Music Management Secrets - What Singers Need To Know
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The music industry is a complex and ever-changing landscape, filled with talented artists, dedicated managers, and a myriad of challenges.
In a recent episode of Sing Talk Radio, Dre Persson, manager for Justin Timberlake, and Jonathan Coulter, manager for Pentatonix, shared their insights and experiences in the industry.
This blog post delves into their conversation, exploring topics such as the journey into management, the importance of teamwork, and the evolving nature of the music business.
The Path to Management
Dre Persson and Jonathan Coulter both have unique stories about how they entered the music industry. Dre started in security, working with Elton John, and gradually moved into management by learning from books and experiences on tour buses. He emphasized the importance of being respectful and understanding the dynamics of the industry.
Jonathan Coulter, on the other hand, began his career in advertising, writing copy for an ad agency, but soon transitioned into music management after being introduced to the industry by a college roommate. He learned by working with various bands and understanding the legal aspects of deal-making.
The Role of a Manager
Both Dre and Jonathan highlighted the critical role of a manager in an artist's career. They discussed the need for a strong identity and the importance of being manageable. Jonathan noted that some artists are not ready for management because they lack a clear direction or have unrealistic expectations.
Dre shared his experience with Justin Bieber, who was brought to him at a young age. Despite recognizing Bieber's talent, Dre couldn't secure a deal that worked for all parties involved. This anecdote underscores the challenges managers face in balancing the needs of artists, labels, and other stakeholders.
The Power of Teamwork
Jonathan emphasized the importance of teamwork in the success of Pentatonix. He credited the group's arranger, Ben Bram, and other behind-the-scenes professionals for their crucial roles in shaping the band's sound and image. This collaboration allowed Pentatonix to break through the acapella genre and achieve mainstream success.
Dre echoed this sentiment, discussing the synergy between producers, engineers, and writers in creating successful music projects. He noted that having a cohesive team can make a significant difference in an artist's career.
The Evolution of the Music Industry
The conversation turned to the rapidly changing music industry, with both managers acknowledging the challenges of navigating the digital landscape. Dre admitted to not fully understanding the analytics behind making a song "hot" but emphasized the importance of starting with good music.
Jonathan pointed out the limitations of relying solely on data and analytics. He argued that while tools like Shazam can indicate a song's success, they don't guarantee a lasting career. The key, he said, is building a genuine relationship with fans, which remains the most critical factor in an artist's success.
Advice for Emerging Artists
For artists looking to break into the industry, both managers offered valuable advice. Dre stressed the importance of being in the right place and putting oneself in situations to be managed. He cautioned against unrealistic expectations and the need for a strong identity.
Jonathan emphasized the need for artists to be aware of their limitations and to have a clear direction. He noted that some artists are not ready for management because they lack a clear vision or have unrealistic expectations about the industry.
Conclusion
The conversation between Dre Persson and Jonathan Coulter provides a fascinating glimpse into the music industry. Their experiences and insights highlight the importance of teamwork, the evolving nature of the industry, and the critical role of managers in guiding artists' careers.
For emerging artists and industry professionals alike, their advice offers valuable lessons on navigating the complex and ever-changing landscape of the music business.
Key Takeaways
Teamwork is crucial: Collaboration between artists, managers, producers, and other professionals is essential for success in the music industry.
Identity matters: Artists need a strong identity and clear direction to be manageable and achieve success.
Data is not everything: While analytics can provide valuable insights, they are not a guarantee of success. Building a genuine relationship with fans remains the most critical factor.
Be in the right place: Emerging artists need to put themselves in situations where they can be managed and discovered.
Understand the industry: Artists and managers must have realistic expectations and a clear understanding of the industry's dynamics.
By embracing these principles, artists and industry professionals can better navigate the challenges of the music industry and achieve lasting success.