5 Skills That Every Music Manager Should Possess

A lot of work goes into proper music management. A dependable manager should be looking out for your best interests as they promote your music.

If you are worried that your manager is not up to the task, then it could be time to start looking for a new candidate.

Whether you already have a manager or are currently searching for one, a professional music manager should possess the following 5 skills.

#1 – A Music Manager Should Be Responsible

Your music manager should be a responsible person. While it is not unheard of for a band to party hardy, your manager needs to remain a responsible adult. They need to make sure that everything continues to run smoothly, whether you are on the road, in the studio, or simply rehearsing your new music.

A music manager is often responsible for a long list of tasks. In order to take on this responsibility, they will need to be able to stand their ground and keep everyone on track.

#2 – Music Managers Need to Understand Music Promotion

It should go without saying, but a music manager needs to understand how music promotion works. This requires knowledge of the music industry. A pro manager should follow the latest trends in the industry, be aware of up and coming artists, and know how best to promote your music.

It is difficult to promote something when you know nothing about the industry. When interviewing a manager, make sure you ask plenty of questions. Test their knowledge to ensure they have a good sense of the music industry.

#3 – A Manager Should Be Able to Remain Neutral

When disagreements within a band arise, it is often the job of the music manager to get everyone on the same page. This means that they should be able to remain neutral, instead of taking sides.

Your manager should never get in the middle of the disagreement. They should simply focus on dispelling the argument so that everyone can get back to work. When a manager takes sides in an internal dispute, bandmates can begin to show signs of resentment. This could end up being detrimental to the success of your band.

If you are a solo artist, you may not think that this skill is necessary for your band manager. But, even a solo artist has to work with other people. This could include producers, a marketing team, or even studio musicians working on your music.

#4 – Music Managers Need to Have People Skills

Having people skills is another characteristic that a quality manager should have. They will be handling negotiations with record labels and are responsible for your music promotion. They will work with radio stations, venue owners, and others involved in the music industry.

You do not want your manager to burn bridges. They are representing you and your band when they meet with people. For this reason, they need to have quality people skills. An unlikable or shy manager may not have what it takes to help you succeed.

#5 – Managers Should Know How to Multitask

Almost any career will require a certain amount of multitasking. But, band managers have a few added responsibilities. They should have the ability to multitask.

This may not apply to managers that are working with major bands, as some duties may get delegated to other staff members. Though, for a starting band, your manager will be handling the majority of music promotion while also keeping you and your band focused on your goals.

How to Get a Music Manager with the Necessary Skills

If your music manager does not possess these skills, then you may be in for a long and bumpy road. Hopefully, you have not signed your life away thanks to a poorly written contract.

If possible, consider hiring a new manager. If you have not yet hired a band manager, then remember these skills. These are the traits and characteristics that you should be looking for when hiring a manager.

So, how to get a music manager that has the necessary skills. The best way to test their skills to ask plenty of questions. You should be able to determine if they are a responsible person who understands the music industry. While meeting with a potential manager, you will get to test their people skills firsthand.

While you will not get a full indication of their skills before hiring a manager, you can learn more by contacting other artists on their roster. If they have done a great job with past artists, they should have no problem getting you into contact with other musicians that they have worked with.

Source: ArtistPR Music Manager