Getting a Music Manager: The Ultimate Checklist + What No One Tells You

Article by Manuela Bittencourt – 07/21/2025

In the early stages of your music career, you wear every hat: artist, marketer, booking agent, social media manager, and maybe even your own “lawyer.” But at some point, the question comes up: “Do I Need a Manager Yet?” 

Before jumping into a management deal, use this checklist to figure out if it’s time—and what you need to know legally and professionally when working with one.

The Emerging Artist Personal Manager Checklist:

1. You’re already building momentum.

Managers amplify what’s already working—they don’t create buzz from scratch. If you’re consistently releasing music, booking shows, growing followers, or getting press, that’s a green flag.

2. You’re overwhelmed with admin.

Emails, budgeting, contracts, tour logistics—it’s a lot. A manager can take over the business side so you can stay creative.

3. You have clear short and long-term goals.

Managers are strategic partners. You don’t need to have every step figured out, but you should have a direction. Where do you want your career to go in the next year? Five years?

4. Opportunities are coming in – and you’re unsure how to handle them.

If you’re getting label interest, sync offers, or major performance opportunities, a manager can help you vet deals, negotiate terms, and protect your best interests.

5. You’re ready to treat your career like a business.

A manager will treat your music like a business. You need to be equally ready to show up consistently, be organized, and commit to your own growth.

What to Expect from a Good Manager:

• Career development & goal setting
• Networking with key industry contacts (labels, agents, producers, etc.)
• Deal negotiation & contract coordination
• Brand strategy & visibility
• Team-building (connecting you with lawyers, business managers, publicists)

Standard Commission: 15–20% of your gross entertainment income. This includes income from music, touring, merch, sponsorships, and more. Always check:

• Exclusions: (e.g., video production costs paid by a label)
• Thresholds: Some deals waive commission under a monthly minimum (e.g., no commission if monthly earnings are below $5,000)

Legal and Business Realities You Should Know:

• Managers ≠ Agents (legally speaking):

In states like California, Florida, and New York, booking shows requires a licensed agent. If a manager books gigs without a license, it may:

• Be a criminal offense under state law
• Lead to the entire management contract being voided in court

Just saying “I’m not acting as an agent” in a contract doesn’t protect the manager—courts look at their actual behavior.

This has led to artists challenging contracts under acts like the California Talent Agencies Act. In response, managers have pushed back legally, challenging the constitutionality of such acts.

Types of Managers (And Their Roles):

Understanding who does what can help you build the right team:

• Personal Manager

Your main point of contact—the CEO of your career.

• Handles everything: career development, deal negotiation, team coordination
• May have power of attorney for specific actions (e.g., hiring a business manager, signing with your consent)
• Usually hired on an exclusive basis for 3+1+1 years (3-year term with two 1-year extensions)
• Takes commission (15–20%) from gross earnings across all entertainment endeavors

For major artists, this person is the only manager worldwide and has decision-making power over contract renewals.

• Business Manager

An accountant or bookkeeper handling your money.

• Manages financial transactions, budgeting, taxes, and investments
• Often works with high-earning artists
• Reports to the personal manager

Example: Taylor Swift’s business manager coordinates her massive earnings across music, film, and branding.

• Road/Tour Manager

Your logistics expert on the road.

• Travels with you to shows, ensures payment, hotel check-ins, and venue readiness
• Typically reports to your personal manager
• Often hired per tour

Key Clauses to Watch Out For in Management Deals:

1. Power of Attorney

Some managers are authorized to make limited decisions for you, like:

• Hiring a lawyer or team member
• Signing specific performance contracts (with your consent)

Only grant this if you fully trust the manager.

2. Sunset Provision

A good contract has a sunset clause—a gradually decreasing commission after the contract ends:

• Year 1 post-term: 10–15%
• Year 2: 5–10%
• Year 3: 0–5%

Only applies to deals made during the manager’s term.

Avoid “sunrise” clauses that double-commission both your old and new managers.

3. Expense Reimbursement

Managers may cover upfront costs (travel, promo, legal), but:

• These expenses must be repaid by you
• If unpaid, they may become a loan with interest

4. Financial Transparency & Auditing

A professional manager will:

• Provide monthly statements showing income and deductions
• Agree to mutual audit rights—usually done by a CPA

5. Escape Clauses

Include benchmarks (e.g., “must secure record deal within 12 months”) to protect yourself from unproductive partnerships.

Tailor this clause based on your manager’s experience and your own leverage.

How to Find the Right Manager:

1. Start close. Look within your current network—music schools, local artists, interns, or early-career managers.
2. Align on values. They should believe in your vision, not just see you as a product.
3. Check their track record. Do they understand your genre? Have they helped artists grow?
4. Don’t rush. The wrong manager can hurt more than help. Wait for the right fit.

BONUS: A Few Legendary Managers

• Brian Epstein – The Beatles
• Col. Tom Parker – Elvis Presley
• Jon Landau – Bruce Springsteen
• Irving Azoff – Christina Aguilera, The Eagles

Some were brilliant. Some were controversial. But all changed the game. A good manager doesn’t just help you run your career—they can shape the legacy you leave behind.

Bottom Line

If you’re gaining traction, have a clear vision, and are ready to treat your music like a business—it might be time to bring a manager on board.

But don’t do it just for the title. Do it when you’re truly ready for that next level. And remember, your manager is your business partner, not your babysitter!