Any type of performer in the music industry can use music business management. As a matter of fact, artists and performers need several types of professional music business managers to help develop, launch and maintain their careers.
Those Starting Out
Fledgling musicians and performers may have spent years practicing their craft and developing their unique sound but without the services of a music business consultant, they may never be discovered. The music business consultant helps artists conceive and manage their development strategy. They assist in designing a plan to help the performer achieve his goals by mapping out strategy and recommending training and other measures that can help achieve the goal.
Those getting started in the music industry need the services of a booking agent. This is the manager who determines if the talent is worth booking and then works to arrange bookings for the performers. They also assist in developing the performer to help make him or her more marketable.
Those Who’ve Been Found
Performers who have achieved a small level of success can improve their chance at greater success by hiring a personal manager. This individual advises the performer on all aspects of the music business and may have significant creative input as well. His chief responsibility is managing the musician’s career to the top.
An Independent Radio Promoter (IRP) can be hired by a band or performer to generate airplay of a particular song or record. This person manages the success of a particular song or album through his interpersonal skills and contacts. He can make or break the success of a recording and the performer behind it.
A business manager advises the performer on all music business matters. This could have to do with contracts, finance and taxes matters. He usually has a business degree with a minor in accounting or tax law.
For Those Who Have Achieved Some Level Measure of Success
An entertainment attorney can be hired outright or kept on retainer. He prepares or reviews contracts. He should have a solid understanding of copyright law. He can also handle agreements between band members, the performer and his other managers and any other affiliations he has.
A publicist handles any matters for the performer that pertain to the media. It might include preparing press releases about upcoming concerts, tour and albums. He arranges for the performer to meet with media, do interviews and appear in news and print publications. It is the publicist’s job to manage the performer’s media exposure in a way that can help increase record and ticket sales.
Other managers the successful performer will need are the tour coordinator and the road manager. These managers control all the aspects of a road tour. The tour manager is responsible for coordinating travel, lodging, keeping the tour on budget and providing food and other services needed while on tour. The road manager supervises the equipment, lighting and sound personnel involved in a road tour. It is his responsibility to prevent problems from arising and to handle any that do.