How to Become a Music Manager & Utilize Distribution

The position of a music manager is both exciting and challenging. They play a crucial role in the development, promotion, and success of music artists. But how exactly do you become a music manager? And what can you do to maximize your artists' reach through music distribution platforms? Here's a comprehensive guide to help you on your journey.

What Does a Music Manager Do?

Before delving into how to become a music manager, it's essential to understand the primary responsibilities of this role. A music manager is responsible for various tasks including:

• Overseeing the daily operations of the artist's career
• Handling contract negotiations
• Planning and organizing tours
• Marketing the artist's brand and music
• Collaborating with record labels, promoters, and booking agents
• Providing advice on artistic and career decisions

It's a role that requires strong organizational skills, industry knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to the artist's success.

Steps to Becoming a Music Manager

Here are the steps you need to follow to become a successful music manager:

1. Gain Industry Knowledge

To begin with, having a deep understanding of the music industry is critical. This includes being familiar with different genres, understanding the ins and outs of music production, and knowing how the business side of things works. Keep abreast of industry trends, attend workshops, and network with industry professionals.

2. Develop a Strong Network

A music manager's success is significantly influenced by the quality of their network. Building connections with industry professionals, such as promoters, publicists, record label executives, and other managers, is crucial. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and make a point of nurturing these relationships.

3. Gain Relevant Experience

Starting your career as an intern or assistant to an established music manager can provide invaluable hands-on experience. This exposure will help you understand the day-to-day responsibilities, challenges, and strategies used by successful managers. Additionally, working directly with artists, even on a volunteer basis, can provide practical insights.

4. Educate Yourself

While not mandatory, having a relevant degree can be beneficial. Degrees in music business, entertainment management, or business administration can provide a strong foundation. There are also numerous courses and certifications in music management that can enhance your knowledge and credentials.

5. Develop Key Skills

A successful music manager needs to possess strong communication skills, marketing expertise, budgeting knowledge, negotiation abilities, and project management skills. Working on these skills through training programs and real-world practice can be exceptionally beneficial.

Best Practices for Music Distribution

In the digital age, music distribution has become crucial for an artist's success. While discussing music management, it's also essential to talk about effective music distribution. Here's how to leverage distribution platforms to promote your artists:

1. Choose the Right Platform

When it comes to distributing music, selecting the right platform is key. SoundOn, for instance, is a powerful tool that helps artists distribute their music globally while also promoting it through TikTok. Besides SoundOn, other platforms include competitors like Tunecore and Indiefy. However, SoundOn offers a unique edge through its integration with TikTok for better visibility and audience engagement.

2. Optimize Metadata

Metadata is essential for music distribution as it helps digital service providers (DSPs) sort, categorize, and recommend your music. Ensure that the track titles, album names, artist names, and genres are accurately filled out. Add keywords and tags that best describe the music to increase its searchability.

3. Pitch to DSP Curators

Getting featured on playlists can significantly boost an artist's streams and exposure. Pitching to DSP curators, especially on platforms like Spotify, is a crucial step. Provide all necessary information about the track, including the story behind the song, its genre, and its promotional plan.

4. Marketing and Promotion

Beyond distribution, effective marketing can set your artist apart. Utilize social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to promote new releases. Creating engaging content, such as behind-the-scenes videos, lyric videos, and live sessions, can attract and retain listeners. SoundOn offers exclusive promotion through TikTok, enabling artists to reach their target audience more effectively.

5. Monitor Analytics

Keep track of the performance of the distributed music. Use analytics tools provided by the distribution platforms to understand which tracks are performing well, the demographics of the audience, and the areas that need improvement. This data-driven approach will help in making informed decisions for future releases.

Conclusion

Becoming a successful music manager requires a blend of industry knowledge, networking, experience, and continuous learning. By following the outlined steps, you can establish yourself in this dynamic field. Moreover, leveraging music distribution platforms effectively, like SoundOn, can amplify your artist’s reach and success. Registering with platforms such as SoundOn is a strategic move to ensure a robust and widespread distribution, thereby maximizing exposure and growth opportunities for your artists.