Being a Music Manager is one of the most challenging jobs out there. Managers need to be constantly aware of changing market trends, their artists’ needs, and new technologies all at the same time. Each facet of the creative industry requires specific skills, and management is no exception. The creative job is up to the artist, but a manager has to know all aspects of their client’s career. Let’s look at some skills laid out by the management pioneer of Three Six Zero, Mark Gillespie.
Have a Passion for Music
No manager or artist will be successful without an unbridled passion for their work. Therefore, it’s essential as a manager to be a fan of the music you are representing. Not only will you have an honest connection with your work, but you will be able to explore the community of artists to a fuller extent.
Gillespie started booking DJs for clubs in his hometown. This is eventually what led him to management and founding Three Six Zero. Without a passion and understanding for that scene, the story might not have unfolded in the same way.
Familiarize Yourself with Promotional Tools
Part of your role as a manager is to push an artist’s content far beyond what they could do themselves. Social media is an excellent outlet for promotion, and some artists can go very far with just that. But ultimately, without a real PR strategy, your artist’s album is going nowhere fast.
Look into some major artists right now, and you’ll notice a few trends. Most are on all social platforms, with verified accounts. Additionally, more and more are utilizing interactive content such as videos and games to increase engagement. If you’re working with a content backlog, make sure you utilize hashtags and sharing across all accounts.
