When Do You Need a Manager?
A manager becomes valuable when opportunities are coming in faster than you can handle them, when deals and negotiations are beyond your expertise, or when you need someone with industry relationships to open doors you can't. If none of these apply yet, a manager can't do much for you — and bad managers can actively harm early careers by making premature moves.
What Good Managers Do
A good manager: strategises your career direction, pitches you to labels, booking agents, and press, negotiates deals, filters and prioritises opportunities, connects you with the right professionals, and keeps you focused on making music. They are not your personal assistant, therapist, or cheerleader.
Standard Commission
Industry standard is 15–20% of gross income. Be very clear on what 'gross' means in your contract — it should exclude touring expenses, recording costs, and third-party fees (agent commission, lawyer fees) before the manager's cut is calculated. A manager taking 20% of your gross before expenses is a significantly worse deal than 20% of net.
Key Contract Clauses
Must-haves in any management deal: Term (typically 1–3 years for a new artist); Territory (worldwide or specific regions); Commission rate and base; Sunset clause (they continue receiving commission on deals they originated for X years post-term); Termination rights; Dispute resolution process.