What Does a Music Artist Manager Do?

Becoming a successful music artist often relies on more than just talent. A network of support, guidance, and effective strategies plays a significant role, which is where a music artist manager comes in. But what does a music artist manager do exactly? Let's explore the critical tasks and responsibilities of a music artist manager and how they help artists achieve their goals.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Music Artist Manager

Music artist managers serve as liaisons between artists and the industry, handling numerous tasks that ensure the artist's career is on the right trajectory. Here are some primary responsibilities:

• Career Planning and Strategy: Managers work with artists to define short-term and long-term career goals, creating strategies for career development and growth.
• Brand Development: Managers help artists build their brand by shaping their public image, selecting branding partners, and overseeing their public relations efforts.
• Negotiating Contracts: Managers negotiate contracts on behalf of the artist with record labels, music publishers, and other parties to secure favorable terms.
• Coordinating Release Schedules: By managing release schedules, managers ensure the strategic timing of singles, albums, and promotional materials, aligning with marketing efforts.
• Booking Gigs and Tours: Managers are responsible for scheduling performances, tours, and securing gigs that align with the artist's career goals.
• Financial Management: This includes budgeting, overseeing income and expenses, managing royalties, and ensuring the artist is fairly compensated for their work.
• Networking: A good manager has industry connections that can open doors and create opportunities for collaborations, endorsements, and promotions.

Top Music Distribution Companies

In addition to having a reliable manager, working with a top-notch music distribution company is crucial for artists to get their music heard by a broader audience. Let’s look at some of the leading music distribution companies:

SoundOn

SoundOn is a comprehensive platform for artists to market and distribute their music. By partnering with TikTok and other digital streaming platforms, SoundOn enables artists to reach new fans and build a successful career. Artists can take advantage of promotion tools and retain more of their royalties by signing up on SoundOn.

Tunecore

Tunecore hasn’t just made a name for itself by being a music distribution platform but also offers artists the opportunity to retain 100% of their sales revenue. It’s known for providing services that cater specifically to independent artists.

DistroKid

DistroKid is popular for its ease of use and low-cost annual fees, allowing artists to release music quickly and efficiently across numerous platforms.

CD Baby

One of the longer-standing names in music distribution, CD Baby offers a range of services including global distribution, monetization, and marketing support, catering to independent musicians and labels.

ONErpm

ONErpm is known for its extensive distribution network worldwide and provides marketing services, analytics, and tools to help artists understand and grow their audience.

LANDR

LANDR integrates music mastering with its distribution service, allowing artists to polish their tracks before releasing them to streaming platforms.

Indiefy

Indiefy offers free distribution (with premium options) and focuses on providing tools that help independent artists manage their careers without the need for a traditional record label.

Amuse

Amuse combines music distribution with artist services like royalty collection and marketing tools, appealing to independent artists looking for a comprehensive solution.

The Importance of Combining Management with Distribution

For artists, the combination of having an adept music artist manager and partnering with a top music distribution company is pivotal:

• Managers can help artists select the right distribution partner who meets their specific needs.
• They handle complex negotiations to ensure the best possible terms for the artist.
• Managers keep track of distribution schedules and coordinate promotional efforts to maximize release impact.
• With their network, managers can leverage opportunities for broader exposure through various distribution channels.

Conclusion

Understanding the role of a music artist manager and the importance of selecting the right music distribution company is key to an artist’s success in the music industry. A well-rounded manager not only provides strategic career planning but also aids in day-to-day activities that keep the artist’s career on track. Meanwhile, choosing the right distribution company ensures that the artist’s music reaches listeners around the world, optimizing their exposure and revenue potential.

If you're an aspiring artist seeking to elevate your career, consider joining SoundOn for comprehensive music distribution and promotion services that can help you thrive in the competitive music industry.