10 Things No One Told You About Artist Management

Working closely with talented musicians and assisting them in achieving their objectives can make being an artist manager an exciting and rewarding career. Before entering the field, people might not have been aware of many facets of the position. We'll examine 10 things no one told you about managing artists in this blog post, giving you an inside look at the rewards and difficulties of taking on such a distinctive career.

1. The Role Is Extremely Variable

You will have many responsibilities as an artist manager, from managing finances to negotiating contracts and booking gigs. To succeed in this multifaceted position, you must be flexible and open to learning new skills.

2. It's a 24-hour Job

The career management of an artist is not your typical 9–5 job. To accommodate your artist's schedule and the needs of the business, you might find yourself working late nights, weekends, or even on holidays.

3. Relationships are More Important Than Contacts

An artist manager must establish and keep solid relationships within the music business. Networking with promoters, venue owners, and other business professionals can open up new possibilities and support the career of your artist. I always say that a manager's value is not in the contacts they have, but in the relationships they've developed with those contacts.

4. You'll Serve as an Emotional Support System

You will be there for your artist through their highs and lows as their manager, providing them with moral support and inspiration. Being a good listener and keeping a positive outlook are crucial, even when things don't go as planned. I can consider this a privilege, rather than a burden. And on this note – you’ll have to find ways to protect your own health and wellbeing as the manager! It can be quite an isolating role sometimes, so be sure to have a strong support network around you, and take the time you need to recharge.

5. Being Patient is Crucial

Being persistent and patient are essential qualities for artist managers because success in the music business frequently takes time. While overcoming the inescapable obstacles and challenges, you'll need to maintain your attention on the long-term objectives.

6. You Must be an Expert Negotiator

Artist managers must be adept negotiators when securing performance fees or negotiating record deals. It's crucial to hone your negotiating abilities and be ready to stand up for the interests of your artist.

7. Cash Management Is Important

An important part of the job is overseeing the artist's financial affairs. Budgeting, financial planning, and making sure your artist is paid fairly for their work will all require your expertise.

8. Be Prepared to Travel Often

On tours, artist managers frequently travel a great deal with their clients. Be ready for extended travel times and frequent absences from home.

9. Not All of It Is Glamorous

Although working in the music business can be exciting, an artist manager's daily tasks frequently consist of menial activities like scheduling, billing, and email correspondence. Staying organised and upholding a strict work ethic are crucial.

10. Don't Lose the Passion for Music

Having a true love for music is perhaps the most crucial quality in an artist manager. Your desire to support your artist's success will be fuelled by this passion, which will also keep you inspired when things get tough.

More than meets the eye is involved in being an artist manager. The position requires a special blend of abilities, passion, and dedication in order to manage various responsibilities, provide emotional support, and manage finances. Aspiring artist managers can develop a more realistic perspective on the difficulties and rewards of this exciting career path by learning about these less well-known aspects of the job. With this information at your disposal, you'll be more prepared to start your successful journey in the field of artist management.

Learn everything you need to start your Artist Management career by taking a course with SMB - www.theschoolofmusicbusiness.com.

How Can Independent Musicians Practice and Promote Environmental Sustainability?

Individuals and businesses alike are taking action to lessen their carbon footprints and advance sustainability as climate change and environmental concerns gain prominence on a global scale. Independent musicians have the chance to set the standard for green behaviour thanks to their creative influence and distinctive platforms. Musicians can have a positive effect on their careers and the environment by embracing sustainability and encouraging others to do the same. This article will look at ways independent artists can change their communities and become more environmentally responsible.

1. Choose digital distribution and streaming instead

Physical media, like CDs and vinyl records, require a lot of resources and energy to produce and distribute. Independent artists can reduce their environmental impact while still reaching a large audience by concentrating on digital distribution and streaming platforms. Additionally, digital distribution is frequently more affordable and available for up-and-coming artists.

2. Options for Sustainable Merchandise

Independent artists rely heavily on merchandise sales as a source of income, but the manufacturing of clothing and accessories can have a negative impact on the environment. Artists can provide fans with sustainable merchandise options that are in line with their values by sourcing eco-friendly materials like organic cotton or recycled polyester and collaborating with environmentally conscious manufacturers.

