With an unsigned act, artist managers have to assume multiple roles: booking agent, graphic designer, publicist, promoter, accountant...

Most bands want to achieve success in the music business, for instance earning enough from traveling and playing guitar to quitting their day job. Good management is almost always necessary to achieve any measure of success in this tough business. Many musicians are intelligent and resourceful, and certainly have the capacity to manage their own affairs, but the artist that can handle all this and progress in his art without losing focus and/or sanity is rare.

The basic question is when do you need a manager?

The simple answer is when you have something to manage. Sounds pretty obvious, but it is the most accurate answer we can give. Many bands tend to seek management far too early in their careers, but others wait too long. Some bands look for management to take over every aspect of the band's business so they can just "show up and play...". Even if the manager could do it all, bands must understand that success or failure is solely the band's responsibility. Not the manager's.

From the very first day, a good manager will be driven by a band's achievements, which may be as simple as having a great song written or access to a decent PA or an opportunity to perform for an A&R scout. Any "successful" regional act will tell you that practicing and playing are only a very small part of the job of being in a band; meeting club owners, networking with other bands, and studying the music industry are just a few of many responsibilities. Remember, it's called the music business for a reason.

XMG Manamgent strives to develop your existing talents and advise you on your way to success!