should make it easy for managers to learn about you quickly. Here’s what to include:

Must-Have Press Kit Items:

• Short bio that tells your story (keep it under 300 words)
• Professional photos (3-4 different styles)
• Your latest release info and streaming numbers
• Past show history and upcoming gigs
• Media coverage or playlist features
• Links to all your social media
• Contact information

Make it look clean and professional. You can use simple tools like Canva or Google Docs – it doesn’t need to be fancy, just organized.

Pro Tip: Create both a PDF version for emails and a web version for easy sharing online. Keep them both updated with your latest wins.

Following Up Without Being Pushy

Following up is an art – you want to stay on their radar without being annoying. Here’s a timeline that feels right:

Follow-Up Schedule:

• First follow-up: 5-7 days after first email
• Second follow-up: 2 weeks after first follow-up
• Final follow-up: 3-4 weeks after second follow-up

Keep each follow-up email short:

• Mention your first email
• Add any new achievements since then
• Keep a friendly, professional tone
• Give them an easy way to respond

If you don’t hear back after three follow-ups, move on to other managers. In my experience, responses usually come within the first two follow-ups if they’re interested.

Quick Tips for Following Up:

• Send emails on Tuesday-Thursday mornings
• Keep the same email thread going
• Add something new each time (like a recent show or release)
• Stay professional even if they don’t respond

Remember, good managers are busy people. Sometimes they’re interested but just swamped with work. That’s why keeping your follow-ups short and spaced out works better than bombarding them with messages.

Finding the Perfect Manager Match

Let’s talk about making sure you team up with the right person. After seeing both good and bad management situations, I can tell you that picking the right manager is just as important as finding one in the first place.

Warning Signs to Look Out For

Not every manager has your best interests at heart. Here are some red flags to watch for:

Bad Manager Warning Signs:

• They want money from you upfront
• They manage too many artists to give you proper attention
• They can’t name specific ways they’ll help your career
• They make big promises without clear plans
• They don’t know much about your music style
• Their other artists aren’t seeing real growth

Here’s a simple truth: good managers make money when you make money. If they’re asking for cash upfront, that’s usually not a good sign.

Key Things to Discuss in Your First Meeting

Your first meeting with a potential manager is like a job interview – but you’re both interviewing each other. Here’s what to talk about:

Must-Discuss Topics:

• Their plan for your next 6-12 months
• How often you’ll communicate
• What they expect from you
• Their connections in your music style
• How many other artists they manage
• Their take on your current brand and image

Questions They Should Ask You:

• Your goals for your music career
• Your current time commitment to music
• Your budget for promotion and recording
• Your current team (if you have one)
• Your upcoming music plans

Take notes during this meeting. A good manager will come prepared with questions and ideas specific to you and your music.

Looking Into Their Past Success Stories

Before you sign anything, do your homework. A manager’s track record tells you a lot about how they’ll handle your music career. Here’s how to research a potential manager:

Research Checklist:

• Look up their current and past artists
• Check their social media presence and activity
• Search for interviews or articles about them
• Ask around in your local music scene about their reputation
• Look at the career growth of artists they manage

Quality research takes time, but it’s worth it. You’re not just looking for someone who can make calls and send emails – you want someone who has proven they know how to develop artists at your level.

Green Flags to Look For:

• They’re honest about what they can and can’t do
• Their artists speak well of them
• They have solid industry relationships
• They show genuine interest in your music
• They have experience with artists at your level

Sometimes no manager is better than the wrong manager. This is especially true when you’re just starting to build your career.

When it comes time to meet, picking the right setting matters just as much as the conversation itself. Here’s how to handle that first meeting:

Meeting Location Tips:

• Meet in a professional but public place
• Avoid meetings at private homes or late at night
• Bring a friend or team member if possible
• Pick somewhere quiet enough to talk business
• Choose a spot where you both feel comfortable

Trust your gut feeling about someone. If something feels off in your first meeting, it probably is.

Sealing the Deal with Your Manager (How To Read a Contract)

You’ve found a manager you like, and they want to work with you. Now comes the important part – making it official. Let’s walk through this step by step so you don’t miss anything important.

Breaking Down the Management Contract

A management contract might look scary at first, but it’s really just a plan for how you’ll work together. Think of it as a roadmap for your partnership.

Basic Contract Must-Haves:

• How long they’ll be your manager
• What percentage they’ll earn
• What they’re responsible for handling
• What you’re responsible for doing
• How either of you can end the agreement
• Who owns what (like social media accounts)

Reading contracts isn’t fun, but it’s super important. I’ve heard stories about artists who wish they’d read their contracts more carefully.

Your first contract will probably be simple, but you should still understand every part of it. Let’s look at the key things that should be crystal clear in your agreement:

Payment Terms to Review:

• Commission percentage on different income types
• When they get paid
• How long they get paid after the contract ends
• What expenses they cover
• What expenses you cover

Never feel rushed to sign anything. A good manager will give you time to review everything properly.

Getting the Best Terms for Your Career

Your first management deal sets the tone for your whole career. Here’s how to make sure it’s fair for everyone.

Think about what you really need from a manager right now. Are they handling everything or just specific parts of your career? Their percentage should match their responsibilities.

Fair Contract Points:

• Shorter initial term (1-2 years) with an option to extend
• Clear list of manager duties
• Regular performance reviews
• Exit options that work for both sides
• Protection of your creative control

Starting with a shorter contract is usually smart. You can always extend it later if things are working well.

Starting Your Partnership Right

Once you’ve signed the contract, it’s time to start working together. A good first week with your new manager should include planning and getting organized.

Set up a solid communication plan from day one. Clear communication prevents most common problems between artists and managers.

First Week Checklist:

• Schedule regular check-in meetings
• Share all your passwords and accounts
• Create a shared calendar
• Make a 90-day action plan
• Set clear goals and deadlines

The music industry runs on relationships, and the one with your manager might be the most important one you’ll have. Take time to build trust and understanding.

Building Trust Tips:

• Be honest about your goals and fears
• Keep your commitments
• Communicate clearly and often
• Ask questions when you’re unsure
• Respect each other’s time and energy

Remember, your manager works for you, but you’re still a team. The best artist-manager relationships are built on mutual respect and clear communication.

Your Next Move: From Artist to Professional

Getting a music manager isn’t just about finding someone to handle your business – it’s about being ready for the next level of your career. The best managers don’t only create success; they amplify it. So while you’re searching for the right management partner, keep pushing your music forward.

Speaking of leveling up your sound – I’ve got something special for serious artists. I’m offering 5 of my premium beats completely free, and yes, you can use them for profit.

Grab them now and start creating the music that will make managers stop scrolling and start listening. Your next big track could be waiting.