Finding representation for your career can be a very hard, but very important task if you want to further your career path. Many people rush into contracts, signing on the dotted line before they think clearly about the ramifications. Once a contract is made and signed, getting out of it, if there are problems can be very costly and time consuming. With that said, there are at least 6 important questions you must ask yourself when you are seeking representation.
1. Does this manager represent your genre of music? If you are Country, are they Rock and Roll only or do they represent country music as well.
2. How honest do they feel? It is important that everyone on your team is straightforward and honest. Instinct is your best gauge. You should also ask around the industry to find out how others have reacted to this person.
3. Is this manager reputable? Make sure you get recommendations.
4. Are they just beginning their career or are they already well connected. (If someone is just at the beginning of their career, they may not have the connections you need. However, they may also work harder for you and have fewer clients. You will need to consider the pros and cons.)
5. What are their work ethics? You will need to seek out others who have worked with them to find out this information.
6. what is their managerial style? Do they sit back and watch what other people do, or do they take charge of any situations that occur? To obtain this information, you will need to find other musicians who have worked with them.
Avoid anyone who asks for a monthly retainer fee or salary or states that for $5,000 - $10,000 they can redo your demo CD. Legitimate managers do not ask for a monthly retainer fee or salary and inflated costs to redo your demo is a rip off. In addition, asking for a salary is another way of stating they do not believe enough in your talents to take a risk.
Why would you want to work with anyone who does not believe in you? The sad truth is that many musicians, out of desperation for their career, make poor career choices. Desperation does not make good business arrangements.
An important piece of advice: Do not use an attorney recommended by your prospective manager. You want an attorney who is completely on your side.
Jaci Rae’s humble beginnings taught her how to succeed in the music industry. Now a successful Entrepreneur, Rae is an award-winning singer and best-selling author. When she isn’t dishing music industry advice on some of the top ranked music industry sites, Rae conducts seminars and teaches in the U.S. and around the world.
Finding a Music Attorney
Prior to signing any contracts, seek legal representation from an established and reputable entertainment lawyer / attorney. To find a lawyer to fit your needs, go to your local bar association and get a referral.
After you have obtain information on a few lawyers' (at least), contact them and explain your needs. If they can accommodate you, ask for references and follow-up on those references. Check out the Better Business Bureau and the National Bar Association to see if there are any complaints filed against the lawyer or their firm.
Once you have established that they are reputable, set up an initial consultation. Many attorneys offer a free 30-minute consultation, but you need to ask them up front what their total cost will be. During your face-to-face, inquire about their experience and background, keeping in mind that you may only have 30-mintues without charge and you want to make the most of that free time. Ask if you can show you sample contracts they have drafted, and find out to what extent they actually have dealings in the entertainment industry.
An option for artists who are short on funds but need legal representation is the VLA (Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts). The VLA was formed in 1969 and was, as their site states: "the first legal aid organization in the U.S. dedicated to providing free or low-cost arts-related legal assistance to artists and arts organizations in all creative fields who cannot afford private counsel."
You will need to apply for assistance and pay an application fee. Their main office is located in New York. Their phone number is: 212-977-9271. The address is: 1285 Avenue of the Americas, 3rd floor, New York, NY 10019. You may contact them there to find an office that is closer to where you live if New York is too far away. They have satellite offices all over the country.
When dealing in contracts of any kind, use the following protocol:
- Make sure your lawyer is present with you. If you can't make the date you have scheduled - reschedule!
- Make sure that you have a prioritized agenda. That will make your meeting more time-efficient for both parties.
- Don't give in on big or small points unless there is a mutually-reached compromise.
- Always address the concerns of both parties (yours and theirs) with a win/win attitude.
- Always take copious notes and verbally confirm all points during the meeting.
- Follow up all negotiations with a letter that summarizes the details that were agreed upon. Ask for a written response within a certain time frame if there is anything in dispute.
This should cover most of the points you need to address during your meeting. Ask your lawyer for more information.
