How to Hire a Manager, Publicist, Distribution Company, etc.

When I do Google searches for different people in the music industry, I’m often amazed at how there are out there. Even just going through Sonicbids as an artist, you’re probably wondering who all of these people are and if they can really help you get to the next level of your career. It’s easy to caught up in the excitement of promises or the world of possibility but then get slapped back into reality when you look at the costs and if it really is worth the price.

Remember, think of your music as a business. You’re putting a lot of time, money, and energy into it so you’ll want a practical approach to see if the decision to hire someone is worth the return on investment. Here are some tips to separate the chaff from the wheat.

If you’re not sure who to hire the industry, read the first part of the article here.

  • Look at their current clients: Who are they representing now? Does the genre/market fit with what you are doing? Are they able to help you break into a new audience? What kinds of results are they getting for the people that they’re currently working with? Do a little homework. For example, if you’re looking at a PR firm or publicist, look at some of their artists. Do a quick Google search on their name and see what kind of publicity comes up – is it impressive? How many/what are the quality of media sources covering them?
  • Look at their history: How long have they been in the industry? How long have they been working with artists? What are some of their proudest achievements? How long does the typical artist stay with them voluntarily?
  • Look at the results: In addition to researching their artists, do a quick Google search on the company. Whenever a person approached me about some promise for my music, it’s the first thing that I do. You’ll be amazed how many people don’t even when many companies have scam reports on them.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions: If you’re unsure about spending the company to bring someone on board, ask them more about their services, what they can deliver, or how much investment that you have to put in first.
  • Ask your friends: If you know other artists who work the company, ask them for their honest opinion on what it’s been like, how long they’ve been on board, etc.

Remember, this is your career. There are plenty of people who can work with you, you just need to find the right ones. Take a little time to do some research and you’ll be glad you did!

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