What do Artist Management Directors do?

An Artist Manager works on behalf of groups or artists to promote the artists' careers and run their business affairs. Their job is to secure the best work for their clients, for the best fee. The job may include: negotiating contracts and fees, finding and booking events and venues that match the artist's career strategy, advising on career decisions, publicity and promotion, helping them on career decisions such as which record producer to work with, or which songs to perform, and managing media relations on their behalf.

The Artist Manager's work is very competitive and can be intense and sometimes stressful with long hours. Artist Managers are frequently required to attend their artists' performances in the evening or over weekends.

Most Artist Managers advance by building a strong reputation for good client services, and attracting more top performers onto their books. Artist Managers' salaries are often dependent on the work they secure for their clients, for example they may keep between 10 per cent and 25 per cent of the overall fee.

Some managers start their career by managing the careers of friends. Others start off as entertainers themselves, and gain knowledge by promoting their own talents, and some start by gaining a junior job in a record company and work their way up to the role of manager.

Artist Managers may represent a roster of artists, and cultivate relationships with music industry decision-makers on their behalf. They will negotiate deals, and support and guide their clients' careers.

Artist Managers must keep up to date with what's happening in the industry, and they will spend a lot of time establishing and maintaining relationships, using contacts to source work for their clients. They will also promote their clients' work, and will often be involved in liaison during the music recording process. They may also organise and negotiate contracts for releases and publishing, and they communicate with the press.

Industry experience and knowledge is the key to becoming an Artist Manager. No specific qualifications are required, but a business background is useful, especially in sales. The main qualification is a sound knowledge of the music business and current trends and the ability to develop and maintain a range of industry contacts, requiring good judgement, which is acquired by experience of working in the role.