Music Manager

Should you get a manager yet, what should the contract actually say, and what’s a fair percentage - the questions every independent artist eventually has to answer, without the vague advice that dodges the actual numbers.

The New Tax Guide For Writers, Artists, Performers & Other Creative People

By Peter Jason Riley, CPA Musicians and taxes don’t seem to mix very well. Taxes and administrating the business of music are often last on the list of concerns for the working …

May 16, 2022 • 11 min read

Music Manager

Acting as Your Own Manager? Know Your Booking Agreement Basics

Booking agreements are legally binding, whether you're playing a dive bar or a festival stage. Here's exactly what should be in one before you sign.

Apr 19, 2017 • 3 min read

Music Manager

7 Stages to Getting a Record Deal Without a Manager

You don't need a manager to land a record deal - you need a real body of work, a live track record, and a press kit that makes saying yes easy. Here's the path, stage by stage.

Feb 17, 2017 • 4 min read

Music Manager

What to Know Before Hiring a Friend to Manage Your Band

Hiring a friend as your manager can work well - or quietly wreck the friendship. Here's what to nail down before you mix money and a friendship that matters to you.

Feb 8, 2017 • 3 min read

Music Manager

How to Get Verified on Spotify (2026 Update)

Spotify's verification system now has two separate badges - and neither one requires a follower minimum anymore. Here's exactly how to get both, and how to actually earn the …

Jan 13, 2017 • 3 min read

Music Manager

How to Get a Music Manager: 5 Things to Fix Before You Go Looking

You don't find a music manager by asking around - you attract one by becoming worth managing. Here are the 5 things to get right first, how to vet one once offers start coming in, …

Dec 2, 2016 • 7 min read

Music Manager

Signing an Indie Label Contract Without a Music Manager

You don't need a manager to sign with an indie label - you need to know what's actually in the contract. Here's what to check before you put your name on it.

Nov 30, 2016 • 3 min read

Music Manager

Before You Sign: The Music Manager Contract Checklist (And What to Ask First)

A manager works for you, not the other way around - so treat the first meeting like an interview, then run the actual contract through this checklist before you put your name on …

Nov 28, 2016 • 6 min read

Music Manager

Music Agent vs. Music Manager: What's the Real Difference?

Booking agent, talent agent, music manager - the titles get thrown around interchangeably, but the jobs, the licensing, and the cuts they take are genuinely different. Here's the …

Nov 21, 2016 • 5 min read

Music Manager

Manager, Booking Agent, or Road Manager: Who Do You Actually Need?

As your career grows, so does the list of confusing job titles around you. Here's what each one actually does, and in what order you're likely to need them.

Nov 7, 2016 • 3 min read

Music Manager

What Percentage Should Your Music Manager Actually Get?

15-20% is the standard range, but the right number depends on your stage, your team, and what income it's actually calculated from. Here's how to think about it before you sign.

Oct 28, 2016 • 3 min read

Music Manager

5 Types of Music Managers You Should Walk Away From

Not every manager who wants to sign you deserves to. Here are 5 red-flag personality types to spot before you sign a contract you can't easily get out of.

Oct 14, 2016 • 3 min read

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Music Manager