Being a manager part 2

[BrettB]

Hi all,

most of you will remember I posted a thread a few months ago about a fellow band who had great potential but had an obvious lack of so called PR. If they keep on going like they are doing now, they continue to play in their garage for the next 5 years or so. They asked me to be their manager recentely and I asked some advice on this board about my rights as a manager. And there was also something else that bothered me, the emotional aspect: I would freak out if these guys got singed by a major label thanx to my manager work while I end up nothing.

I am going to accept the manager proposal this evening, when we are goind to discuss it, but I'm going to put a strange condition with it: I'm going to say that I only want to do it, if I get the (written) garantee that if they get signed by a label during the time I am their manager (let's say a couple of years to begin with), I must be involved with the recording/mixing proces as producer or at last co-producer if they got offered a big production name off course. Off Course the chance they get a deal is not that hughe, but I got to prepared.

I know most of you will think this is a crazy idea: as a manager I have nothing to do with the musical aspect. But we know very well, and they trust in my producing capabilities and we're just great friends. With the recording of their first demo, produced by their own keyboardplayer, they asked me regulary to visit them in their homestudio and co-operation went great.

So I think this is a win-win situation for both. I try to help tem get out of their isolation, and I have tha garantuee I won't be dropped as a brick when they get succes due to my work.

Reactions are always welcome...

Greetingz

Brett

 

[gec]

Hey Brett,

I remember that post and remember the advice I gave you. So, to finish it up...... If you contribute to their production already as a producer/co-producer I don't really see much of a reason for that to be huge. I am unsure how much you contribute and I would also ask if the contracts states a monetary value attached to that position on top of the manager's cut. If its just for credit and you have worked when them on developing their skills to reach the point of a major label deal then you should also benefit from that.

However, if you don't play a major role in the bands production process, but want a take of producing royalties then I would have a problem with that. In addition, you may sign this agreement with them now, but but but a "major label" deal may want that changed upon signing.

Independent albums it doesn't really matter, but a major release would be critical. Another words a label will send them to their own producers or network them with a well known producer. That person may not want you listed as a co-producer if you have nothing to do with process.......

 

[gec]

Just 1 quick note. You stated the chances of them geting a major deal is not huge......So why are you managing them?

 

[BrettB]

gec,

about a percentage, we have no agreement yet. When I say the chance isn't hughe, I just wanna say the road is still very long. They have the songs, they have the potential, but their coming out still has to begin. They hardly had a few gigs, so the chances of a deal are there on the long run, but we first have to make some basic publicity.

For the rest, I wonderd about the same stuff. I'm certain that the first year it is going to be about small amounts of money when regarding gigs and stuff, so that leaves us a some time see how we work together the best way, and how we can adjust our co-operation in a better way. That is also why I think they have better chances to make a first Cd for an independent on a smaller production, just to grow.

cu, and I'll keep you informed.

Greetingz
Brett