What's the Difference Between an Agent and a Manager?

We sell a lot of music industry contracts to bands, booking agents, publishers, promoters and recording studios. The other day one of our customers asked me about the difference between agents and managers - "Do we need to have both? Aren't they pretty much the same thing?" As a retired professional rock musician, I was able to tell him that no, they're not really the same thing, although sometimes a manager will also book the band's gigs (like Murray Hewitt does for Flight of the Conchords. Okay - bad example).

Whether or not our customer's band needed both an agent and a manager is another matter. But once I explained to him what the function of each role was, he could then make his own decision whether his band was at a point where they needed the services of a manager and/or a booking agent.

Role of the Booking Agent

The role of a booking agent is to book gigs for his/her artists, and negotiate the terms of the bookings (meals, lodging, break times, dressing rooms, etc). The agent is basically an intermediary between the artist and the venue, and that's the extent of their role. Most new bands book themselves until they've built a reputation. Agents work on commission - they make a percentage of what you get paid. If you're not making any money, you're not going to get much interest from the local booking agents. A percentage of zero is still zero.

The Role of the Manager

Band managers take on many responsibilities - promoter, business and financial advisor, negotiator, accountant, publicist, agent, chauffeur, image consultant - depending on the needs of the artist. I knew a manager who ironed the bands' stage outfits every night before the show. Talk about full service!

The role of the manager is to develop, guide and promote the career of the artist. That entails building connections within the industry with concert promoters, record company execs, and others who are in a position to help the artist move up the ladder of success. Like Brian Epstein, a good manager helps shape the band's public image and persona, handles publicity, runs the business affairs, helps the band set long-term goals, and gives advice on personal choices which may affect an artist's career and future.

Do you need a manager? Well, that depends if you have something to manage. If you're just starting out, the answer is most likely "No". Chances are, when you're ready for management, managers will seek you out. But if someone named Murray Hewitt calls, hang up.