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QUESTIONS FROM MUSIC MAKERS (1)

1-Do you think an independent artist, group, band.....etc. is more likely to get ahead with or without a manager?

2-At what point in ones career do you think a manager is or isn't a good idea?

3-Do you personally know of any artist...etc. that have gone on to bigger things without a manager in their corner?

OUR ANSWER

1- No, I don't think it will be very easy for an artist, a group, or band to reach "Star" status without a manager. For all the artistic aspirations of a particular musician, if he wishes to succeed as a professional recording artist then his art must be pursued within a competitive business environment. Occasionally, an artist will manage his own business affairs (or in the case of a band one or two members may assume responsibility for this task). This sometimes works quite well if the person is businesslike, but most artists are not. The logistics of organizing a successful recording career are normally so complex that the artist would never have time to deal with the business side of things on his own. I don't think it is a good idea for an artist to negotiate a record deal and then ask a manager to take over. In any event, many A&R executives prefer to deal with managers rather than artists (at least when it comes to negotiating deals), and often the artist will benefit from the additional validity brought to his project by the involvement of a respected manager.

- Thaddaeus Thompson

2- There are many different types of manager, and it is better for the artist to wait until he finds the right manager rather than be panicked into hiring the wrong one. Moreover, the artist/manager relationship is a personal one, so as with all personal relationships the parties involved should initially proceed with some caution.
The point in an artist career where a manger is not needed is: a. When the artist does not have a product, b. During the process of learning the art of performing, c. During the demo recording process, or d. Learning to sing. At this point in his career, he would rather work on mastering his skills rather than prematurely approaching a manager. The music business is just that: a business.

- Thaddaeus Thompson

3- I am a personal experience. In 1983, I started a recording career, recorded 3 CDs including one with Bob Marley's Wailer's Band. I was so frustrated with managers I decided to take artist management courses and manage myself. Although my career as artist was on the rise, I found myself doing more office work than playing concerts. I couldn't do both so I retired as artist and graduated in Business Management. The point here is not "can or cannot" do both; you could do both, but one must be prepared for the labor involved. Moreover, it is total misconception to skip a full research of the manager's job and think every courageous person could handle it.

- Thaddaeus Thompson

For further information on looking for a good manager, visit this web page where I have an article about "what to look for in a manager."

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QUESTION FROM MUSIC MAKERS (2)

Hello -

I'm a skilled instrumentalist (bassist). I'm very eager to back a big named artist or an artist on his/her way up. I have many skills and I'm a tight player. I can read music, if need be but more importantly I have the feel for Contemporary R&B and Pop. I'm even starting to write and arrange music. What does boy got to do to get the really good gigs in this town or any town for that matter?

OUR ANSWER

There are so many ways in reaching your goal of being heard or known by established bands. However, the oldest and most conventional methods have always worked best and one of them is one-on-one interaction with an artist or a band. The best time and place to do that is to remain after the gig or find your way  backstage and talk to any of the band members. Ask them where they rehearse and go prove yourself. You may also try to retrieve a direct contact address (Not a fan club e-mail address). They will squeeze you in if you outplay their best. You may also drop your information and contact e-mail and address at music sites. Hope that helps you.

- Thaddaeus Thompson
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