The Difference Between a Manager and a Creative Management Team

What Makes a Good Artist Versus a Superstar Artist? A Great Creative Management Team

What makes an artist become a superstar?  Besides talent of course no artist can pave the way for their own success and super stardom.  An artist has to depend on very important key people behind the scenes to make their music connect with the fans.  But what is the difference between a management team versus a creative team pushing the artist to the next level?   Plainly put, the creative team knows what works and what doesn't work for the artist.  

First, a creative management team molds the artist's image.  A creative manager understands that everything an artist does, from choosing their song selection to selecting the type of apparel he/she wears, is vital to the audience knowing who the artist is and what direction the artist's  career is going in.  For example, a creative manager would advise their client not to wear suits, ties and dress shoes during performances or appearances if the client is a hip hop artist.  Just as a client who is an R&B singer would be advised to not wear mohawks, body piercing and nail art unless he or she was a rock star.  These type of judgement calls may seem small but are very important to the manager branding the artist.  It is not to say that at times an artist cannot be creative in their style of dress but it must be done within the realms of the artist's image.  Audiences do not understand too many drastic changes in the artist's appearance.   This is the big difference between a creative manager versus a manager whose sole purpose is conducting the day to day business aspects for their client.

Secondly,  a creative management team understands that the artist must have strong visual connections with music videos, song selections and album titles.  Lets use Rihanna's "Rated R" album for example.  When you think of the term "Rated R" you think about something restricted or forbidden.  Rihanna's "creative managers" changed her image from the girl next door to a more dark, mysterious figure. For one this change was drastic but more acceptable to the audience because of her very public altercation with Chris Brown.  This incident set the tone for Rihanna to express a hurt, revengeful and angry attitude in her music, which her manager used  towards her advantage.   As a result, RIhanna's music fit her image with song titles such as "Russian Roulette", "Wait Your Turn" and "Hard".  These tracks were followed by videos that distinctly showed Rihanna in more dark and gothic silhouette backgrounds.  This is a perfect example of how a creative management team connected all the right dots when it came to Rihanna's fourth studio album, which went on to sell 3 million copies worldwide!!!  Now that's not just a good artist but a superstar!!

Lastly, a great creative team works hard to create new opportunities for the artist.   These opportunities include commercials ads, television and movie appearances along with inviting media during community involvement. This is all apart of branding the artist as a major competitor amongst his/her peers.  It also sets the stage for the artist to become a household name.  Creative teams always look for the next great opportunity they can offer their client by building relationships with individuals who have the power to take their artists to the next level in their career.

In conclusion, an artist needs more than just a manager to guide their career but they need a creative team who can take the lead and discover their niche, while also helping them appeal to the masses.  Unfortunately, many artists work hard year after year only to remain at the same level in their career due to the lack of not understanding these concepts.  Hiring a creative management team  maybe worth it, it could be the link between not only making you a good artist but a great artist who will be remembered for years to come! 

Tags: Managers | Creative Management Teams | Artists | Superstars

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Beat Makers vs. Producers

Many unsigned artists do not know the difference between a beat maker and a producer.  While some artists who may not have lots of experience working in multi-million dollar studios, the sound that an artist needs to attract major followers and gain a buzz from record labels is essential when recording music.    

The first thing that an artist should ask is, what is a beat maker?  A beat maker is a person who sales you a track.  Yes, this may sound like a very plain and simple definition but some artists do not know the advantages and disadvantages of working with a “beat” maker.  A beat maker’s primary goal is to sell you music that he/she has created to make money and/or to get a buzz for him/herself, should others recognize your work as a talented artist. Once the track is sold to you as an artist the beat maker usually has no other purpose or function.  If the track that was created was to your satisfaction, you have just made an even exchange of monetary funds (perhaps several hundred dollars) for a product, nothing more or nothing less.  Most upcoming artists unfortunately spend too much time searching and paying for beats instead finding a great sound for their music.  Some beat makers actually prey on amateur talent, especially if they have the capability to record or engineer the artist during studio time.  Some signs of a beat maker getting over on such artists include purposefully prolonging studio time with high hourly fees, no feedback during recording, or rushed studio sessions, which leads to very poor music!   

