Managing and Encouraging the Aritst

I recently had a conversation with a professional in the entertainment industry. The topics we discussed were managing and encouraging the artist, and also issues concerning wants and needs of career goals. The professional, Sarah Zilch, had much to say on the topic of industry business. She was very informative on the issue of incorporating these topics into healthy management.

Sarah said, “It is important to remember, you are working with people whose hearts are worn on sleeves”. There is so much passion behind the dreams and talents of these individuals. It is one’s job, as a manager, to deliver quality service while defending the soul behind the song. I am responsible for understanding the wants and needs of the artist in order to reach career goals. I have to understand my client as a professional and a friend. I also have to understand when to separate the two. Most managers do not reach success because they concern themselves heavily with the friendship side of the relationship instead of maintaining a healthy balance between friendship and a business relationship. Sarah said, “See and understand the line between the two”. I have to find the line between helping an artist reach dreams and pushing the artist to be their best.

Sarah explained a key term: mutual benefit. It is explained as being, “you get what you want, and I get what I want”. Mutual benefit is something that can be incorporated in any situation: business, personal, even relationships. In the entertainment industry, everything is about making profit while producing quality entertainment. Mutual benefit is not something to hide. The idea can sometimes have a negative connotation, but it must be incorporated in negotiations. This is an idea that shouldn't be over-looked when discussing the issue of managing and encouraging the artist. It is important to remember that not only am I, as a manager, trying to make a profit but also I am working with someone’s career, dreams, and aspirations.

Sarah also mentioned that managers and agents should be encouraging the artist to follow after their dreams by incorporating their aspirations into their social media. She mentioned that the world is basically looking at you and forming their opinion based upon the reputation portrayed on the Internet. Sarah believes that helping an artist, or anyone looking to build their reputation, advertise their dreams, wants and needs on the social media outlets will only benefit because the dreamer will now be held accountable by his/her fans. The majority of social media is running on Facebook and Twitter in this day- “don’t take this opportunity to build your audience for granted”, says Sarah. 

Encouragement for the Industry

I had the privilege to talk with a family friend that traveled with a few artists during a combined tour. This friend, Terry Hagan, had much to say about artist management. He grew up listening to soft rock hoping that one day he could tour the states with one of his favored artists. As Terry grew older and gained knowledge applicable to the music industry, he peaked interest in making touring/managing his career. Terry had long been managing small artists here and there, before he came across an opportunity worth leaving his stationary office. Terry was presented with an opportunity to manage the tour of three major Christian artists that would be traveling through 32 states.

“This was the time when I knew I had to give up the small things, to chase after the big dream”, Terry said. Managing an artist, or a tour for that matter, is like planning how to raise your kid. One has to know every nook and cranny of every twist and turn. Terry wanted to give some insight on the passion it takes to be an artist manager. “You gotta have guts”, Terry says. This isn’t the kind of thing you up and decide it seems fun to do. One has to have certain attributes and personality skills to get the job done. One has to understand how to properly get group A to point C without leaving group B at point A – “It takes concentration and attention to detail”, Terry says.

Managing tours, artists and products has changed Terry’s life. He gives excellent advice on knowing one’s place in the industry. He encourages everyone to respectfully find their place in their career without losing the passion it takes to get there.

Although Terry’s career has slowed down, he has not lost the passion he possesses for the music industry. Terry says, “If one has give up everything to follow their dreams, I encourage that. Reach for the stars and you’ll at least grab a little something”.