Audiomack ARTIST GUIDE
Artists 101
Who should I hire first for my team?
The first hire on your artist team is always the toughest. Figure out what your needs are. If there’s money involved in your career, and contracts, and you need an expert eye, you might need an attorney. If you need someone who can bring in key opportunities, you might need a manager. If you are focused on securing live performances, you might need a booking agent. Identify where you need help.
“Hire a manager who can actually help and bring in opportunities. Yeah, people say, ‘Get a lawyer first,’ but you can put out music and work with producers without going through all the paperwork, because you’re not making money. It’s not worth hiring a lawyer at that point. A manager who can help connect you to other people, and get you in studios, that will have more value.”
—Adam Freedman, Entertainment Lawyer
“Who you hire first will vary based on your needs. Typically it will be an attorney, especially if you’ve begun to generate the kind of business that might mean you are asked to sign a contract. But it can also mean a publicist or a playlist marketer, depending on how you plan to release music. Think about your goals, and hire the people who can help you attain them.”
—Mark Tavern, Music Industry Educator
“This really depends on what type of artist you are. If you are a live performer of any type, really focused on the live space, the booking agent is the first person you need. Booking your own shows, you can do, but it’s so time-consuming and agents can help you get on shows that will build your audience and profile. That’s if you’re really focused on live, but not everyone is!
“Lawyers would tell you a lawyer, right? If you’re a developing artist that isn’t focused so much on live, a manager is a great person to start with. People tend to default to getting a manager first, even if it’s a friend. You’re also gonna want someone who’s gonna help you with your online presence. Is that a social media marketing person instead of a manager? Maybe! If you have a TikTok hit and you’re trying to capitalize on that, that’s your move.
“If you don’t have any success yet, don’t get anyone. Go online and learn from other artists. There’s so much information available. If you’re at the very beginning stage: don’t hire someone.”
—Anna Bond, Head of Creative and Partnerships, Songtrust
