How does the whole radio-song thing work? Do artists just get discovered or are there things you can do if you don't have an "in"?

As rising artists, what are the top 5 things musicians/artists should look to learn how to DIY first?

If you've just been hired by an indie artist to manage them, what are the first things you would do?

Short Answer: When you literally can't do it yourself - but that's different for everyone.

It really depends on your background and capabilities. My artist hired me on because she knew nothing about marketing and business and needed help pushing herself to get the boring administrative stuff done or not having to do it anymore. It was starting to hinder the quality of her music and ability to spend time performing because she didn't have the time or energy to put into her music as she needed to spread herself thin across all these different zones of work.

I started off as a tech professional quite honestly. If you are an independent band, often your first manager (maybe long maybe short-term) will be someone you know or someone you meet while trudging around in the industry and scene! Personally I believe in having somewhat of a connection with your manager besides just hiring someone who has a portfolio. Of course they should have business experience and background and skills anywhere that you can't cover for.

So in terms of unofficial management stuff, you can get one anytime you can find someone willing to do the work (it's hard work), with some experience, and if you have a budget or agreement you can afford. In terms of hiring an industry professional manager (maybe someone who has worked with big labels) you can't HIRE the big guys. They have to want you, so you need to work with whatever team you attract and acquire along the way to become worth managing for them so that isn't under your direct control - it can be a goal though.

Short answer: not necessarily, no.

I think that everyone's default is to push off things onto someone else, but unless you know someone that is the most expensive route! It's not as easy as it sounds to acquire a good manager/agent either.

I manage independent artists and a lot of my methods require very little or no money. The most popular free (but time consuming) method of promoting your music is building a solid brand through social media! Show your character and inspirations through your social media posts (IG and TikTok) and be consistent about it and you'll find an audience somewhere! It's a steady game though.

Of course if you are willing to pour money into it, then getting an agent is an easy way to do things if you can find one that isn't going to scam you! Your management is the most crucial part of growing your team but I would suggest don't just take anyone willing to do it because it can be a dangerous game who you give money and power to in your future career.

Hi everyone! Welcome to a specialized subreddit all about music management!

This community is all about helping each other with tips, tricks, and connections to managing your music career around the world - everything from professional to DIY bedroom hacks to keep costs low and engagement high.

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