What does a music business manager do?

What is a Music Business Manager?

A music business manager helps musicians handle the financial and business side of their careers. They make sure the artist’s money is managed wisely, help with taxes, budgeting, and investments, and keep track of income from concerts, streaming, and merchandise. Essentially, they take care of the numbers so the musician can focus on creating music.

Besides money, a music business manager often helps with contracts, tours, and business decisions. They work closely with lawyers, agents, and record labels to make sure the artist gets fair deals and avoids costly mistakes. Think of them as a trusted guide who keeps the artist’s career running smoothly behind the scenes.

What does a Music Business Manager do?

Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of a music business manager are multifaceted and pivotal to the success of artists or musical groups. Here is an overview of their key responsibilities:

• Contract Negotiation: Music business managers negotiate and review contracts on behalf of their clients, including record deals, publishing agreements, licensing contracts, and performance deals. They strive to secure favorable terms that align with the artist's goals and financial interests.
• Financial Management: Managing the financial aspects of an artist's career is crucial. This involves budgeting, accounting, overseeing financial transactions, and ensuring fair compensation, expense management, and long-term financial stability.
• Tour and Event Coordination: Music business managers organize tours and live performances, coordinate logistics, negotiate performance contracts, and oversee travel arrangements to maximize exposure and revenue.
• Marketing and Promotion: Collaborating with publicists and marketing teams, music business managers contribute to promotional strategies, brand image maintenance, music releases, and publicity efforts to enhance the artist's visibility.
• Strategic Planning and Career Guidance: Managers work with artists to define long-term career strategies, set goals, identify growth opportunities, and provide advice on artistic decisions and industry trends.
• Relationship Building and Legal Compliance: Establishing industry relationships and ensuring adherence to copyright laws, licensing agreements, and other legal obligations are key responsibilities for sustaining and protecting the artist's career.
• Royalty Collection and Crisis Management: Music business managers monitor royalty payments, resolve discrepancies, and act as crisis managers during challenges or controversies to protect the artist's reputation.

Types of Music Business Managers
In the music industry, different types of music business managers specialize in various aspects of artist management and career development. Here are several types of music business managers:

• General Music Manager: A general music manager oversees various aspects of an artist's career, including contract negotiation, financial management, tour coordination, and strategic planning. They provide overall guidance and support to artists in their professional endeavors.
• Booking Agent: Booking agents specialize in securing live performance opportunities for artists. They negotiate with promoters, venues, and event organizers to secure gigs and tours that align with the artist's career goals.
• Road/Tour Manager: Tour managers focus specifically on organizing and managing the logistics of live performances and tours. They handle everything from booking venues and coordinating travel arrangements to overseeing the on-site production of concerts.
• Public Relations Specialist: A public relations specialist manages the image and public perception of an artist or music group. They handle media relations, coordinate publicity campaigns, and respond to any public issues or crises to maintain a positive reputation.
• Digital Marketing Specialist: A digital marketing specialist promotes artists and their music through online platforms. They manage social media, run digital advertising campaigns, and use online tools to increase visibility and engagement with fans.
• A&R (Artist and Repertoire) Coordinator: An A&R (Artist and Repertoire) coordinator helps discover and develop new musical talent for a record label. They guide artists in song selection, production, and overall creative direction to support their growth and market potential.
• Brand Manager: Brand managers focus on building and managing the overall brand image of an artist. They work on aligning the artist's brand with marketing strategies, sponsorships, and partnerships to enhance their market presence.

What is the workplace of a Music Business Manager like?

The workplace of a music business manager is often a mix of an office environment and on-the-go work. They spend time at their office handling contracts, finances, and emails, as well as planning tours, marketing strategies, and long-term career goals for their clients. Computers, phones, and financial software are essential tools for keeping track of budgets, royalties, and deadlines.

A music business manager also spends a lot of time meeting people. They meet with artists, lawyers, booking agents, record labels, and promoters to discuss contracts, tours, and promotional opportunities. These meetings can take place in offices, studios, conference rooms, or even over video calls. Building strong relationships and networking is a big part of their daily routine.

They often travel with artists or coordinate tours remotely. This can mean attending concerts, overseeing live shows, or checking venues and travel arrangements. The job is fast-paced and can involve long hours, but it allows music business managers to directly support an artist's career and see the results of their work in real time.