Do I really need artist management?

Artists and self-management - Is management worthwhile?

In the music industry today, artists take on more roles than ever before: they write and produce their music, run social media, organize their releases and take care of booking and marketing. At some point, the question arises: does it make sense to hire a manager?
There is no general answer to this. Management can make everyday life easier, open doors and develop long-term strategies. But it also costs money and means relinquishing some control. In this article, you'll find out when management makes sense - and when it's better to take your business into your own hands.

What tasks does artist management take on?

Good management supports you in several areas:

• Strategic career planning: Helps you develop a clear direction for your musical career
• Release and distribution strategy: Helps with the planning and promotion of your releases
• Booking & live strategy: Helps with organizing gigs, tours and negotiations with bookers or promoters
• Networking & business contacts: Builds relationships with labels, publishers and media or already brings a large network within the music industry
• Finances & contracts: Assists with contract negotiations and provides financial oversight

When do you really need management?

Not every artist needs management right away. Artist management makes sense if you:

• Regularly receive requests that you can no longer handle on your own
• You have already built up a fan base and it is growing steadily
• Generate your first income and are aiming for a sustainable career
• Want to work with bigger players in the industry (labels, booking agencies, sponsors)

If you don't have a stable income yet, it will be difficult to find serious artist management. Most managements only invest time if they see potential and financial prospects in an artist.

What does management cost - and is it worth it?

Most managements work on a commission basis and charge around 15-20% of your earnings. This means that you only pay for management when you actually earn money.
If your income from streaming, merchandise and gigs is still low, you should consider whether the investment is worth it. Management is only a win if it opens up new opportunities for you and accelerates your growth.
Caution is advised if a management company demands high upfront fees or makes unrealistic promises. As a rule, no one can guarantee you a successful career. Rather, management will help you achieve your goals.

Alternatives: self-management and digital solutions

If management is not yet an option for you, there are numerous ways to organize your business yourself:

• Use digital tools: Planning tools such as Trello or Asana help you to keep an overview
• Build up a network: Contacts with promoters, producers and other artists are essential. Therefore, take the opportunity to connect with other people from the music industry at music fairs and music conferences.
• Make targeted use of social media: With a smart strategy, you can increase your reach and fan loyalty
• Optimize music distribution: With professional digital distribution, you can reach more listeners without an intermediary label.

Many successful independent artists work for years without professional management and still achieve great success. The right knowledge and the right strategies make all the difference here.

Professional management or self-management?

Whether you need professional management depends on your individual situation. If you already have a growing business and are looking for professional support, management may be the right step. However, if you are just starting out, it is worth focusing on self-management and digital solutions first.
No matter which path you choose, strong distribution is the key to a successful career. So upload your music now via our digital distributor dig dis! and reach listeners worldwide!