Sooner or later the work around the music takes more time than the music itself. That's when it's time to think about a team.
Who does what?
- A manager drives the career with you, holds the team together and makes strategic decisions with you. Usually takes 15–20% of music income.
- A booking agent books shows and tours. Takes around 10%, sometimes up to 15%, and only on live income.
- A label funds and promotes releases in exchange for a share of the income. Terms vary a lot.
- A publisher works with the songs – registration, sync and collaborations.
When is it time?
When you have something going that can be built on: a growing audience, shows that sell, releases that get noticed. Managers and agents work on commission – they usually take on artists who already have something to show.
Red flags
- Anyone who wants payment up front before anything is booked or done.
- Agreements with no end date or no way to terminate.
- Promises of results nobody can guarantee.
Always have someone review an agreement before you sign – the musicians' union in your country or a music lawyer. The Musicians' Union (UK), the American Federation of Musicians (US and Canada) and Musikerförbundet (Sweden) are examples of unions that help members with agreements. Their international federation is FIM, the International Federation of Musicians.
Do it now: Choose your route – independent, with a booker, with a label or with management – and Waveroom adapts your plan.
Sources: Briffa (music lawyers), Musikerförbundet. The percentages are common guide figures and vary between countries and agreements. General advice, not legal advice.