Managers and entertainment companies??

[slimcharm]

Jessica got an email from someone telling her they loved her look and voice and they were interested in managing her. I checked out the website and it looks very good. The rep was shown with a well known singing sensation though they dont manage them..So we will see what is up ..my thought is its probably a place where you pay upfront to get a new demo etc.However, we will give it a look....My question is would a legit manager be willing to pay for all upfront costs and then deduct it from future earnings? Or how does it work?

[nomiyah]

The managers I've worked with didn't put up any money. They fronted their time for 15 to 25 percent of income. Managers work for artists, not the other way around.My advice is to make sure it is clear what they are going to do for you. If they don't come through, have an exit strategy. A good manager is a beautiful thing but a long contract with a manager who is either bad or ineffectual is a nightmare.I had one that did absolutely nothing but talk. He was waiting for me to do something so he could take a percentage. I was very flattered when he offered me a contract and very relieved when we cancelled it six months later.Nomi

[matto]

Quote:A good manager is a beautiful thing but a long contract with a manager who is either bad or ineffectual is a nightmare.So true...a bad manager can actually be THE reason an artist does NOT get signed, so be very careful.

[slimcharm]

So would a manager expect you to come in with a sellable CD..and if not expect you to pay for onet yourself and likely get it produced through their producers (unless you have one) or does that seem more like a scam thing..

[matto]

GENERALLY SPEAKING, a legit, successful manager will only take a comission on the backend (insert obvious joke here ). Since they will not make any money unless/until the artist becomes successful, they will be very picky about whom they choose to represent. That doesn't mean you have to have sellable product, but it means the artist (in the manager's view) has to be "ready" to be signed, or at least pretty close to it.So it's not necessarily a lot easier to get repped by a major manager than it is to get signed to a major label. That's why it is quite common for artists to be "managed" by their parents or relatives in the early stages of their career, and in some cases those parents go on to become bonafide big time managers (e.g. Joe Simpson).I would stay away from people who, as a precondition for managing you, want you to spend a significant amount of your money on recording a demo with a producer of their choosing or such. Not saying it's necessarily a "scam", just saying I wouldn't be comfortable with this type of arrangement.matto

[ernstinen]

Quote:So would a manager expect you to come in with a sellable CD..and if not expect you to pay for onet yourself and likely get it produced through their producers (unless you have one) or does that seem more like a scam thing.. I agree with Matto. Investing "serious" money upfront by hiring a "name" producer would be unwise.In a city like L.A. (where both Matt and I live), there are hundreds of capable producers that could help create a professional demo CD for possibly $30/hr. (I know, because I've produced lots of artists' demos --- sorry, I don't do them anymore 'cause I'm a full-time composer ). I'm sure the same is true in any city with an active music scene.That's what I would recommend. Ask around who would be best to work with who is experienced in the musical style you're trying to promote. Ask for samples of their work. If you find somebody, maybe even negotiate a flat fee for a 3 song demo so you're not always looking at the clock!Good Luck,Ern

[nomiyah]

Everything in the music biz is complicated and the role of a manager is too. A manager can do different things depending on your agreement.Managers may have connections to help you get a demo recorded and shop it to a label.They may help you get musicians together, set up practices, get bookings and set up tours.They may coordinate your pr and help you get press coverage.Managers can even be involved in developing your image including music, clothing, choreography, etc.Whatever your goals and whatever your agreement with a manager is, remember that the manager works for the artist. It's up to you to identify what the manager will do for you and don't forget the exit strategy.Nomi