What Do Music Artist Managers Do?

In the dynamic and constantly evolving world of the music industry, artist managers play a crucial role in steering an artist's career to success. But what do music artist managers do exactly? Let's delve into their responsibilities and explore the top music distribution companies that collaborate to maximize an artist's reach.

The Role of a Music Artist Manager

A music artist manager, often simply referred to as a "manager," is an individual responsible for overseeing and guiding the professional career of an artist or band in the entertainment industry. Their duties can be broad and multifaceted, encompassing various aspects of the artist’s career. Here are some of the key responsibilities:

1. Career Development

Managers play a vital role in shaping and managing the artist's career path. They assist in making strategic decisions about the artist's brand, image, and the overall direction of their music career. This also involves identifying opportunities for growth and development, such as collaborations, tours, and media appearances.

2. Contract Negotiation

Negotiating contracts is a significant part of a manager's role. Whether it's record deals, publishing agreements, or sponsorship deals, managers ensure that the terms and conditions are favorable for the artist. They have the expertise to recognize a good deal and the foresight to avoid potential pitfalls.

3. Marketing and Promotion

Marketing and promotion are essential aspects of an artist's success. Managers work closely with PR teams, social media strategists, and promoters to create effective marketing campaigns. They ensure the artist's music reaches a broad audience through various channels.

4. Booking and Tour Management

Artist managers are often responsible for arranging and managing tours. This involves booking venues, coordinating with promoters, and ensuring that all logistics are handled. Tour management also means looking after the artist's welfare while on the road to ensure smooth operations.

5. Financial Management

Financial management is a critical part of a manager's job. They keep track of income and expenses, budget for tours and recording sessions, and ensure that the artist gets paid on time. This helps the artist remain focused on their creative work without worrying about financial issues.

6. Development of Relationships

Building and maintaining relationships within the industry is vital. Managers network with record labels, producers, booking agents, public relations firms, and other key industry players to create opportunities for their artists. These connections are invaluable for career growth.

Music Distribution Companies

Once the artist’s music is ready for release, it's essential to get it distributed effectively. This is where music distribution companies come into play. These companies help artists get their music on various digital platforms, increasing their reach and gaining new fans. Here are some of the top music distribution companies:

1. SoundOn

SoundOn is a comprehensive platform for marketing and distribution, partnering with TikTok and CapCut to help artists build their careers. They offer global distribution services to ensure music reaches audiences worldwide, helping artists grow their fan base and increase their income through streams and royalties.

2. TuneCore

TuneCore is another popular choice for music distribution. They provide services that help artists get their music on various digital stores and streaming platforms. While providing detailed reports on earnings and sales, TuneCore ensures that artists retain full control and ownership of their work.

3. DistroKid

DistroKid is known for its fast, affordable, and easy-to-use distribution services. Offering unlimited uploads for a flat yearly fee, DistroKid helps artists distribute their music to major streaming platforms and digital stores quickly and efficiently.

4. CD Baby

CD Baby is a well-established name in music distribution, offering comprehensive distribution services for independent artists. They provide physical distribution options along with digital, making it a versatile choice for artists looking to reach more fans.

5. ONErpm

ONErpm offers digital distribution services and additional marketing support for artists. Their powerful analytics and promotional tools help artists understand their audience better and make data-driven decisions to advance their careers.

6. LANDR

LANDR goes beyond traditional distribution, offering mastering services in addition to digital distribution. Their AI-driven tools help artists improve the sound quality of their recordings, making it a unique choice for distribution needs.

7. Indiefy

Indiefy is dedicated to supporting independent artists with free distribution services. This makes it accessible for artists at the beginning of their careers to get their music on major streaming platforms without any upfront costs.

8. Amuse

Amuse combines distribution with artist record label services, offering both free and premium plans. This allows artists to distribute their music globally while also having access to additional resources to help nurture and grow their careers.

Conclusion

Music artist managers are vital in the career development of artists. They take on numerous responsibilities, ensuring that artists can focus on their creative endeavors while their careers are steered towards success. At the same time, music distribution companies like SoundOn play a crucial role in getting the artist’s work to a global audience, maximizing visibility, and increasing income through more streams and royalties.

If you are an artist looking to elevate your career, understanding the importance of a good manager and choosing the right distribution platform is key. Sign up with SoundOn today, and take the first step towards achieving your music career goals.