All “good” artists know that a producer is key to making a hit record.  This is also something that the major labels know. For this reason alone, record companies are willing to spend hundreds of thousands or perhaps millions of dollars on production.  A good producer to an artist is what a director is to an actor.  A producer is more like a coach!  Most producers do make tracks but there is a major difference in their function.  A producer knows if the sound and energy an artist is giving on a track is going in the right direction or if it needs to be changed.  For example, if certain tones should be inflected in the voice, if words need to be tweaked (added or taken away), if choruses (also known as hooks) are catchy and strong! Good producers can also help the artist define their style and great chemistry between the artist and producer will set the platform for future hits for the artist.  There are also some producers who don’t create music but know what sounds good on a record and what elements are needed to make a hit. Most successful artists record with producers who have a great track record and they understand that quality music is way better than quantity, or having a large catalog of songs without hits!!!  

So whether you are an up and coming artist or signed to a major label pick your “directors” wisely.   In the competitive game of music you need a person to guide your music and a great producer is the main ingredient to building a successful song!!!! Good luck!!!!!

Tags: Artists | Music Producers | Beat Makers | Tracks | Hit Songs

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         Do's & Don’ts On Your Valentine's Date

So Valentine's Day is coming up and whether you are going to be with that special person you love or on a new date with someone you are just getting to know, there are definitely some do’s and don’ts!!!  Make your Valentine's Day memorable and the kind you won’t regret!!!

1.  Do get a gift for your date, even if it is a card, a single rose, a flower or candy.  It is really the thought that counts and a simple gift is way better that coming empty handed!!
2.  Don’t get an overly expensive gift!!! One reason is because the other party may have not purchased a gift for you that is the same or of equal value.  Imagine giving an expensive gift then receiving nothing!!! Or better yet receiving a $10.00 gift after you spent $100.00 or more!!!  Major Fail!!!!
3.  Do give your date the upmost respect.  Whether you realize it or not being respectful and polite goes a long way!!! i.e. opening doors, saying thank you, your welcome, that’s really nice of you etc.....
4.  Do not bring up your ex or past relationships during your date.  Even if your date brings the topic up, save this conversation for a later time.  Simply let them know now is not the right time to discuss him/her.   It’s nothing worst than being on a romantic dinner and someone only talks about their ex.    
5.  Do pay attention to detail.  Give your date your undivided attention.  Do as much listening as talking to discover if there is chemistry between the two of you.
6.  Do not excessively text or take multiple calls during your date.  This will give your date the assumption that they are not a priority and therefore not wanted or appreciated.  
7.  Do not talk about sex during a casual first Valentine's date.  Bringing up sex will make you look bad and desperate.  
8.  Don’t be uptight during your date.  Being too serious and not seeming relaxed will make your date feel uneasy and can be a major turn off!!!!
9.  Do end your date with some form of affection (hug, kiss) etc... This will leave a lasting impression in your date’s mind until they see you again.  

So to make your Valentine’s Day end on a good note keep these simple things in mind during your date, because Valentine’s only happens once a year.  Make sure when you look back on this date next year you won’t remember an awful date that ended terribly, make it a night to remember!!!
 

Tags: Valentines Day | February 14th | Love and Relationships

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since i could remember all i ever wanted to do is work in the entertainment industry. countless times I would sit up at night and write lyrics saying to myself, "one day im gonna be a songwriter, or director." boy, the good old 90's. i just wanted to work in the industry. Growing up on lyrics from artist such as Biggie, Pac, the Hot Boyz, ' the real Cash Money' (juvy, wayne, b.g & turk), 504 Boyz, JD, Mase, Puffy, Mystical, Trick Daddy, Trina, (as you can see, the list is extensive) this industry grabbed my attention from its raw, true to the street, lyrics. the lyrics from Biggie's "Juicy" ESPECIALLY grabbed my attention due to the fact that it was and still is (to me) the original 'rags to riches' story. His story evoked the hearts of many young and teenaged children who want to make it and dont know the struggle of getting there. in the very beginning of the song, Biggie says:

"Yeah, this album is dedicated to all the teachers that told me
I'd never amount to nothin', to all the people that lived above the
buildings that I was hustlin' in front of that called the police on
me when I was just tryin' to make some money to feed my daughters,
and all the n*ggaz in the struggle, you know what I'm sayin'?"

 he dedicated this song and album to everyone who never believed or wanted to help him to better himself. So the question raises, who is helping the industry now?, who is helping me? who is helping you? over the years, i have seen the industry take a turn for the worst in some ways. dont get me wrong, i still love this industry, but somethings need a "bail out". the industry needs to get back to the "90's way": helpful A&R's, a marketing/sa'es/promo division that promotes someones FULL talent and potential, and managers who actually manages. now its all about the glitz and glam, rappers who rap things they never been through. but what happen to REAL RAP? im just confused... can someone help me figure it out?

