The artist management model is outdated as the award ceremonies. The framework that allowed managers to make 15% to 20% off the artists net income no longer exists. Managers typically commissioned from artists tours and nothing else, while a select few commissioned off of lucrative publishing, sponsorships and merchandising deals.

Most managers want to reshape the deals because the dynamics have changed. Managers play a more vital role than any other entity whether a label, distributor, or agent. Labels are completely out of the artist development game, maybe the artist game all together.

Managers should be treated as members of the act and equal members. Managers may not write the song, but could offer a path to get the song heard by a broader audience.

Managers are part of the building process, but only get paid if the project is a success with a narrow revenue stream. That’s not standard business practice among other industries. CEO’s get paid regardless if the company meets its goals and get a bigger check even if the company fails.

Managers need equity in the project, more than a standard commissioned based model.

The only managers who defend the commission based models are the .0001% who have 5 legacy acts and are solely making money from touring. They do little to build a career, rather they just maintain a career that was already built.

It’s a creator economy not an artist economy. The manager is part of the creation process. The 20% management model is outdated and a fixture of a 1960’s music business model.