Overwhelming? Yes.
But not when you think about creating a fan base by simply making great music and doing shows.
Also remember – it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert at something. Yes, I typed the correct number of zeroes there. This is the real overwhelming piece of the equation. Becoming good at what you do.
What do you think of the future of the music industry? Do artists need to continue to pursue most of these marketing strategies (in the video) in order to be successful?
I’d be deceiving you if I didn’t share my bias for Talain Rayne. Talain and I are friends. Last year, we met up in Lancaster, we drank some delicious chai, and he asked me if I would be his manager. Unfortunately, I was not taking any artists in my lineup, as I was moving to New York. Otherwise, I would have signed Talain in a second! So, my only bias is that we are friends from the same school. Beyond that, all that you need to know is that Talain is making fantastic music and giving away his debut album for free. If I were to write a review, it would say,
Talain’s music makes you want to get up and dance, yet there is incredible depth behind his lyrics. The sounds are infectious and should be featured on the next iPod commercial.
or…
If Coldplay went indie instead of mainstream, this is what it would sound like.
That is, if they are still making iPod commercials. They meaning Steve Jobs.
Anyways, you can hear my favorite song (“Dear Sister, Your Brother”) from Attic Lights below, or you can download the ENTIRE album for free. Yup. 11 tracks. Free. Just enter your email and postal code in the second widget below (and don’t worry, you aren’t going to get a bunch of “come to my concert” spam). No catch.
Enjoy my friends.
The blog, “The Music Snob” published one of my writings entitled, “Realistic Expectations of an Indie Manager”. You can read it at their website here or read it as quoted below (for google search reasons):
Today’s guest post is written by Jonathan Sigmon, aka “Sigs”, founder of Signature Entertainment:
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Many artists and bands looking to take their music careers to the next level are looking for an artist manager. Putting together the right team around your band can be the difference between being a very talented local band or being able to actually tour and sustain a living. So what should you, the band, be looking for in an artist management company/representative and what are realistic expectations from them?The answer to the first question is fairly easy. Simply look to see the results the manager has delivered in the past. Every artist manager is going to drone on and on about their connections to many industry executives (which can be legitimate or not), but the question you should be looking at for every person on your team (band mates included) is, “What can you deliver?” This sounds very business-like, which most artistic people want to run away from, but it is the reality of the situation if you are trying to make a sustainable career.
As for the realistic expectations of the manager, I think that both sides must spell this out during the contract and negotiations stage. For every manager it looks different and each one is going to have areas of strengths and weaknesses. However, there are some key questions about personal attributes and connections that you definitely want to explore, including:
- What is the past experience and reputation of the manager?
- Do they believe in your vision and are they willing to become your advocate?
- Is there a connection to a recording studio that can produce the kind of sound your band is looking for?
- Can the manager find you a booking agent?
- Does the manager have business and contract negotiation experience?
- Are there connections with a merch/graphic/web designer? Is there knowledge of your key music business websites and how to create a solid SEO for the band?
- Does the manager know of a place for the band to practice?
- Can the manager help you define and achieve your goals, as well as help decide where to invest your limited money?
- Does the manager know how to find good writers for press, websites, contracts, etc. (i.e. publicist)?
- Does the manager know how to get your songs published and ensure your royalties will be paid?
- Does the manager have connections with a photographer and videographer?
- Does the manager have relationships with any record labels in which you are interested? Do they at least have good phone conversation skills in order to discuss matters concerning your band?
Obviously, you may not need your artist manager to fulfill all of these duties, as you may already have some of these needs met (such as a practice space or a recording studio where you feel comfortable). As a band, it is important to prioritize the needs of the group and search for those attributes.
In today’s online world, you are looking for a person who has marketing expertise, an understanding of your target demographic, and is enthusiastic about you. As a band, remember that the manager is only getting paid a commission off of the money you are making. If you are a band that is at the level of only playing a couple of local shows, you can not have expectations that the manager will have connections or experience in all of these areas. However, most artist managers will look to get between 15-20% of your gross (with certain deductions). As a band, you have to ask if that type of investment is worthwhile for you. Hiring a manager may seem like you are giving up a lot of control and money, but not doing so is the mistake that many talented bands make across the world. When your music and fan base starts growing, so should your team. The person who assembles that team is your artist manager. This is by no means an exhaustive article for an artist manager, but for independent bands, this could give you a starting point in attributes to look for in your quest for an educated and connected artist manager.
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About the Author:
Jonathan Sigmon (aka “Sigs”) is the founder of Signature Entertainment, an artist management company in Lancaster, PA and a blogger at TaintedCanvas on music business, faith, and marketing.
Below is a list of artists I have worked with in some sorts, assisting them in their musical endeavors. Some of the bands I have helped form, some I’ve given advice as to where to invest their limited income, some I’ve helped with design work or connecting them to the people they need, while others I have simply provided feedback on how to make their sound better for their album (the sound engineer in me…). These are in no particular order, but thought I should give a much deserved shout-out to my friends and clients out there.
Tirzah Lemmens – Singer-songwriter with one of the most unbelievable voices I’ve ever heard. First artist signed to Signature Entertainment Group.
With Walking Trees – Electro-infused post-hardcore group I helped to assemble and do everything from A-Z with. Love these guys and their ridiculous music.
Chris Wilson – Amazing drummer who has worked with me and Sig. Ent. a lot.
Garrett Brown – former member of Manchester Orchestra and Elevate, I’ve given Garrett some feedback on his music. Really great alternative writer.
Jason Frey – Engineer of the studio I manage, but also a very talented Christian worship writer. Read More