Tags: Help | Record Labels | Music Business | Music Industry

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DOA (Death of A&Rs)
 

A&Rs better known as the gatekeepers of the music industry, or the “middleman” between an artist and the record label are almost obsolete! In a world filled with savvy  musicians who push their own music on the streets and have found a way to interest labels by gaining their own fan base, the need for A&R’s have diminished.  Now when I say “DOA” I’m referring to A&R’s whose primary job is to scout talent.  

In my many years behind the scenes of music I have found A&Rs to be both a blessing and a curse.  To some artists A&R’s are looked at as “dream killers” a person who has the power to crush an artist’s dream with one bad review or critique.    There are some A&Rs who are perceived as cocky and self serving. Barely taking time to listen to the full potential of the artist’s music.  Instead they look for “one hit wonders” and “hot singles” versus the longevity of the musician’s overall talent.  It even shocks me that some A&Rs cannot give artists a “professional critique” which consists of breaking down song structure, choruses, music (beats), vocals and rhythms.  Some have even gone as far as saying they want to be paid to give an artist feedback! Really?! When A&Rs say, “I don’t like your music, “it’s just not a hit to me” or “you don’t have “it”, sounds more like an opinion instead of solid feedback that the artist can take and build upon.  Although music is very subjective (when it comes to likes and dislikes) there are certain universal elements that make music very objective no matter what the genre is (solid song structure etc...)  Then as I “critique”  A&Rs even further some opt to party and hang around the glitz and glamour of the stars instead of ushering in great talent to the label or company, which seems to be at the bottom of their agenda. Yeah they may give out their email occasionally or hit a few talent showcases and music conferences but how many can actually produce, which is finding amazing talent?  Most of the talent we see today comes from artists who have already been grinding and putting themselves on before any A&R could ever find them!

Now in some cases A&Rs are actually essential to the life line and career of an artist.  Once an artist is officially signed to a label the A&R is key to putting the right producers with the artist and overseeing the project’s studio time etc..).  The A&R helps to create the image the artist needs for others to see their full vision.  A&R’s also pay attention to the full development of the records from beginning to end and assist with the marketing and promotion of the product.  Building a good relationship with an A&R once you have signed with a label can be quite beneficial in the long run.  

So to those who are pursuing a career in the music industry know the difference between A&Rs who actually take the time to scout talent and the ones who don’t! Use referrals when necessary and find out the A&R’s track record for finding new talent.  Again, there is no guarantee that every A&R who listens to your music will think it’s hot but it only takes “one” A&R who is passionate about music and who can see your full potential to change your life in just one phone call!  Good Luck!!!!

Tags: Pasha Chaney | DOA (Death of A&Rs) | Music Industry | Music Business | Record Labels

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I must admit, I've always respected Fantasia  Barrino as an artist (especially her vocal abilities) but after reading January's issue of Sister 2 Sister Magazine I DEFINITELY have a newly founded respect for the talented American Idol winner.  Her life has been far from a fairy tale, before and after her fame!  Fantasia talks about her break up with rapper Young Dro, her new reality show, her previous management team not booking shows for her and how she almost lost everything after being sued by her father.  I can admire her for being honest about her personal life and family.  She even explained how she had to put her brother out of her house after he took advantage of her!  It perplexed me as to why Fantasia was not getting the limelight many of us feels she deserves but I believe after her VH1 show Fantasia For Real,  fans and critics alike will be reintroduced to the very soulful songstress.  Out of all the American Idol winners I truly believe Fantasia has great potential to become one of the greatest young R&B singers of our generation. Anyone who has ever watched her live performance knows how her singing gives them the chills!  Her stage presence and voice is so powerful, strong, and commanding!!!   Hopefully her new management team can connect her with some good producers and pen some hits for her! Fantasia's 8 episode, 30-minute docu-series Fantasia For Real airs on January 11th at 10PM on VH1.

Here's a clip of Fantasia perfoming singing Tell Me Something Good (after Erykah Badu and Ledisi) on BET's 2009 Soul Train Music Awards, during  Chaka Khan's tribute! Girl got SKILLS!!!!

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