What are the best strategies for finding and managing music artists?

Be certain that you’re the right person for that artist. Loving the music is one thing, but knowing what to do with it is another. If the artist is at a point in their career where you can’t clearly see how you’re going to help them to advance, don’t sign them. Nobody can truly understand every artist and what they need, and the manager-artist relationship is probably the most important one to get right. If you don’t fully understand the artist’s project, don’t sign them. If you can’t see a clear path to adding value, don’t sign the artist no matter how much of a fan you are!

DO YOUR VALUE SYSTEMS ALIGN? Choosing the right musical artist to sign as a music manager involves understanding various aspects of the artist's identity, talent, potential market appeal, and work ethic. Personal Values and Image: Consider whether the artist's personal values and image align with your own values and the values of your management company. It's important to build a strong working relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. Authenticity and Identity: Are they genuine in their portrayal of themselves and their music? Do they have a clear sense of identity that resonates with their target audience? Work Ethic and Professionalism: Talk to the artist about their work ethic and professional approach to their career.

It is important that there is a connection between the artist and the team that is signing him. The company must be a suitable place for talent to grow and not stagnate their career. The company must have the conditions to make the artist grow. I think it is essential that the team, which will work with the artist from its signature, is able to distinguish its next steps, which will represent a before and after in the artist's results. Also, I am sure that both teams must be clear about their functions and objectives; in case any of the parties are not clear about any of these points, it is better to invest that time and effort in another project that motivates them to deliver 100%.

Currently I’m a curator for Groover.co where I have reviewed over 1.000 original song tracks from independent music artists from across the globe. It’s a great way to find new talent and music.

In my experience, finding artist with God given talent, help them discover who they are as a person. Then start translating who they are into their songs and music. As the Great Tex Ritter, told his nephew, Ken Ritter, “ son once they are a superstar. All you will be is a guy who carries their guitar case!!” So the moral of the story. Find early, build trust. And help them find out who they are so they can sing from the heart!!! They have 3 half minutes to make people believe!!!’

In my experience its much easier dealing with an artist that you know and that is close to you. You understand the temperament of an artist, you can make sure the songs are finished on time and the way that they should be, delivery wise. It saves a heap of time. Granted that teaching a music artist is a task within itself, with them being close to you, you can squeeze a single out of them until they understand what you need them to.

Always put the Artist interest above your interest, negotiating contracts. Work behind the curtain. Be the artist voice behind close doors. Give all success credit to the artist.

Make sure you get an agreement that is incredible for your artist, always defending what is important to them. To do this, know your artist, understand the project, value what they do and understand what they are looking for, and this way you will reach the indicated agreements. There are many offers out there, but a fundamental part of being a manager is understanding the global panorama of the music industry and understanding that the offer with the most numbers is the best, if not the one that offers the most development.

Only work with decision makers when networking and marketing your artist. Remember a no, is just another opportunity to make someone to say yes!! But they have to have the power to say yes!!

Be honest! No matter how bad the news !! Artist, may not receive the information in the most positive way at the time. The artist, may kill the messenger. (Fire) But in time. They will appreciate your honesty.

Ive seen a lot of people sign artists and then try to customize a strategy around the artist. This takes a lot of time, it makes the artist impatient. The smart thing to do is already have the whole of things perfected. Have distribution ready for the artist, have the budget in place ( no fundraising ). You should have a baby tour setup and the studiop for them to go to. You should already have music ready for them to record on unless you signed them because they have a single you feel you can push. Most of the work should be done well before you start even looking for an artist.

You must always keep in mind that it is better to be honest and continue with the solution, rather than make the problem bigger. Working ahead of time and having things ready on time for each job will be the best way to achieve an ecosystem in which all members carry out their work.

Make sure you have everything signed, from your distribution sheets to the agreements with your work team. It happens every day that money begins to be generated and problems begin to rain.