It is very common for new Artists to seek the help of a friend to manage their career. They like the comfort of a friend and know they will look out for their best interest. They don't know where to start and they are scared of being "taken for a ride" and wasting money or if they are good enough. It should be expected and there is nothing wrong with cautious moves. Eventually though, you will have to get them to make a decision. It is his/her career and only they can define their goals. If you are going to manage him, then you have to do just that, Manage them. You draw the line between Friendship and Business and go for the Goal. It is your job to help him/her find the direction. If you truly believe in their abilities and work-ethic then you must become part of their motivational team. Give them clear advice and direction that is educated and know when to back off and let them make the decision (or at least let them feel as if they came up with the idea). You are the "work horse". 

Here are some suggested steps:

Pick 4 or 5 songs that are original and powerful (for example: 2 slow, 2 fast, 1 mid tempo). Make a Guitar/Vocal recording on a simple tape deck. Write out a lyric sheet and chord chart and write on the bottom "Written By: ---- Copyright 2007" or whatever the date is. Stick it in the mail and mail it to yourself and him (first class from a post office).  Never open it, just store it away in case you need it. This covers and possible theft of material under Publishing Laws. You will eventually get an official copyright, but it is not an immediate need until you get a record deal or a publishing deal. The sealed envelope with Postal Time stamps is all you need. 

Choose a company to help you create a demo of those songs. You have to have something to present to managers, label reps and anyone else along the way. I can not express how important this step is. These days, you can not go in and just play the guitar for the A&R department. There are so many people who want a deal, they listen to a demo, then choose who gets to come in and play.  (We can assist you with a budget plan and work out a payment schedule if needed)

After that is done, you get a band together and do a few little club gigs, making sure you do all of the originals that are on the demo. Once it gets 100% tight, then you can start doing Label showcases. This is where you make an open invite to A&R departments and put on a quick 20-30 minute set. This starts the "buzz effect." 

And there are about 1000 other steps to the process, but these are the key points. If you don't have a demo, you have nothing but a person who says they can sing. That does no one any good. There are two different sounds that companies listen to, live and studio. If you sound good live but not in the studio, you can't do anything. If you sound good in the studio but can not recreate that live, you have nothing.

Remember, as a Manager you have to drive the ball. I have seen many Artists that deserved a shot get wrapped up in the worry and stress of the "what if they don't like me" world. It is your job to push them through it and build them up. Someone always says "NO" but you only need one YES to make a career!

I hope this helps you out.

added 10/17/2007

copyright Masophonic Publishing/BMI