1. What qualities should I look for in a manager or management company?

Someone who is reasonably established, has the sufficient experience to take on the day to day duties and has a good reputation.  He/she/they should be interested enough to put in time and effort until things develop and have the resources to provide adequate personal representation on your behalf.

2. Would I sign a management contract for the UK or WORLDWIDE?

Established major management companies would want worldwide representation.  If the manager is inexperienced in international music business dealings or if you are at an early stage in developing your career, you may wish to contract for the UK only (possibly extending to Europe – based on performance).

3. What is the manager’s role and what are management responsibilities?

To administer your day to day business affairs, get work for you and negotiate contracts in an effort to develop and promote your career.

4. How long should a management contract last?

In general, contracts vary from a handshake and a short period of representation (for a one-off project) or between one and five years. Normally an established manager may start with three years and have the option to extend to five.  A trial period is recommended.  You may wish to include some performance targets (for example, a recording agreement to be found within eighteen months of start-up)

5. What is a reasonable management commission?

Depending on what the manager does and gets for you, the common rate is 20%, this may be reduced to 15%, even 10% if the job entails administration for an already established act (say as their second manager)

6. What happens when the agreement expires or is prematurely terminated?

If the agreement comes to a natural ending, the manager may still be entitled to a continued commission, in respect of contracts signed or recordings made within the duration of the management agreement. Sometimes the continued commission is at a reduced rate and it should have a cut off period for example 5 years.

7. Do I have to do what my manager decides?

You are effectively employing the manager to administer your affairs and offer professional advice and guidance, and you should have the final say in all matters.  In terms of financial management, you are totally free to appoint an accountant to receive your share of income generated as a preference to your manager receiving all of your money. Tip! Managers should keep separate bank accounts for band income and a proper set of books relating to money received and spent. It is your right to inspect the accounts at most times

If you have any doubts over who pays for the many goods and services such as  travel,  hotels, backstage drinks, taxis, accountant bills, promotional videos and guitar rigs, assume its on your tab!