3. Green Travel Techniques

Although touring is a crucial part of a musician's career, it can also have a sizeable negative impact on the environment. Independent artists should think about the following tactics to make touring more financially viable:

- Choose energy-efficient modes of transportation, like electric cars or tour buses that run on biodiesel.

- Select locations that place an emphasis on sustainability, such as those that use renewable energy sources or recycle more.

- Use reusable or compostable items for catering and hospitality to reduce waste.

4. Collaboration with environmental organisations

Independent artists can strengthen their sustainability efforts by teaming up with environmental organisations or nonprofits. Musicians can increase their visibility while also contributing to important environmental causes by collaborating with these organisations for events, fundraisers, or awareness campaigns.

5. Inform and Motivate Fans

Independent artists have a platform that they can use to inform and motivate fans about the value of environmental sustainability. Artists can foster a sense of community and inspire fans to adopt sustainable habits by posting eco-friendly advice, news, and initiatives on social media.

6. Support eco-friendly music events and festivals

Independent musicians can support the sustainability initiatives of the larger music community by taking part in and promoting eco-friendly music festivals and events. Musicians can support a more sustainable live music culture by choosing to perform at eco-friendly events and telling their fans about these experiences.

Independent musicians can have a real impact while also connecting with a growing group of eco-aware listeners by embracing environmental sustainability. Musicians can have a long-lasting effect on the music industry and the environment by putting an emphasis on green practises, collaborating with environmental organisations, and using their platforms to inspire change. Independent artists who lead the charge to create a more sustainable future will not only advance their careers but also create a world that is healthier and more sustainable for all.

Embracing Authenticity: Using BeReal to Connect with Fans

Independent musicians need to come up with creative ways to connect with their audiences in a world where a person's social media presence frequently determines their success. Building a devoted fanbase depends on being authentic and being engaged in genuine ways. If you have ever completed our Music Marketing course, you'll be familiar with my mantra of "humanise to monetise!". Independent musicians have a chance to present their authentic selves and develop closer relationships with their fans thanks to the social media platform BeReal, which focuses on unplanned and unfiltered content. We'll discuss the advantages of BeReal for independent artists in this blog post, as well as how they can use the service to expand their fan bases.

1. Displaying the True You

Randomly asking users to take a photo of their current surroundings and share it with their followers is part of BeReal's innovative approach to content creation. Fans can get a genuine sense of relatability and connection with an artist by getting a raw, unedited look into their daily lives. Independent artists can increase fan loyalty and trust by embracing the unfiltered nature of BeReal.

2. Making the artist persona more human

Independent artists may be able to reveal their true selves thanks to the spontaneous nature of BeReal's content prompts, which dissolves the barriers frequently brought about by excessively curated social media profiles. Sharing unguarded moments humanises the artist and fosters a stronger sense of connection with the audience, whether it be a peek into the creative process, a snapshot of downtime, or an insight into life on the road.

3. Making Personalised Fan Experiences

Independent artists can use BeReal as a platform to connect with their most devoted fans and share behind-the-scenes information and exclusive content. Artists can foster a sense of intimacy and exclusivity, strengthening the sense of community among their fanbase, by providing a window into their world.

4. Real-Time Fan Engagement

The real-time content sharing function of BeReal promotes quick fan interaction. When artists are asked to post a photo, their fans are notified and can comment as the image is posted. This immediate interaction gives artists the chance to interact with fans, respond to inquiries, or start conversations in real time, strengthening the bond between the artist and their audience.

5. Working together with other artists

BeReal is a platform for networking and collaborating with other musicians by independent artists. Musicians can build relationships, exchange ideas, and even work together on projects by engaging with and following other artists on the platform. This will increase their audience and open up new growth prospects.

Independent artists have a special opportunity to connect with their fans on BeReal in an unfiltered and genuine way. Artists can strengthen their connections with their audience, humanise their persona, and cultivate a devoted and active fanbase by embracing the spontaneity and realness of BeReal. Independent musicians who embrace new platforms and place a priority on building real relationships with their fans will be better positioned to thrive in a constantly shifting environment as the music business develops. View our courses at www.theschoolofmusicbusiness.com