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Dealings w/ Management (HELP NEEDED)

Discussion in 'Miscellaneous [BG]' started by ColonelZulu, Nov 28, 2001.

  1. Nov 28, 2001 #1
    ColonelZulu

    ColonelZulu Not Impressed By Those Who Flaunt “Authority” Supporting Member

    Apr 14, 2001
    Pennsylvania
    Our guitarist called me the other day. He said he was approached by a guy starting his own management group. I don't have many details but he asked if we could all meet with him this Saturday.

    Now our aspirations are limited. I mean we are not looking to become a national or even regional act. We are completely satisfied being a local deal. We are working on scheduling some time in a good studio to get a real CD done over the next few months. We would like to have a media kit submitted to do some of the festivals in the area in Summer 2002. We wouldn't mind playing out in NYC or Philly once in a while.

    All in all, this is a big fantasy trip that we want to milk while we are young but we don't want to become professional musicians (various reasons).

    OK, that said, has anyone had experience in this?What are the normal expetations we should have? Of what benefit could this guy be to us given our situation? It's not like we want to be in some promoter's stable (being required to go down to the shore on a Tuesday night etc.).

    Most of all, I won't let anyone commit to anything (verbally or otherwise - I had enough business law to be able to handle that end for now).

    When I find out more I'll update.

    [​IMG]
     
  2. Nov 28, 2001 #2
    brianrost

    brianrost Gold Supporting Member

    Apr 26, 2000
    Boston, Taxachusetts
    Nothing wrong with going down and seeing what the guy has to offer.

    I'd say don't stew on this, just keep an open mind and report back after you meet with him.
     
  3. Nov 28, 2001 #3
    Blackbird

    Blackbird Supporting Member

    Mar 18, 2000
    California
    Wha? the band's still called Irma's quest?
     
  4. Nov 28, 2001 #4
    Comakazi

    Comakazi

    May 3, 2001
    Midwest US
    I'd have to say it's worth a shot, too. In reality what do you have to lose? If it doesn't sound like something you want, or can do then back out.

    But if you don't go you'll never know, and that , to me, would be worse. So go, see what the guy has to offer and what he can do. What does he want and what do you guys want. I definitely wouldn't make any commitment (verbal, etc...), ask him in detail what he can do, have a band meeting afterwards to make sure everyone's on the same page, and then go from there!

    Have fun and good luck!

    p.s. - I'm sorry (don't mean to offend), but I'm still skeptical of the name "Irma's Quest". Something to think about, although I know you have.
     
  5. Nov 28, 2001 #5
    Christopher

    Christopher

    Apr 28, 2000
    New York, NY
    I'd ask the following during the meeting: Is the manager based in PA or some larger market? What does he mean by "starting up" and has he done this sort of work before? Is he affiliated with a larger management group? What kind of industry contacts does he have? What other acts does he manage, and are they similar to yours? Is he content with your aspirations to be nothing more than a local act, or does he want to turn you into O-Town? What does he intend to do with your CD? What sort of compensation does he expect?

    They sound like nosy questions, but it's always better to do your due diligence early and thoroughly. The artist is the smallest fish in the industry food chain, so it's best to avoid being screwed until you can no longer avoid it, ie. record deals.
     
  6. Nov 28, 2001 #6
    Christopher

    Christopher

    Apr 28, 2000
    New York, NY
    It just occurred to me that you might to ask Messrs. Watt, Berlin, Lawson etc. below what they think. They've probably been through it before.

    Re compensation: standard manager's cut is 15% of the group's gross income, but since the guy's "starting out", I'd hold him to a lower percentage with the possibility of an escalating percentage once your gross hits some sustainable level. Also, cap him out in some way; tell him that regardless, he can't earn any more than the band, 2/3 of the band etc. You don't want to be on the hook for more than you can pay.

    Does he have a form contract? Does he expect one? If he does, you might want to get in touch with a music attorney to review the terms. Check with your local chapter of Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts and see if anyone can give you a pro bono (free) consult.