In order to launch a successful career, there are multiple elements that need to progressively work together in order to maximize the potential of your artistry. So, what is a manager, and what do we do for you as an artist? First, you must differentiate the categories of management.
A personal manager is an individual who's primary job is to provide guidance and advice to the artist as their career progresses. Personal managers can also be characterized by their interpersonal, informational, and decisional roles.
A business manager is an individual whose job surrounds the artist's financial matters. Their job includes overseeing the artist's forms of income, and ensuring the artist is paid for their artistry.
A tour manager is an individual who replaces the personal manager and their duties when the artist is performing on tour. They will reiterate the needs that are required to be met for the artist, and will also oversee all other elements tour, including transportation, accommodations, equipment rentals, per diems, etc.
Here at Tari Music Group, we employ all three categories of management. But how do you become an artist that we are willing to work with? These tips below will break down some aspects that we believe is necessary in order to become a manageable artist:
1) Recognize and document the work you have done to establish yourself as an artist -as a manager, we get excited about artists who have obviously put in the work to begin establishing their career. If you aren't willing to put in the work for yourself, what will motivate us to do so?
2) Professionalism is KEY - when an artist decides to pursue their artistry of music as a career, the first step in doing so is to adopt a professional attitude at all times, especially when it comes to their music. This tip does not encourage artists to hold back on their personality, but instead to be prepared to exude a degree of professionalism across every platform of their career; with every performance, meeting, and industry event, you don't know who could be watching to potentially advance your career further.
3) Develop a thick skin... and do so EARLY - the music industry can be a place filled with a lot of rewards, however, there will be a lot of no's and criticisms along the way. If you develop a thick skin at the start of your professional career, you will be able to keep your overall career goals in mind, and the bigger picture at hand. Take the criticisms with a grain of salt and trust your team to help take you to the top.
4) Your Network will make or break you - as a manager, our network is based on the work that we have done, and connections we have made throughout our careers... and it will only take you so far. As an artist, you can't rely on only your manager's network in order to launch your music and career. We are here to guide and help as much as we can, but as said in tip one, if you aren't willing to put in the work for yourself, what will motivate us to do so? So, continuously make a positive name for yourself, be an individual others want to work with, and you will get the job done.
5) Continue learning - as an artist, you most likely have a niche surrounding your type of artistry. Whether that be a strict vocalist, instrumentalist, or songwriter, you should be continually attempting to your advance your skills throughout the industry; even if you're not very good at it. You may categorize yourself as purely a vocalist, however, it appeals more to managers when their potential artists are more well rounded within the industry.
