A manager represents an artist in all aspects of their creative work and negotiates recording, publishing, merchandising and possibly sponsorship contracts and equipment endorsements on their behalf (with the assistance of a specialized music industry lawyer) Managers are the main liaison point between the band and the wide range of industry people involved in their career. It's also their responsibility to take on long-term planning and to ensure the band's financial affairs are efficiently administered.
They also often expected to be counsellors, nannies, personal shoppers and alarm clocks.
The standard rate for managers is 20% of the artist's gross income and most now expect an additional 10% off the top from gig fees. Hence playing live can cost a band 25% plus VAT off their fees, between their manager and agent, before any other tour costs are met.
But if the band isn't earning, the manager won't be either.
Tricky question. It varies. Some acts are capable of looking after themselves for a while at the outset, but generally if you've got a contract it's probably time to get a manager. Alternatively a manager may be just the thing you need to help you get a contract, given that so many labels and publishers no longer accept unsolicited demos. Having an established manager could be to your initial advantage.
A lot of bands start off by roping in a friend or family member for the job. The downside of this is obviously a lack of experience but if they're the kind of person who's able to learn fast, the upside is that they'll have your best interests at heart and hopefully a passion for your music.
Finding a professional manager or management company can be a long process but there are a number of places to start the search. Word of mouth is one of the more reliable methods. The Musicians Union, will also be able to help, as will any reputable music directory.
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You should ask yourself some questions when considering potential managers...
Are they experienced?
Are they reliable, honest and trustworthy?
Will they have my best interests at heart?
Do they genuinely like my music?
How many other artists are on their roster?
Will they take my views into account?
Am I comfortable with this person representing me in the industry?
Would they ever carry a baseball bat or utter the word DOBLY? |
The important thing is not to settle for the first candidate that comes along. Shop around, talk to other people and don't be fooled by rash promises of fame and fortune. There can be good reasons to be wary of signing to large management companies. If they already have a roster which includes a couple of big acts you may find yourself low down on their priorities list. Ideally, to combat being pushed from pillar to post, you should insist on being assigned to one person within the company.
When you've found the right person for the job you may be asked to sign a management agreement. DO NOT SIGN A MANAGEMENT CONTRACT WITHOUT CHECKING IT WITH AN INDEPENDENT MUSIC LAWYER FIRST.
As soon as you have an income of any kind, you will have to start keeping some basic accounts. Even if you don't earn enough to pay tax yet, you will still have to fill in a tax return. Keep your individual and band account bank statements showing income and also keep a log of any cash payments you get. All PRS/MCPS statements should be kept. File all receipts for petrol, travel, van hires and basic subsistence as you can offset these expenses against your tax liability.
Once your income rises and comes from a wide variety of different sources, it's probably time to get a manager or accountant to take over.
If you are involved in mail order or sales via a website or at gigs, you will find yourself liable for V.A.T when your annual total turnover exceeds 54K. There can be advantages to voluntary VAT registration before you reach this threshold however. Again, this is worth discussing with your manager if you have one, or an accountant.
Inland Revenue
There are many types of insurance that you need to be aware of but you should familiarise yourself with public liability and equipment insurance. People are becoming more likely to sue if they have an accident and if you are promoting a gig yourself, you could be liable. Touring bands are also advised to insure themselves and their equipment. If your gear is kept in a rehearsal room, ask the owner if their policy covers you. If your gear is at home a lot of the time, check if this is covered on the household insurance policy.
If you have a manager, they would be expected to take care of insurance matters for you.
