A lot of artists say they need a manager before they need one. A lot of artists who do need one cannot say what that person is supposed to do.
Here is the split.
Manager, booking agent, consultant
A manager looks at the whole career: what to say yes to, what to ignore, who else should be on the team, and whether a deal is worth signing. They are not your publicist, your intern, or your parent.
A booking agent works the dates. They talk to buyers, route offers, and coordinate holds and contracts for shows. That is a different job. Some artists have both. Many independent artists have neither yet.
A consultant is paid for advice and a plan, not for running your life. You keep the decisions. You do the work. You are not handing over your career.
Who is not ready for a manager
If you do not have music, a way to get paid, and a real calendar of work, a manager has nothing to manage. If you want someone to “make you famous,” you are shopping for a myth. If you cannot describe what you want the next 12 months to look like, start with a plan, not a commission deal.
When a consulting call is the right next step
Pay for a call when you need a straight read: release order, what to stop spending on, whether you even need management, how bookings actually get made. Honest expectations. No promise of a label, a chart, or a tour.
AER Management consulting, as listed today:
- 1 hour: $100
- 3 hours: $250
- 6 months: $500
Buy on the consulting page. Do not mix this with artist booking.
If you want the longer picture in print: Mastering the Music Industry