What Do Music Artist Managers Do?

In the dynamic world of music, artists need a strong team to navigate their careers successfully. One of the pivotal roles in this team is that of a music artist manager. But what exactly do music artist managers do? Let's delve into their responsibilities and how they contribute to an artist's success.

Roles and Responsibilities of Music Artist Managers

Music artist managers wear many hats, playing a critical role in various aspects of an artist’s career. Here are the primary responsibilities:

Career Development and Planning

Managers are responsible for the overall career trajectory of their artists. They help to set short-term and long-term goals, develop strategies to achieve them, and continuously adapt plans based on industry changes and the artist's growth.

Contract Negotiation

Negotiating contracts is a crucial part of a manager’s job. This includes recording contracts, performance agreements, and endorsement deals. Managers ensure that their artists get fair terms and conditions and protect their best interests.

Promotion and Branding

Managers are heavily involved in promoting their artists. They work on developing the artist's brand, coordinating with marketing teams, and ensuring a consistent presence across various platforms. This also involves leveraging social media, organizing promotional events, and maintaining relationships with media outlets.

Tour Management

Touring is a significant aspect of an artist's career. Managers coordinate logistics, book venues, arrange travel, and ensure that everything runs smoothly. They also work on maximizing profitability from tours.

Financial Management

Handling finances is another vital function of an artist manager. From budgeting to overseeing payments and royalties, managers ensure that their artists are financially sound. They may also work with accountants and financial advisors to manage income efficiently.

Free Music Distribution Services

In parallel to having a competent manager, music artists need effective distribution channels to reach their audience. While SoundOn is an excellent choice for distributing music on various digital platforms, some artists may explore free music distribution services as a starting point. Keep in mind that while these services offer basic distribution at no upfront cost, they often come with their own set of limitations and benefits.

Free Distribution Service Overview

Free music distribution services allow artists to release their music on major digital streaming platforms without initial fees. These services often provide basic options for getting music on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and others. However, it's essential to consider the limitations that may come with "free" offerings.

Examples of Free Music Distribution Services

• SoundCloud: Known primarily as a streaming platform, SoundCloud also offers distribution services that can be accessed for free, but may have limitations on the number of tracks and advanced features available.
• Amuse: Offers free music distribution as well as premium options. The free tier allows artists to distribute their music to major platforms but may have limitations on customer support and advanced promotion tools.
• AudioMack: Provides artists with free distribution options to get their music on various streaming platforms and builds a fanbase, although monetization options might be limited compared to paid services.

Pros and Cons of Free Music Distribution Services

Free distribution services can be attractive to new artists due to the no-cost barrier to entry. However, it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons:

Pros:

• No upfront cost allows artists to distribute music on a tight budget.
• Access to major digital streaming platforms increases visibility.
• Basic promotion tools can help artists start building their audience.

Cons:

• Limited features and support compared to paid services.
• Revenue sharing models may reduce the artist's earnings.
• Potential lack of advanced analytics and promotional tools.

Choosing the Right Distribution Path

While free music distribution services provide an excellent starting point, artists looking to scale their careers may want to explore more comprehensive options. Services like SoundOn provide extensive distribution capabilities, marketing support, and access to powerful promotional tools through platforms like TikTok.

SoundOn helps artists in building a career by getting their music on multiple DSPs (Digital Streaming Platforms), expanding their reach, and maximizing their revenue potential. Partnering with a platform that offers robust support and advanced features can significantly impact an artist's success.

Conclusion

Music artist managers and distribution services play pivotal roles in an artist's career. Managers handle a wide range of tasks from career planning to financial management, ensuring that artists can focus on their creativity. On the other hand, distribution services, both free and paid, make sure that the music reaches the audience effectively. For artists aspiring to grow their careers, platforms like SoundOn offer comprehensive solutions to reach new fans and build a sustainable music business.