What is a Manager Suppose to Do?

I started managing artists almost 5 years ago, and it has been an up hill battle since the beginning of my career.  I started off with a father and son, and the father asked me to manage his son, who is phenomenal rapper.  But the problem has been the father wants it more then son.  I came across one of the best of female artist I have heard in my life.  Every time people heard her live or on tape they always compared her lyrics to a MC Lyte and her voice to Left Eye, but she just was not strong enough mentally.  We lost her almost a year ago to drugs, and she is now an angel that is looking down on me.  Then I came across Frankie Lymon’s cousin, Dilly Boy, who is talented when it comes to making mainstream hip-hop and can make a catchy hook in his sleep.  But the problem is he thinks he knows it all, and expects for his managers to pay his way.  But now it is going on two years of working with Dilly Boy, and I am finally getting him to think outside the box. 

So many artists want to be the center of attention, and want to hit the stage, but they do not realize where most of their idols started.  Most of these artists in the industry did not start out on stage they actually started behind the scenes, and they knew someone and they are finally getting their break.   I have been talking to Dilly Boy who writes really well, and he has songs that could be great for some of these mainstream artists that are already doing well in the industry.  I have told him a good way to get into this music industry is to start ghost writing for artist.  I tried explaining that this can be great money, and it can be a great way for him to start a solo career.  So finally in year two he is starting to get this point and he is finally starting to build a catalog.  But now I am at the point where I have spent too much time and money for people not to listen, and I am not sure if this artist management is where good money is? 

So as an up and coming manager when do we move on to the next one or when do we move on to another aspect of this industry?  This is the dilemma I am because after almost five years of artist management, and nothing has come out of it, and my artist do not want it.  I think it is time for me to look into product management in the entertainment industry. At least I do not have to solely depend on the product to sell itself, but for me to have to do most of the footwork, and also an all-natural aphrodisiac drink can’t talk back to me like it knows everything.

Interview With Music Executive

I have interviewed a former music executive who has been in the music industry for over 30 years.  He is originally from Detroit, Michigan and worked during the Motown era.  I have had the opportunity to work close with him in the studio and also just talk on how the music industry has changed.  Conversations with him have helped me form my decision to look into other segments of the entertainment industry.  His name is Jason Stanza, and he has had great success in this industry and he allowed me to ask him a few questions to help me learn the music industry more. 

Jason has told me that you have to have very thick skin in order to make it in the music business.  He told me that you have to learn how to separate your personal feelings, and realize business is business.  This means to separate the people from problem, and just get down to the issues.  Many people have a tough time doing this, but Jason told me if you want to be successful in this industry this would be one of the first things you will learn and have to adapt to.  Jason has been in many situations where he has had to come up with mutual benefits for both parties.  He has worked with plenty of artist, and he has had to make sure the artist, and the label were all happy with the agreements.   Jason has also shared with me how much the music industry has changed where everyone is not getting the deals they want, and they are just settling because they want to make money.  

My interview with Jason has made me look even closer at becoming a music executive.  Jason says the love and passion only gets a person so far without money.  But I have learned from Jason the art of negotiation that it will take for me to get Beverage Company off the ground because I will still be in the entertainment industry just a different market.  Negotiations will take place in every industry but you need to make sure every party is happy at the end.