Artist Manager InterviewSteven Cruzado

Norman Jones

Background Information• His company is called “The Middle Man Management”• He is mostly geared toward country music as a

primary, but does work with other genres• 22 years old• Been managing artist since he was 16 years old• He learned most his music management incite from his

friend’s uncle who worked for Lou Pearlman.• First, he went to school to become a technician for

Nascar, then decided that he had more passion to music

• He wants to make people dreams come true.• Tachyon Pulse primary recording source.

Bands and Artist

• Highway 50• Milfred Kirkland Jr.

Education or Knowledge Needed

• He personally didn’t have any degree in the music field

• He stresses to learn as much as you can about the music business and use it. It can’t just be knowledge it should be apply knowledge.

• He suggests that you should go to college and get an education in:– Music Production– Entertainment Management– Business (Small Business Etiquette)

Management Schedule• 40 to 65 hour weeks• Meet With Artist • Review Progress• Voice Coaching• Work on Album and Recording Studio• Book Shows• Dance Lessons for acts with dancing• Electronic Press Kit• Show Presence• Promote

Artist Quality Requirements

• Dedicated/Committed• Talented• Willing to Learn• Artistic• Want to perfect their craft• Strives for stardom

Manager Roles• Booking Shows and Venues• Be professional at time and occasions• Promoting• Travel-Arrangement Transportation• Artist and Band get the best they can get.• Oversee artist career• Handles money, music, and merchandise.• Dedicates his life to the make the artist successful• Build a fan following for artist• Evaluate Artist and Band Members• Do what’s best for the band – If necessary fire members

that can ruin the band.

Important Parts of Contract

• Agreement of both parties• Term and Options

Creating an Artist Image

• Style– Genre– Present Fashion– Personality

Evaluating the Artist

• Vocals• Performances• Practices• Musical Direction• Public Display• Is the Artist still manageable and will he

endanger the group’s success?

Working With Friends

• It will either work or fail.• As an artist its not the best idea to manage a

friend because you might not get the best quality of work.

• As for a friend manage your band, it can can either be easy or your friendship can be ended from that.

• But, if you and your friend are open-minded, can communicate and are willing to take criticism then it will be fine.

Good and Bad Manager Experience

• Good– Managing Milfred Kirkman Jr. because at first he

knew he had talent but he always had the “what if factor” slow him down a little but he worked hard and now has a huge fan following.

• Bad– Managed a group that never showed up for an

important show• It ruin his credibility

– Pay the way for a band that quit after a year

Mistakes Made and Lesson Learned

• Not knowing enough about the business– How to divide pay• Paid money out of his pocket

– Reading Documents Correctly( Always have an attorney)

Final Advice For Upcoming Managers

• Be Confident• Develop Trust with an artist and band• Develop goods client and always leave on

good note.• Be fair and honest with clients and artist-

(Work for the outcome for your artist not just yourself.)

• Your only as good as your crew.

What I LearnedFrom Steven Cruzado• The music industry is hard to get into for any genre.• Sometimes there are going downfalls.• There are artist that have the ability but can’t walk the mile• Stay Confident and Focus• Be Fair and positive • The more you know the easier and cheaper it will be.Personally• That when you and the person you interview have a

common passion it makes it easier to interview and understand where they are coming from.