When Does a Band Need a Manager?
Hugh Hession 
Lately, I've been caught up in an online music industry group regarding when the best time is for an act to join forces with a manager to further their career opportunities. There were a multitude of opinions about this topic from a variety of industry managers and marketing people. It's a great topic, worthy of discussion.
Something to think about when you read further, is the level and type of management. Management companies have exploded onto the scene in the last 10 years, but not all are the same. Just like music artists, there are both indie and major league managers. Some manage everything, others focus on specific career objectives.
The music industry continues to change rapidly. These changes are beginning to usher in a new dynamic involving manager/artist relationships and the services they offer.
So, let's get started. The two primary schools of thought on the right time for a manager.
1) In The BeginningThere were a few who took that stance that an act needs a manager immediately. Their rationale was that a band or vocalist just starting out typically doesn't have the contacts or knowledge to impact their advancement. They need all the help they can get to stand out. Tough for me to argue with that one. As an advocate for musicians, I know first hand how tough it is.
This presents an interesting scenario for both the artist and the manager - a Catch 22 of sorts. The budding artist could use the valuable direction and contacts from an established manager, however they are not making enough income for a manager to take notice.
A manager may very well acknowledge the raw talent of a new artist (I know you're thinking "well - just wait until they hear me!") but would be taking a huge investment of time to see anything come to fruition within 6 months to a year. Simply put, an artist or act needs to have something happening (a fan base is a given) to be enticing for a manager to give a nod. They need something to market!
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