Band Management

Guide to Starting a Career in Band Management

Know the basics of a successful career in music business management
By Nikki Wheeler

If you have a love of music and often find yourself loving new music before it finds its way to the radio, then a career in music business management may be for you. Becoming a band manager can be relatively low risk if you start out part-time while working another job, representing only one or two bands.

Start-up costs associated with managing a band are minimal. It takes time, energy, drive and talent to make a band succeed in the music industry. Use the guide below when considering this as a career.

When considering a career in band management you must:

1. Analyze your personal skills, and determine whether they are compatible with being a band manager.
2. Gain experience in the music industry in various capacities.
3. Have a clear and concise picture of the goals of the ideal artists you will be representing.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find the artists needing band management One of the most important keys to success is the marketability of a band. Find a band that has the same musical interests, career goals and work ethic as you do.

I recommend:  Search for musicians seeking management at BandMix.com and Unsigned.com.

Sign a contract When you find a band, secure business with a contract. The contract should benefit both the band and the band manager. Keep it simple, but address key issues like length of term and money.

I recommend:  Purchase a music contract package from Music Contracts that includes all of the contracts needed for band management companies. Purchase a similar package or individual contract forms from Music Legal Forms.

Put together a promo package This is a standard package that has basic information about the band that is sent out to venues, producers and labels to get gigs. It should include a very short demo CD, copies of any media coverage and a short biography of the band.

I recommend:  Print high-quality copies of your paperwork and CD labels at Kinko’s. Order blank CDs online at Shop.com.

Get bookings Be prepared to approach venue managers and event promoters to sell your band. Starting out in music band management means starting small and locally at places with reputations of supporting new bands. Booking gigs is essential for creating a fan base and getting the band name out there.

I recommend:  Look for local people and venues needing musicians for parties and celebrations at Craigslist.com. Also try GigMasters, a nationwide database for performers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Get the name of the band out there any way possible; word of mouth is the best advertisement.
• Concentrate in working in one genre of music.
• In the beginning, do everything as the music band manager until the band grows enough to need more employees.