The Art of Truth-Telling

As a music manager, I have learned that telling the truth is crucial to maintaining healthy relationships with artists. It took me years to realize this, but I now understand that honest communication is key to solving problems and building trust and a career.

Looking back, I realize that I used to be a people-pleaser. I was always trying to keep my clients happy and avoid conflicts, but this approach was ultimately ineffective. It wasn't until I gained confidence in my abilities to develop artists and businesses that I felt comfortable being truthful with my clients.

One issue I have noticed in my work as a label manager today is the love-hate relationship between managers and their clients. Managers work hard to help artists grow and succeed, but once artists start to see success, they often believe they no longer need guidance. This can create tension between the two parties, as managers may feel threatened by their clients' newfound independence after working for years to finally achieve early success.

At the same time, artists need to understand that success comes with pressure and demands. They can't expect to have complete freedom and no stress while pursuing their careers. I have seen firsthand how the pressure can affect an artist's mental health, but ultimately, it's up to them to manage their stress and prioritize their goals. It's essential for artists to hire people around them to help reduce that pain, especially if they start generating income or team up with their managers to build their own business and team.

Another challenge is the blurring of lines between personal management and artist management for artists. Personal managers are responsible for booking sessions, arranging transportation, managing social media accounts etc..., while artist managers focus on helping clients achieve their goals by providing professional guidance, creating opportunities, and developing strategies. Artists must understand the distinction between the two roles and recognize that their success depends on their ability to listen to and trust their team. Talking about managing mental health, artists also need to consider their team's mental health. In the best scenario, every artist would have a personal manager to manage their day-to-day stuff, giving more time to their manager to achieve what matters the most.

In conclusion, it's essential for managers to be confident in their abilities and willing to tell the truth, even if it means risking their relationships with clients. If you're an artist, it's important to trust your manager and be willing to listen to their advice. It's the only way to build strong, long-lasting relationships with your clients and help them achieve their goals.

As I reflect on my 12 years of experience since we created Unity Group | Music Company , I realize how lucky I am to work with so many talented people. Now that I am no longer 20 years old, I am confident in our ability to bring artists to the next level. This require transparency and honesty, and we won't waste time with people who want to work with us but are not willing to listen.

#musicindustry #musicmanager