ASK WEEGE - So You Want to Manage a Band?

14 September 07

Welcome to The Pier's 'Ask Weege' column. Every week the 880 South's front man and music scene veteran will be answering questions and providing tips for up-and-coming bands and musicians.

This week's question is from Slickgonzalez, 'Hey Weege, got a question for ya. How would someone get into band management? Any input on some do's and dont's once you get started? Pet peeves? Thanks a lot, love your article.'

Weege: I’m not a manager per say. But I did manage my bands for long periods of time. I couldn’t give you much insight on management. I will talk to a few managers this week on this article. Get their feedback. How’s that sound?

Here is my take on management.

I would suggest the educational route. I think the reason I say that is because most people assume that a manager’s job is to book shows and hang out with the band. There is a lot more to management. In fact there are lots of different aspects of management at different stages of a band’s career.

The Homie Manager (not an official name, I just made it up):

This is the early stages. Maybe in these stages you can help book shows, mainly because a smaller unknown band won't be able to score themselves a booking agent. So,obviously you will help promote shows, but most importantly make sure the band doesn't have to do everything themselves.

You will handle the business aspect of their project. Accounting, promotions, marketing, street team, and such. Make sure their focus is on music and solely music. That doesn't mean they don't make important decisions. You and your band should get together and discuss guidelines. So that you are all on the same page. Make sure your goals are cohesive and you are both aiming towards the same thing.

In essence you have to think just as if you are in the band. Be the main contact and project the band's best interest. This type of management could eventually lead to a more professional title. You will help guide them, make decisions and find new opportunities to expand their fan-base.

The Professional:

I dunno much about the professional manager at the higher levels. One thing I do know, managers in California are not allowed to book shows. It's actually illegal. Booking Agents are required to book shows. I think the job is the same but a little more commitment goes into it as well as contractual and legal work. At this point you should all have a lawyer for your band.

Other Managers (these can be combined in early stages with the 'Homie Manager'):

Stage Managers - Usually a stage manager or a road manager is the fella at every show on tour with them. In early stages, the homie manager can take on this roll. You basically make sure everything goes according to plan at shows, and you go by your contract and rider (know what a rider is?). You ever hear the ridiculous story about Van Halen wanting a bowl of M&M's, but if there was one brown M&M in their bowl it would be a breach of contract and Van Halen wouldn't play? What a bunch of cocks huh? I think it's funny.

Merch Managers - Usually this can also be a homie or even the road manager. A lot of times, it has to be for smaller bands. This is a person who is on top of the band's assets and income. This should always be someone who is responsible and good with money and preferably drug free (hah!). This person is also responsible for the actual merch itself, not just the income.

As for Do's and Don’ts.

Do's

Do - make it a point to regularly stay in communication with band members.

Do - follow up information.

Do - Do get everything in writing.

Don'ts

Don't - assume everyone is always on the same page.

Don't - assume everything said on the phone will be the same the day of a show.

Don't - leave anything hanging for the next day. Get it done, so nothing is lost, forgotten, or ignored.

I always have pet peeves, that’s why I’m a picky motherfucker. I hate email, but it is necessary. However I hate when people are too lazy to make phone calls. They assume a message over email is enough. I hate when people don’t return phone calls. Talent Buyers are busy as hell. I understand that, but nothing is worse than waiting a week for a simple response about our time slots. Again, CONTRACTS people! It’s frustrating for a band. Especially when you wanna be able to put together a good promotional effort for your show.

So here are a few quotes from some reputable managers in the biz. In other words, guys who have gotten it done and started from the ground up (guys who know a whole hell of a lot more than I do).

MATT PHILLIPS, Silverback Management - Slightly Stoopid

”The best thing I would say is find a band you are willing to put your life into, put your life into it and if the band is good enough over time good things will happen. There is no real handbook for managing a band, you kind of just use your instincts, and spend time breaking down walls."

JON PHILLIPS, Silverback Management – Sublime

”1st step - find a band that's worthy of your blood, sweat and tears. 2nd step - use common sense and pure passion to do whatever it takes to expose them and navigate them through the shady waters of the music industry. Trust nobody. You are now a manager. Welcome to the music business.”

He then quotes Hunter S. Thompson, "The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side."

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