bands about to sign a 6 month contract with a manager...

GearHeadBassMan · #1 06-03-2009, 12:55 AM

...And i'm nervous. Mostly because this is the part where we see (hopefully) where we can go with our music and what avenues can be made availible. We've had only great feedback from gigs around the area, so I think we have a shot, but now that we're signing with someone who can get booking agencies/labels and all that professional stuff behind us, I'm really super nervous because, what if we actually stink?!?!

i just want to go pro, with this band, reallly badly.

/rant

ben_the_bass · #2 06-03-2009, 01:12 AM

I can only sympathize, man. My band is headed in that direction, but not quite there yet. Get all the advice you can as far as the music biz goes, there are some slimy(to use clean language) creatures that only want your money. Take a class, talk to the pro's on here, whatever you can do. As far as the music goes, just have fun! It may sound cliche, but seriously, you guys should always always always make music you can be proud of!

GearHeadBassMan · #3 06-03-2009, 01:15 AM

oh, this guy checked out. we've been in contact with him for about a month now and I've run his name and company through every avenue that I know of in search of any sign of foul play. it appears to be as legit as it can be, im just crossing my fingers and hoping by this time next year TB will be alight with people talking about how my bass tone sucks!

Wasted Bassist · #4 06-03-2009, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GearHeadBassMan

hoping by this time next year TB will be alight with people talking about how my bass tone sucks!

I can speed up that if you post some clips. I'm actually quite skilled in the art of internet assholery.

phatbass · #5 06-03-2009, 03:24 AM

The most important thing you MUST do before signing on the dotted line is to work out EXACTLY what you, the band, think is the role/job/tasks to be performed by the manager and don't assume ANYTHING.

Then find out EXACTLY what jobs the management is actually going to be taking on. Even down to the dumb little crap like who is responsible for sending posters to the venues (that's just an example). It's vital to iron out all this stuff first. What parts of the whole band process are they having a say in or being responsible for? From making sure you have enough copies of your CD, to booking studio time, to arranging PA/lights/vehicle hire.

How exactly are they going to advance your career? Are they just going to be getting more/better bookings, or are they going to be involved in every little bit of the bands organisation like gig payments, arranging/ordering merchandise, CD distribution, etc.?

If they get you a gig and you decide not to do it for whatever reason, are they entitled to be paid commission for what the gig would have paid? After all, they put the effort in and got the gig and it's not their fault you didn't do it.

If after the initial 6 month period they decide not to take you on, are they still entitled to a cut of the gigs they broke you into while they were managing you? Or the CD they got on national distribution? Or performing rights from a song they got initial airplay?

These are just examples, but it's a pretty big step and you want to get it right.

GearHeadBassMan · #6 06-03-2009, 05:02 AM

hey phat bass, these are all questions in which I have asked in some capacity, which makes me feel a little better as far as covering the bases.

basically, it's a developmental contract in which the company (name withheld) works with it's associates in licensing, booking, recording, labels, etc to generate interest and establish working relationships between them and my band. The hope of the 6 month commitment is that it will set up the foundation in which we can take our music to the professional level.

At the conclusion of the 6 months it is our option alone to sign a long term contract with the company, the six month contract is their way of saying "we like your band, here's what we have to offer you"

And no, the company hasn't promised us anything, and in fact even told us we might not benefit from the agreement at all, so it's a calculated risk. For all I know, I could stand before you all in 6 months a devastated amateur with a lighter wallet.

fingers crossed though.

Oh, and wastedbassist, I can probably get you that video soon, waiting for my drummer to upload some higher quality videos of a gig we had recently

Music Attorney · #7 06-03-2009, 03:07 PM

It may be a little premature, but I (and others) posted some things to think about in connection with management and agreements.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showth...on#post3104970

Best,
MA

crijan · #8 06-03-2009, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GearHeadBassMan

For all I know, I could stand before you all in 6 months a devastated amateur with a lighter wallet.

Are you paying them a monthly or up front retainer for said service? This is highly unusual and would be a red flag to me. Management agreements generally take the form of x % commission on all moneys generated, or whatever negotiated portion of moneys generated, for negotiated services provided. They also have language that talks about what happens when the agreement ends, as some of the other posters have warned you about.

If you don't have it already, pick up "Everything You Need to Know About the Music Business" by Donald Passman. It has a good chapter on this topic.

Dirty Basstard · #9 06-03-2009, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GearHeadBassMan

I'm really super nervous because, what if we actually stink?!?!

It sounds like your only real problem is lack of confidence. You trust he is legit, and legit players don't waste their time on bands that stink. Dude, you're golden. Don't worry about it.

Dirty Basstard · #10 06-03-2009, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crijan

Are you paying them a monthly or up front retainer for said service? This is highly unusual and would be a red flag to me. Management agreements generally take the form of x % commission on all moneys generated, or whatever negotiated portion of moneys generated, for negotiated services provided. They also have language that talks about what happens when the agreement ends, as some of the other posters have warned you about.

If you don't have it already, pick up "Everything You Need to Know About the Music Business" by Donald Passman. It has a good chapter on this topic.

and this.

BigOldHarry · #11 06-03-2009, 04:42 PM

I will be the cynic here and say this: Things will go wrong, even if everything goes right - - the trick will be to learn and not repeat.

Good luck to you!

matskull · #12 06-03-2009, 04:49 PM

Cool down a bit, don't let the stress **** with your head.
If you gotta pay something, don't do it, if you don't have to pay anything except for a reasonable % on your gigs and stuff you sell, do it.

Seriously you don't have to be affraid, if it doesn't work and the band is good, you'll have another chance.

BZadlo · #13 06-03-2009, 04:51 PM

I just did the same thing with my band in January.
We had a lawyer look over the contract for us and had some of the terms/numbers adjusted.
Just remember that management is not "cruse control" for your band. Most of the work still falls upon the band itself.
I must say that the extra help is great though (especially at shows).

Grank · #14 06-03-2009, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirty Basstard

You trust he is legit, and legit players don't waste their time on bands that stink. Dude, you're golden. Don't worry about it.

+1 I'm in a totally different industry to feed me and mine, but this is a truism

DanFold · #15 06-03-2009, 05:04 PM

Not read everythin... But you must be half decent to get a manager... If he wants playin.. he's gonna have to get you some work and managers normally get 20% top's... If it's more than this... don't sign... no point. If he turns out to be rubbish... to end a management contract, all you need to do is send him/her a letter... You employ the manager... not the other way round. You'll be fine man!

woffle · #16 06-03-2009, 05:59 PM

Do'nt sign without a lawyer,it cost money but hell its gonna be money that you earn.
Your money,so protect yourself.No one is your friend in this biz,or for that any kind of biz.Bigger than us have been there before and are still hurting.Remember,trust in God,all others pay cash.
Woffle

DanFold · #17 06-04-2009, 02:16 AM

Even though it's a management contract, you HAVE to have a lawyer go through things... well, you do for a label contract... God's nothing to do with anythin, If you can't trust the manager, don't sign it. Though sometimes you might not get on... Both you and your manager MUST have full trust in each other or it just wont work... keep that in mind to!