How to Find a Music Manager: Complete Guide

Finding the right music manager can change the course of a career. But many artists look too early, choose poorly, or don't know how to structure the relationship. The result? Collaborations that turn into conflicts, missed opportunities and disappointment.

This guide explains when you really need a manager, exactly what they do, how to find a serious one and how to protect your interests in the contract.

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What is a music manager and what do they do?

A music manager is an artist's primary strategic ally. They're not an agent, not a promoter, not a producer. Their role is to coordinate all aspects of the artist's career, acting as the central point of contact for all other industry professionals.

A manager's typical responsibilities include:

• Career strategy: defining the long-term artistic and commercial direction
• Contract negotiation: with labels, booking agencies, brands, platforms
• Team coordination: manages relationships with booking agent, PR, producer, lawyer, accountant
• Opportunity development: finding deals, collaborations, endorsements, sync opportunities
• Communications management: acting as a filter between the artist and the outside world
• Decision support: helping the artist make informed decisions

In the UK, music managers don't require a specific licence to operate. The Music Managers Forum (MMF) is the trade association for UK music managers and publishes guidance on best practices and standard commission rates.

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When do you really need a manager?

This is the most important question. Having a manager too early can be counterproductive — you're giving away a share of your career before there's enough to manage.

You should look for a manager when:

• You already have an organic fanbase (even small but real)
• You're receiving gig offers, collaboration requests and opportunities you can't handle alone
• You have a published catalogue and a presence on streaming platforms
• You want to sign with a label or close significant professional deals
• Administrative management is eating into your creative time

You don't need a manager yet if:

• You're still at the very beginning with nothing published
• You haven't built any traction (streams, gigs, followers)
• You're not ready to share a percentage of your earnings

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What the artist gives up: the commission

A manager's fee is typically a percentage of the artist's gross earnings. In the UK, standard rates are:

• 15–20% for managers of emerging artists
• 10–15% for established artists with high revenue volumes

The commission typically applies to: live income, recording royalties, endorsements, sponsorships, merchandise. Some items are excluded by contract (e.g. pre-existing income, publishing royalties if there's a separate publisher).

Warning: a manager asking for more than 25% without offering concrete services is a red flag.

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How to find a serious music manager in the UK

1. Industry networking

The most effective way to find a manager is through industry relationships. Attend:

• Music conferences: The Great Escape, Liverpool Sound City, SXSW London
• Showcasing events: events where you perform in front of industry professionals
• Industry hubs: co-working spaces and music communities

2. Referrals from other artists

Ask artists you admire who manages them. A good manager usually comes recommended by satisfied artists.

3. LinkedIn and professional platforms

Search "music manager UK" on LinkedIn. Check profiles, experience, and artists already on their roster.

4. MMF Directory

The Music Managers Forum publishes a directory of its members — a useful starting point for finding vetted professionals.

5. Labels and independent distributors

Independent labels and some distributors offer management services or can connect you with trusted managers in their network.

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How to evaluate a manager before signing

Before signing anything, ask these questions:

1. Which artists do they currently manage? Ask for references and speak to the artists on their roster.
2. What's their vision for your career? Not a generic plan — you want a specific, concrete strategy.
3. What are they asking in return? Commission rate, exclusivity, contract duration.
4. Do they have experience in your genre? A manager who specialises in classical music may not have the right contacts for a grime artist.
5. Do they have real industry connections? Names, labels, agencies, promoters they work with concretely.

Red flags to avoid:

• They ask for an upfront payment (a serious manager earns only from your income)
• They have no roster or hide it
• They promise guaranteed results
• They don't have a written contract

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The management contract: what it should contain

Before signing, have the contract reviewed by a solicitor specialising in music law. Key points:

• Duration: typically 1–3 years. Be wary of longer contracts for a first deal.
• Commission rate: specific, unambiguous
• Territory: UK only, Europe, worldwide?
• Sunset clause: establishes how long the manager continues to receive commission on deals made during the contract period after it ends
• Early termination clause: how the relationship can be ended before expiry
• Exclusivity: does the manager work only for you, or also for other artists?

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FAQ on music management

Can I have a manager without a label? Absolutely. A manager is completely independent from a label. Many artists work with a manager without a record deal.

Can a friend be my manager? In theory, yes — but it's high-risk. Conflicts of interest between friendship and business are very common. If you go ahead, put everything in writing from the start.

How long before a manager produces concrete results? It depends on your career stage and strategy. On average, the first significant results (notable deals, meaningful gigs, important collaborations) arrive after 6–18 months of work.

Can a manager also act as a booking agent? In the UK, booking agents and managers are distinct roles. There's no formal licensing requirement for either, but they operate differently. Some management companies have booking arms; many prefer to work alongside an independent booking agent.

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