I need a manager

[tristan]

hey guys...

here in france I did not meet no one serious and I'm tired about this...that's why I moved to amsterdam 10 years ago...

I need someone able to drive my career , able to sell instrumental stuff...I don't care if he's in US...

I you know someone, just let me know.

 

[Oldtoe]

We feel your pain, Tristan!

Most "managers" are used car salesmen, I swear.

 

[brasco68]

Tristan...I know how you feel, but I don't think a manager is going to have you're best interests at heart. Who knows how to express what you're about better than you! Try placing more focus on using the Internet as a vehicle to bring your music to the masses. Forgive me if this is a obvious question, but do you have a MySpace page for example? Bands have gotten signed (happens sometimes)based on word of mouth within the web community.

MySpace is just one example, but frequent gigging, and a presence on different online communities that provide an outlet for unsigned artists would be a better way.

You may have already tried what I've discussed here...but that's just point of view...

You got some serious chops by the way...I enjoy you're playing! I hope all of us with the desire and talent can be heard by the world at some point.

 

[tristan]

of course I have a myspace, I have an official website too; my album is available on dozen websites, enven itunes soon plus some major endorsements like music man & VHT, and excellent relashionship and comments witht the guitaristic press in france...I think I already did this part of the way.

I need to do more now...both web and real distribution for my next album, booking showcases in the major stores, more masterclass, ect...

I don't have all the connections to plan this alone...that's why I need a manager.

 

[brasco68]

Cool....I wasn't aware in detail of the amount of exposure you've had up to this point.

You're an awesome player...I hope you can find someone that can take you to the next level!

Keep Rockin Tristan!

 

[tristan]

thanks for your kind words brasco ...

 

[Sub1 Zero]

I don't have any clue about what to do, but I'd be happy to lend a hand

 

[Colin]

I personally know a couple of really good managers, one got Keith Urban to where he is now. The language and distance would be the main problems though...

 

[francric]

I always wanted to be a used car salesman uhh manager...............................

Keep at it man.........

 

[candid_x]

My take is 80% of net. You handle the books, bookings and all travel arrangements, while I vacation in St. Thomas.

Now where did I put that suede shoe....

Just kidding, Tristan. I know it's hard to focus on the creative stuff while you have to do the sales pitching and prospecting. My only advise is, don't rush into anything out of frustration and/or desperation.

Good luck, man, and hang in there.

 

[Headstock]

Absolutely positively, the single most capable person in the world for that role, who always has your best interests in mind stares back at you in the mirror every day.

Continue to post clips on forums, make friends and get your name in front of people. The more you do this, the more successful you will become at it. That is how you can get those managers to approach you, of course by then you may have been successful enough to not need them. I would attack several areas that may be untapped as well, backing tracks, tutorials, online lessons, etc.

 

[Colin]

There are many highly successfully management agencies around, I don't think they have time to go surfing the net looking for new talent. Especially when they have people knocking at their door everyday looking for representation. The fact that you have already marketed yourself and (I assume) have a modest following would get you in the door of one of these firms. Be aware that a manager is different to an agent, traditionally a manager while take around the 30% mark whereas an agent will take 12%. I deal with management and PR companies every day and let me tell you the good ones are effective at getting the talent seen thru the media. If you just sit back and wait as was suggested earlier you may as well go and get a bank job, it won't happen. By all means market yourself on the internet but good management has all the right contacts for you to further your career in other areas...

 

[tristan]

thanks colin so let's wait & see....and keep working !

 

[somesmerized]

Salut Tristan,

How do you like Amsterdam so far? Have you put a band together yet? How is the musical scene? Any studio work there?

Wow that's a lot of questions...

 

[John Czajkowski]

There are many highly successfully management agencies around, I don't think they have time to go surfing the net looking for new talent. Especially when they have people knocking at their door everyday looking for representation. The fact that you have already marketed yourself and (I assume) have a modest following would get you in the door of one of these firms. Be aware that a manager is different to an agent, traditionally a manager while take around the 30% mark whereas an agent will take 12%. I deal with management and PR companies every day and let me tell you the good ones are effective at getting the talent seen thru the media. If you just sit back and wait as was suggested earlier you may as well go and get a bank job, it won't happen. By all means market yourself on the internet but good management has all the right contacts for you to further your career in other areas...

This seems almost universally true. The most difficult issue many new artists probably face when in search of professional representation is enough revenue and exposure to motivate the good managers to pick the artist up.

 

[Paul Warren]

Well, I'm certainly no expert on this, but from what I've heard, it doesn't sound like a manager is what you need at this point. A manager would be what you need should you be so busy that you cannot handle all of the business and performance stuff together.

Bumblefoot has no manager and is quite opposed to them due to past experience. He handles everything himself and has obviously done very well. Andy Timmons - no manager. Greg Howe - no manager (that I'm aware of as I dealt directly with him). Doyle Dykes - no manager - just family helping out. Lots of successful musicians seem to prefer to handle it themselves because they know what's in their own best interest.

It sounds like you're doing the right things. It may be that you just haven't made the right contacts to further your career. It obviously does come down to who you know many times. I know a friend of mine in Germany just keep taking opportunities until he landed a steady gig with a hugely successful pop act (Lafee). It's not the type of music he wants to play forever. But it's a steady job and good income, he's received much more interest in his playing from companies now, and he does clinics and gets ads in guitar magazines featuring him etc. It ultimately is helping his solo career. Playing somebody else's music for a while might be the ticket to getting to know the right people and getting exposure. Just thinking here....

Best of luck with it Tristan.

paul