Key Personnel Involved in

Artist Development
Outcome 1 Report
Scott Young

Contents
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Introduction 2
Key Personnel Involved 3
Artist Manager 3
Promoter 3
Booking Agent 4
Producer 4
Major Organisations Involved 5
Record Label 5
Musicians Union 5
Media 6
Conclusion 6

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 Introduction
When it comes to developing an artist there is no formula to them
becoming successful. But something that will have a huge impact on
how well an artist becomes is, who they will have helping them along
the way. They all help in their own way but are essential to the
development of an artist. This report will outline and discuss the roles
and responsibilities that each key personnel has in the music
industry when it comes to Artist Development.

1. Key Personnel Engaged in Finding and Developing New Talent

1.1. Artist Manager

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 An Artist Manager is extremely important for an artist/ band to make it in the
industry and become successful as they have the right to negotiate on the bands
behalf. This means that they are able to discuss fees, event location, timings and
contracts. Therefore, it is essential for a strong band-manager relationship as the
artist manager be able to book their act for venues and target audiences that
match the band/ artist. An Artist Manager can represent in all business areas, be
it finance, negotiation or networking. For example when Scooter Braun
discovered Justin Bieber, he told Usher about him. Bieber would later go on to be
signed by the Record Producer, L.A. Reid. So to an extent they can have creative
input. They can advise an artist on what sort of image they should go for, for a
specific target audience. They can provide advice on what songs they should
record for a single or record for example. This means that they can also help a
band or artist decide which record label they should sign for as Bieber needed
guidance on this from Usher.

1.2. Promoter

It is a promoters job to publicise an event, gig, concert, tour etc. through

ticketing in order to hopefully make profit. Live Nation is the promoter that is
used by the biggest acts in the world like Madonna, Bruno Mars U2 etc. A
non-music example would be Don King, known for promoting the biggest
fights ever like the thriller in Manila. A top promoter will attract more fans as a
result from a successful promotional campaign. This means more recognition
for the artist. A strong relationship between a Booking Agent means there is
more availability to use other, more successful acts of the agents.

1.3. Booking Agent

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 The job of a Booking Agent is to secure gigs and spots for a band or artist on
different media platforms. For example, from small gigs to tours or live television
or radio performances. Even for interviews. Like the Artist Manager, a strong
relationship with the artist is important. For example if a band or artists main
following is in Glasgow then it would be pointless to book a gig in the south of
England. A strong relationship with the promoter is important as negotiations
need to happen between them to secure engagements for the artist. Securing
these gigs means that success for the booking agents mean that promoters will
get more established acts of the booking agents further down the line. For
example ITB are arguably the biggest booking agency in the world.

1.4. Producer

A producer works with the band or artist in the studio. They will have a creative
influence to a track or album. For example, they can mould a song to suit the
artists style or image to appeal more to the target audience. The producer will
know best how to give the song the best sound if it needs more bass or if it
should just be a piano and voice track. Quincy Jones for example, after recording
the Thriller album, re-done every single song because he and Michael Jackson
werent content with the songs.

2. Tasks and Roles of Major Organisations in the Music Industry

2.1. Record Labels

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 The role of A&R scouts are to listen to artists and decide if there is a market for
their style if the record will make a profit on them. If there is then the Label will
find an adequate recording studio and music producer to get the most out of the
artist. All contracts that are signed between all personnel involved artist,
manager, agents, promoters etc. have to go through this department. This
department are responsible for the promotion of the artist. This involves, for
example, working out how to promote a new single. What would be the easiest
way for the target audience to find out? Would it be through posting on Facebook
or twitter? Press Releases? Or an advert in a media platform like television or
radio? This is great for the artist as since social media is so popular, fans
themselves are promoting the artist without even realising by sharing or liking
posts, using hashtags etc.

2.2. Musicians Union

The Musicians' Union (MU) is a globally-respected organisation which represents

over 30000 musicians working in all sectors of the music business.
www.musiciansunion.org.uk

The Musicians Unions goal is to protect its members. For example, if you are a
member of the Musicians Union then you are entitled to services such as:
o Free insurance of your instrument up to 2000
o The union offers advice
o 10 million liability cover
o Provision of legal advice and assistance
The MU is beneficial to students as a membership of the musicians union would
normally cost someone 207, unless you are a student which would cost you just
20.

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 2.3. Media

Media is of high importance when it comes to the development of an artist as

reviews will either make or break the artist, especially at an early stage of their
music career. If you have a spot in a newspaper reading great up and coming
new band then it will grab the readers attention and therefore help in the growth
of your fan base and sales. Media can also promote a new tour or album.
Kerrang for example, (right now)are advertising that The Menzingers have
announced a 2017 UK tour.

Conclusion
In conclusion this report has discussed and outlined the various key personnel involved
in the development in an artist. They all have their own independent roles yet all fit
together and have to give just as much as the artist in order for them to make it in the
industry.