which comes first, entertainement lawyer or manager?

  • Thread starter Thread starter jugalo180
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jugalo180

jugalo180

www.moneyistherecipe.com
I would appreciate any helpful information towards the direction i need to be going in regards to which one of these specialists i need to obtain first.



Thanks!
 
I'd go with lawyer first, because the manager will surely want you to sign a contract, and he's looking out for himself first, and you second. The lawyer can at least let you know what to look for in such an agreement, and he can make sure your band is set up properly (if you are really being businesslike and professional about it) in terms of entity formation.

Or another way is to get the manager, but not commit, and then use the lawyer to help with that first contract with the manager.

Kinda chicken and egg. If you want to be proactive and use the lawyer to give you a primer on what to expect and what to look for, use him first. He may also have referrals to "reputable" managers that he's encountered. If you want to defer those costs, you can be reactive and go to the lawyer once you get a draft contract from the manager.
 
Thanks! that's the kind fo advice i needed to hear. there is this local management company that i'm sending my music off to. I think i'll do like you suggested and not commit to a contract and then bring the draft of the contract to a lawyer.
 
You def. do not want a manager before a lawyer. I've been told that you should not sign a management contract until the manager is able to get you somekind of offer.
 
songwritten said:
You def. do not want a manager before a lawyer. I've been told that you should not sign a management contract until the manager is able to get you somekind of offer.
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Thanks! is there a difference between managers that get you gigs and managers that try and get you record deals, or is that manager supposed to do it all?

does the manager work for me or do i work for the manager? this may seem like a dumb question, but i see some movies where the manager seems to be running the show, but then i see some where the artists call all the shots.
 
jugalo180 said:
Thanks! is there a difference between managers that get you gigs and managers that try and get you record deals, or is that manager supposed to do it all?

does the manager work for me or do i work for the manager? this may seem like a dumb question, but i see some movies where the manager seems to be running the show, but then i see some where the artists call all the shots.
Click to expand...

Hey, most managers are set for specific tasks. You may find SOME that do tours as well as trying to get you a record deal...but not many. Most people have one manager who handles getting you signed, working out some legal work with lawyers, and just keeping the band informed and organized. There are also tour managers who will actually go on the road with you..sometimes they change from tour to tour..sometimes they don't.

TECHNICALLY, you pay for the managers service, so they work for you...but any reputable manager will have knowledge that will probably surpass a given artist.

some more advice: Don't get together and sign a management deal with someone (while you're looking for a major label deal) if they don't know anyone in the biz or don't have anymore weight than you yourself trying to call a label. Also, try to sign the SHORTEST contract possible. You can always sign a new one down the road.

Peace,
Josh O'Neill
 
Rule of thumb: Never sign anything without having a lawyer look it over and approve it.
Rule of thumb #2: Never hire a lawyer that your manager recomends.
Rule of thumb #3: Never hire a manager that your lawyer recomends.
 
songwritten said:
Hey, most managers are set for specific tasks. You may find SOME that do tours as well as trying to get you a record deal...but not many. Most people have one manager who handles getting you signed, working out some legal work with lawyers, and just keeping the band informed and organized. There are also tour managers who will actually go on the road with you..sometimes they change from tour to tour..sometimes they don't.

TECHNICALLY, you pay for the managers service, so they work for you...but any reputable manager will have knowledge that will probably surpass a given artist.

some more advice: Don't get together and sign a management deal with someone (while you're looking for a major label deal) if they don't know anyone in the biz or don't have anymore weight than you yourself trying to call a label. Also, try to sign the SHORTEST contract possible. You can always sign a new one down the road.

Peace,
Josh O'Neill
Click to expand...

wow, very good advice. thanks!!!
 
Dani Pace said:
Rule of thumb: Never sign anything without having a lawyer look it over and approve it.
Rule of thumb #2: Never hire a lawyer that your manager recomends.
Rule of thumb #3: Never hire a manager that your lawyer recomends.
Click to expand...


i understand rule#1 and 2, but rule#3 goes against most of the advice i've been given lately. I'm assuming it's the same reason as rule#2, but then who would have the knowlege to help me find a reputable manager? Thanks again for the advice.
 
I don't understand rule #3, either. I depend on lawyers to introduce me to reputable individuals that they have seen have positive results in the marketplace, i.e., venture capitalists, etc.
 
#3 is simple. Almost any time someone you are already affiliated with recomends someone else there is something in it for them, or they owe someone a favor. I included it as a word of caution. If you have any real potential, there are plenty of people ready and willing to take advantage of you. If your manager and your lawyer are working together they stand to make more than you do...think about it.
 
jugalo180 said:
Thanks! is there a difference between managers that get you gigs and managers that try and get you record deals, or is that manager supposed to do it all?

does the manager work for me or do i work for the manager? this may seem like a dumb question, but i see some movies where the manager seems to be running the show, but then i see some where the artists call all the shots.
Click to expand...
man Ive known some buddies that their manager was sticking them. honestly my friends some times would come home from a gig with like $20. manager would say they didnt make much. but the buy has a nice house. one time they guys needed to get paid but the maneger said he didnt have the money just yet then just bought his daughter a new car. They had to beg him to get him to pay up. this guy was some how tied to a record lable.
but I thought you hired a manager and they are under your rule.
 
One thing though,
If you don't have a manager, how are you ever going to be in a position whereby you need a lawyer?

I mean to really get on and get to the point where there's real money involved you need good management right?

Probably the best way is to have an informal agreement with the manager till you get to the stage where things are getting seriously big, and you need to make things formal, then get the lawyer in? Just a thought...
 
Thanks everyone. This has been a very informative thread for me.
 
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