Prof. Troy covers band managers on today’s episode.
Mailbag
From James: I love Drummer Talk and have been listening for years. I want to go back to the very first episode you have available and download and listen to them—one by one, and in order— but I can’t figure out how to get to the very first episode in the archives and begin the process of downloading. Is there a link that will get me to this first episode? Thanks very much!
From Craig: Hey, guys! Loving all the information from Troy on the different management sources for bands and artist. The inspiration that your show gives is priceless. Since listening to your shows I have started playing Tama drums (starclassic). Started building custom drums, started making custom drum wraps, and becoming more involved with the local music scene. I can’t wait to see where your inspiration leads me next! Great jobs guys, Craig. Check out my Facebook pages for the drums.
News
Dennis Davis (David Bowie’s Drummer) Dies
Topic Notes
When To Hire A Manager
Just before or just after signing a record deal or a major contract.
The Role of the Personal manager
Advise and counsel the band/artist in all aspects. Think COO of a corporation
The areas that a manager should have experience in are. Touring, Project Management, Income, Contracts/Licensing, legal issues, strategy and visioning.
Artist Development ( think producer meets manager )
Objective eye on the band/artist sound, image, performance etc.
Objectively identify choke points in the artist development. IE weak musicianship or song writing skills and providing solutions
Provide objective improvements to live performances and strategies to create a smooth product.
Business development / Procurement
General meetings: getting meetings with . Labels, talent agencies, publishing, graphic/web development, legal, and other entities
Researching and validating suitability of the previous said individuals and professionals
Working in collaboration with other professional in your team. Ie legal council, talent agencies, graphic/digital media etc.
All Aspects from start to finish project management
Creating the task to-do list for project
Managing tasks to completion
Making the work/work-in-progress and making it visible
Managing the Calendar IE Radio promotion, new media (Internet), sales and marketing
Organizing transportation to and from said events
Touring
Helping you find other team members: Business manager, Tour Manager, Talent Agent, etc.
Working with other members of your team: Business manager, Tour Manager, Talent Agent, etc.
Monitoring Physical / Mental Health
Being the ring of defense between the artist and the rest of the world
Types of management firms
Small start ups
A friend, a business person, club owner, etc.
The intern: because drummers cannot afford business managers they get free interns usually music students.
Mid level management firms ( Cam )
People with a large amount of experience/power or influence but have not been able to break a major artist like lady gaga
Usually have a well developed network in the industry and can get general meetings easily
Big Leagues ( Q Prime management )
A least a decade of experience and with a few phone calls can make things happen
These management companies are very well established but are able to take a bigger chunk of the pie
Management Contracts
Exclusivity: They will want to be the only company worldwide
Key Persons : The person who signed you to the company is your direct representative
Terms of the agreement: Year’s / Cycles / Tours /
Paying The Manager ( Commissions )
10-30 % of gross earnings
Have a well defined contract that clearly spells out what constitutes gross income Ie recording advances.
Types of Payment Structures
Deferred: working for free until money flows
Escalation : starts at 10 or 15% then escalates to 20% as more income comes
De Escalation: starts at 20% then falls to “X” when more i[...]
