10 Tips for artist managers from Rick Chazan (The Church, Emma Louise)
Image: Rick Chazan manages Brisbane artist Emma Louise
The Association of Artist Managers (AAM)– whose members manage artists including Gotye, Daniel Johns, Cold Chisel and Tkay Maidza – has just extended applications for its Manager Mentor Program.
Emerging Australian artist managersnow have until Thursday (October 13) to apply for a 12-month mentorship with established and successful AAM members.
One of the AAM’s most celebrated members is qualified solicitor, former QMusic board member, serial entrepreneur and Ground Control Management Director Rick Chazan. Currently co-chair of the AAM and co-manager of The Church, Darling James, Emma Louise, Morning Harvey and Robbie Miller, Chazan’s genre agnostic experience has been the backbone behind some of Australia’s most revered acts.
It’s because of this that TMN asked Chazan to offer his top tips for emerging artist managers. Below are Chazen’s Top 10 strategies to embrace to boost efficiency and ensure a career as storied as his own.
Rick Chazan
TIP 1
Pick your artists with great care. Success is typically a long road and love for the music will sustain you through the early years.
TIP 2
Australia has a very supportive music community. Don’t be shy; ask questions from other managers and experienced industry people. You’ll be amazed how many people are generous with their time and wisdom. I’ve had so many mentors over the journey who have helped me immeasurably. PS you know who you are and I am so grateful
TIP 3
Read music business books. Shane Simpson’s Music Business has long been considered the definitive Australian music text and gives a strong theoretical overview of the business.
TIP 4
Go to music industry workshops and conferences like WAM, Face The Music and BIGSOUND. Meet everyone and learn everything you can.
TIP 5
Get a part-time job while you are nurturing the next Tame Impala or Flume. You gotta eat and pay the rent.
TIP 6
Join the AAM. This is the peak body for music managers in Australia. It hosts education and networking events, it has a number of member benefits and acts as an advocate to protect and further the interests of all Australian managers. It’s flagship program is the mentorship program where a number of members receive a one year mentorship with the likes of John Watson, Bill Cullen and other leading Australian managers. It is really the opportunity of a lifetime if you are lucky enough to get one.
TIP 7
Take on an internship with another manager. If there are no internships available knock on a few doors. There is no better way than learning on the job.
TIP 8
Do everything you can for your artists and their careers but remember to look after yourself and be prepared to set the boundaries. This may require some awkwardconversations at times but people generally understand.
TIP 9
Ethics are king; be trustworthy and you will be trusted. A good reputation can only be gained through consistently doing the right thing over the long term. Care about your reputation and earn a good one.
TIP 10
It’s the best job in the world. But it’s tough. You will need to be dedicated, determined and humble to stand a chance. Arrogance is the enemy. Humility is the key to unlock the door to success grasshoppers.
Courtesy of AAM’s partnership with Face The Music in Melbourne, 2016 program mentees will also receive:
– flown to Melbourne from anywhere in Australia for an intro to their mentor and a full day structured management workshop
– attend The Age Music VIC Awards
– participate in the Face The Music conference
– 3 x nights accommodation in Melbourne