If you have been following my blog, you are aware that my
primary purpose for starting a career in artist management is to represent my
son. Originally it was to represent him
as a bass player, but now I have taken on a management role for his band, Three Story Hill. Those in the music industry have heard it
many times; the role of the artist manager can be extremely challenging. According to an article on ArtistManagementResource.com
titled How
To Become A Music Manager, “the music business management career is
simultaneously the most demanding (“why aren’t you doing more”) yet sometimes
the most under-appreciated (“well, anyone can do that!”) in the eyes of many in
the music community.” Add the additional
complexity of managing a family member or close friend, and this could be a
recipe for disaster. But there are many examples of family members who have been
excellent managers, and assisted in launching successful careers for their
loved ones.
Recently, I watched an E! television special regarding this phenomenon
called “Fame
in the Family”. They showcased two
artists, Sean Kingston and Romeo Miller (aka Lil’ Romeo), both of whom have
their mothers as their managers. Sean’s
mother fits the definition of a personal manager. They live together, she continues to cook and
iron for him, and she also manages his schedule and ensures that his bills are
paid. Romeo’s mother has helped over
time with his career, and is now working to launch the music careers of his 3
sisters. She is actively involved in the
studio and linking them with the right support team. This was a great inside
look at how families can work together to support a rising star.
One of the most successful artist managers today is Kris Jenner,
who manages the careers of her three daughters, Kim, Khloe and Kourtney
Kardashian. Kris has even trademarked
the term “momager”. She was instrumental in inking multiple deals
with E! television, and negotiated with clothing, cosmetic, jewelry and
fragrance companies on behalf of her children.
In an interview
with WSJ.com, she confirms that she earns 10% commission for her management
responsibilities. Other stars that have
had “momagers” and “dadagers” include Usher, Beyonce, Miley Cyrus, Jessica
Simpson and Hayden Panettiere.
A few things I’ve learned about representing a family member
include:
1.
Treat adults like adults – The members of the
band I manage are between the ages of 21 and 28. I have to resist the urge to “mother”
them. I also can’t chastise them for
being who they are. My responsibilities include,
but are not limited to, making sure they are operating like a well-oiled
machine, doing my part to further their visibility, and working diligently to advance
their dream toward stardom.
2.
Don’t show favoritism – My son must not be held
to a different standard than anyone else in the band. If this happens, I lose credibility with the
rest of the band members.
3.
Business is business, try not to take things
personally – Being overly sensitive or defensive does no good. Many parent/child management relationships
fall apart because personal lines are crossed. Also, try to keep business
issues and personal issues separate.
4.
Knowledge is power – Although my intentions were
noble in taking on this role as my son’s manager, I would do him a disservice
if I don’t know the first thing about the music business. Therefore, I decided
to invest in additional education. I am
currently enrolled in the Master’s of Entertainment Business degree program at Full
Sail University. My current class, Product
and Artist Management, has been a great resource for understanding the value I
can add as an artist manager, how to approach this role, and an in-depth view
of how to be successful for myself and the clients I will represent. This program has provided knowledge I could not
have gained simply by reading books or searching the internet.
Finally, I realize that even with the best laid plans, there
may come a time when we will need to part ways. Hopefully, it will be an amicable
split. The last thing I want is to jeopardize my relationship with my son. I
may not be his manager for the rest of his career, but I’ll be his mom
forever.
References:
Huffington Post. (2013) Celebrity momagers and dadagers: Who
is running the show behind the scenes? Retrieved
from: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/05/celebrity-momagers-and-dadagers-behind-the-scenes_n_2398541.html
Peden, L. (2012) Entertainment Wise. Kris Jenner makes it legal, receives plaque to
trademark her 'Momager Position'.
Retrieved from: http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/88273/Kris-Jenner-Makes-It-Legal-Receives-Plaque-To-Trademark-Her-Momager-Position
Rwakaara, J. (2012) Artist Management Resource. How to
become a music manager. Retrieved from: http://artistmanagementresource.com/management-advice/music-business-articles/232-how-to-become-a-music-manager
Ryan. (2013) Romeo and Sean Kingston Star in E!’s “Fame In
the Family”. Living Civil. Retrieved
from: http://livingcivil.com/romeo-and-sean-kingston-star-in-es-fame-in-the-family/
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