Episode 71: What Does an Artist Manager Actually Do? (Full Breakdown)

If you’ve ever wondered what a great artist manager really does—and how to know when you’re ready for one—this deep-dive lays out the playbook with clarity and zero fluff. We break down the day-to-day reality of management across business strategy, creative development, and the soft skills that hold a career together when schedules get messy and deals get complex. You’ll hear why the best managers behave like translators and tacticians, connecting A&R, booking, PR, marketing, and finance into one focused plan that preserves your voice while growing your audience.We talk timing and traction: what signals tell you it’s time to seek management, which metrics matter beyond vanity numbers, and how to present a compelling offer instead of a hope-and-a-dream DM. You’ll get practical routes to find the right fit—from researching similar artists and mapping their teams, to tapping the Music Managers Forum, filtering industry directories, and discovering ambitious new managers inside universities and contemporary music institutes. We also tackle the big comparison: proven experience versus raw passion. The truth is you need applied momentum—someone who either knows the path or will build it fast.Money and agreements get straight talk too. We cover typical commission ranges, sliding scales, what counts as commissionable income, and how expenses and recoupment should be handled before emotions get involved. Trials, contracts, and even handshake realities are on the table, along with the one factor that outranks everything: human fit. If you want a manager who can turn your vision into a road map—and keep you profitable without losing the plot—this guide gives you the questions to ask and the steps to take. If it resonates, subscribe, share with a friend who’s manager-curious, and leave a quick review telling us what you’re looking for in a dream manager.Reach out to me ! Support the showWebsiteswww.jonnyamos.comhttps://themusicbusinessbuddy.buzzsprout.comInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/themusicbusinessbuddypodcast/https://www.instagram.com/jonny_amos/[email protected]