Building Your Team
The five core roles every music career needs — and the order to fill them.
The Five Core Roles
Every professional music career eventually needs these five people:
1. Entertainment Lawyer
Hire first. Even before a manager. You need a lawyer before you sign anything — and you will be asked to sign things earlier than you think.
2. Personal Manager
Hire when the business outgrows you. When you can't handle the business side alone, it's time.
3. Booking Agent
Hire when you can consistently draw. Agents book shows and tours. They work on 10-15% commission.
4. Business Manager
Hire when real money is flowing. They handle accounting, taxes, investments, and financial planning.
5. Publicist
Hire for specific campaigns. Publicists get you press coverage. Most work on monthly retainers ($1,000-5,000+).
The Order Matters
Most artists try to get a manager first. That's often backwards. Here's the typical healthy progression:
- Phase 1 (DIY): You do everything. Learn the basics.
- Phase 2 (Lawyer): Get a lawyer when deals start coming.
- Phase 3 (Manager): Get a manager when the business is too much for you.
- Phase 4 (Agent): Get an agent when your live show is ready to scale.
- Phase 5 (Full team): Add business manager and publicist as income grows.
How to Find Good People
- Ask other artists at your level (not above — they won't share contacts)
- Attend industry events and conferences
- Look for people who work with artists similar to you
- Check credits on albums and shows you admire
- Music industry directories and organizations
The Most Important Rule
Never sign anything without a lawyer. Not a management agreement. Not a booking contract. Not a distribution deal. Nothing. A $300 legal consultation can save you $300,000 in bad deals.