Many successful artists today do not have managers. But should you follow their path?
One example of an artist who’s doing the manager-free route is Canadian rapper Tom McDonald (our client). He does everything all by himself.
No manager, no label, and ran everything…including his merch store!
He’s very creative and by the time we started working with him, he had already had 2-3 years of SKUs on his Squarespace E-commerce site.
He would often come up with a concept for a design which he would then release to his 3 million plus followers on YouTube and 600,000 followers on Instagram.
So sure, it’s very much possible. It’s quite liberating and you get more profit.
NEVERTHELESS…
It can’t be denied that managers are still (and will always be) helpful to artists—especially to the new ones who know nothing about the industry.
Before they got to that manager-free point, they definitely needed the expertise and hard work of their managers.
Simply put, you need a manager…until you reach a point when you don’t.
You might argue that this is the year 2023—that you have access to everything and you can do everything on your own. Well, can you do it well? If you strongly believe you can, then go ahead!
But if you’re having a hard time deciding for yourself, then you DO need a manager who knows the ropes.
To help you make a decision before you sign a contract or fire someone, here are some advantages and disadvantages of having a manager.
Table of Contents
IT’S KANYE’S FAULT.
Remember April 25th of 2018? That was such a field day for both music journalists and fans. Kanye West is by far one of the most memorable artists when we talk about this topic, especially with how he broke the news to the public.
Just like a true no-manager artist, Kanye delivered the news himself instead of doing it through a news outlet. He tweeted the following tweets below on April 25, 2018, declaring his independence.
“I’m nobody’s client’”
“I no longer have a manager. I can’t be managed”
Following this, he has expressed lots of support for far right figures which caused widespread concern from his fans. He also talked about running for presidency, which was so Kanye West.
BUT CAN WE REALLY BLAME HIM? DON’T WE ALL JUST WANT TO BE FREE?
LET’S GO STRAIGHT TO THE PROS AND CONS!
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PROS OF HAVING A MANAGER
#1. THEY HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF AND CONNECTIONS IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
Managers are music industry professionals.
They know its ins and outs. They know what to do and know the people who can help you.
So if you’re just starting out in your career and don’t know much about the industry, then it’s a wise decision to hire a manager. Though you still have to make sure they’re good and are working for your best interest.
#2. THEY CAN GIVE YOU UNBIASED OPINIONS
Don’t really have a sound of your own yet?
Or maybe you’re having a hard time deciding on an image to project?
Then a manager may just be what you need.
Unlike family and friends, managers can 100 percent give you unbiased opinions. Additionally, they will be able to give constructive criticism without you feeling too hurt to talk to them again.
#3. THEY WILL BE YOUR REFEREE
If you’re a band, then having a manager may just be the right choice.
This is especially true for bands with members that always clash in ideas, because there will always come a time when they get into fights.
They will help prevent egos from exploding that may cause a rift which will eventually result in disbandment.
#4. THEY HELP YOU BUILD THAT PROFESSIONAL IMAGE
A manager is your representative.
When you have someone speaking on your behalf, maybe to the press or to companies that you want to or want you to work with, then you appear more professional.
Having a representative also makes it easier for you to be taken seriously.
#5. THEY UNBURDEN YOU WITH THE BUSINESS SIDE OF THINGS
There are a lot of artists that enter the industry not knowing that there is much business work to be done if they want to succeed in it.
With the help of a manager, an artist can focus on their craft and improve their creativity.
#6. THEY WILL GET YOU YOUR TALENT’S WORTH
In a world where you can be exploited, your manager will be your advocate.
They will be the ones to negotiate things for you, and get you the right payment for your service.
If you’re new to the industry then you might want to have a manager to avoid getting underpaid and overworked.
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CONS OF HAVING A MANAGER
Seeing musicians in the industry, I’m sure you’ve picked up some ideas on how they are handled. It may or may not be to your liking.
So if you don’t like it and are capable enough to be your own manager, then here are more reasons why you should not have one.
#1. THEY WILL COST YOU A FORTUNE
Managers are not family or friends—they’re employees. As I’ve said, they’re professionals, so of course they will have to get paid. Even if your manager is your sister, you still have to pay her!
And…they’re hella expensive, so if you’ve got no money for that and have not much income then that would be bad.
Most managers usually get to earn 10–30 percent of their artists gross income so if you don’t have much, then they’ll just be reducing your paycheck.
#2. THEY WILL NOT ALWAYS AGREE WITH YOU
These disagreements can stem from the talks you’ll have about projects you want or will have to take.
You see, you definitely will not be liking all of the projects presented to you, but your manager might.
And if you’re a band, then it might just get too chaotic when the manager joins in the fight. There are bands who do not need referees.
That’s something to think about, because managers will definitely be meddling with things and you might not want that.
#3.THEY MIGHT BE CONTROLLING
If you’re a newbie in this industry, this is one of the most important reasons why it can be annoying.
Managers can be controlling and very demanding, and if you don’t have that assertive attitude, then you might just get controlled and trapped. But if you really need a manager, then you have to be wary of this and proceed with caution.
TL: DR;
Needing a manager depends on your state or status as a musician. If you’re just starting out and don’t really know how things work, then it might be more beneficial to have one.
If you think you can do it on your own, then you probably can live without one.
And, of course, you have to make sure that they’re a good one because it can be fun (and ultra beneficial) to have an awesome manager.
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James Hill is a veteran of the music industry. He first worked at Warner Reprise Records then later joined Interscope/ Geffen Records where he managed producers and songwriters and got his first platinum record for Keyshia Cole’s The Way It Is. He is now helping indie artists with branding and manufacturing through his company Unified Manufacturing, a CD/DVD/vinyl and merch company in LA.
