Question:

What is the difference between an agent and a manager?

Answer:

This is a question that is often times overlooked and misunderstood by young artists. A lot of people confuse agents with managers and are misinformed as to what their jobs should entail. (Wanting to have management in order to book better shows is a common misconception by a lot of bands.) Booking shows is NOT the job of the manager. That is the job of an agent. A manager's job is far more involved and complex as they are the liaison between the band and all of the the other facets of their camp. (This includes the publicist, promotions rep, A&R rep, road manager, business manager, stylist, producer and anyone else engaged and employed by the band including the AGENT).

Manager: A manager can aid the band in every facet of their career from the early stages of development to midlevel branding and promotions, shopping for deals to album set up and marketing. It may include helping to choose the best songs for exploiting and placement, help with the live show delivery and imaging/styling, help with brand development, finding producers or co-writers, finding and creating exposure vehicles, helping to shop to labels, publishers, help with TV and Movie placements ... basically a manager is involved with all facets of building and maintaining an artist's career. A manager advices and counsels on all career decisions.

You should hire a manager because you like their ideas, strategies, and have confidence in their ability. Once hired, you need to let them do their job. Being a successful artist requires accepting "management." This is part of the process that is highly underestimated and can cause friction if the artist is simply unmanageable. A manager's agreement is exclusive and binding. Commissions may range from 15% to 20% and has negotiable lengths/terms.

Agent: An agent finds the shows and tours for the band. The agent's job to to procure live performances for the artist. An agent's fee is around 10% and the agent agreement is typically not binding and can be dismissed at any point.

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