Things You Should Know Before You Sign With A Manager

Before you sign any contract with anybody you need to fully understand what it is you are signing and the terms of the contract.  Not all contracts are created equal.  As an artist, you should be looking for a contract that will benefit you in the long run.  However, the manager is also looking at what will benefit them in the long run.  You have read so much dealing with what to look for; you have talked to so many people about what to look for in a contract.  You are starting to wonder if you should enter in an agreement with a manager. You should sit down and have a heart-to-heart conversation with the potential manager to see what they have to offer.  You must also understand the manager is having this discussion with you to see if you are worth managing.

 When looking at these agreements you should be looking for important issues that will affect you as an artist.  What plans do the manager see for you in the future?  Will he/she continue with the marketing direction you previously had? Will he/she have drastic changes to make in what music is being performed?  You should not just be looking to get signed with a record label.  You should be looking at the overall package of what the manger has in store for you.  Will the manager have live performances, merchandising and building your fan base?

You also have to understand that you may not find the manager that has all the perfect contacts but you might have to sign with a manager that has a vision and plan to see you succeed.  They will have passion for what you are creating and are willing to stick with you until you achieve this goal. 

According to Lee Rudnicki, a music attorney, “A management contract is a complex legal document that will lay the foundation for a very important long-term business relationship. This relationship has huge implications for your music career-or lack thereof. So, this is not the time to sign something you have not fully read and understood, nor is it the time to try to cut corners by negotiating legal provisions without an attorney. Get a copy of the contract in your hands and read it-your career is on the line.”

The beauty of music is the creation of where it comes from, so be unique and different!

Sing, write, compose and produce from your heart!