You're managing artists in the music industry. What communication skills are essential for your success?

Active Listening is absolutely imperative in the management and/or development of artists. I am an avid believer in following an artist's lead and THEN offering my input & advice. This is especially true when it comes to Song Choice (both originals & covers). This is because artists communicate through Songs. Production/vibe, concept/theme, language/specific words used, etc. are all direct reflections of the artist's/person's unique perspective, background, values, intended messaging - their identity. I can't tell someone who they are. I listen until I understand, and I use a combination of my understanding, objectivity and expertise to help them successfully and effectively communicate all of the above to the world.

Patience, open dialogue and expectations have to be managed. Musicians are routinely quite sensitive to their music and craft, so enlisting them in setting expectations is vital. Goal setting can be helpful, such as recording goals, size of venue and even the musicians they play with. Empathy, and grit are critical features for any musician to have long term success, and they will expect the same from you if you manage them. Specify what you will and cannot do for them, and if necessary get help in these areas (music teachers and coaches, producers and talent evaluators, etc.) by introducing them to these role players. Most of all, musicians want to know you are LOYAL and in their court, that everything you do is with them in mind.

Firstly, if you're a music lover and an avid listener it helps. You know how to strike up a conversation that's informal yet informative and close to her/his heart. I was a practising musician so it also comes naturally. Praising their last hit song or the most soulful piece they played on their instrument always helps. Artists as we all know but don't want to believe are susceptible people. They always put a shell around themselves to protect their souls from the otherwise unkind world. If you can make them feel comfortable and protected while being around them they will trust you and this will be forever. So, if you are meeting a musician for the first time, listen to her/his works, and praise them unconditionally. Things will be easier!

Creatives want to create and guess what - they are always creating! Even when you are trying to get down to business. It is imperative to hear them when they have an idea that bubbles up that they need to get out. And when I say hear them - I mean hear, listen, respond. That creativity is a gift and can lead to incredible possibilities in the strangest of times

Being open to understanding the artists you're managing by actively listening to them and comprehending the inspiration behind their artistry.

In communication between an artist and their manager, there's an interesting starting point: the way you communicate with the artist is slightly different than with the manager. Therefore, the first thing when discussing matters with the artist, especially from a management perspective, is to ensure that both parties interpret the situation in a relatively similar way. Personally, I use WhatsApp voice messages during the early stages of the manager-artist relationship and beyond, to clarify the purpose behind my actions. The artist can listen to these at their convenience, even at double speed if needed. This keeps them informed about everything I'm doing and why I'm doing it.

I find it can be easy to forget that music is the product of emotions. “Keeping it business” isn’t always the most practical advice. Making room for your clients and partners emotions is part of the business in my opinion but not always the easiest thing to do.

Working with artists in a management and/or development capacity presents the unique challenge of having to make clear-headed judgment calls in often emotion-led environments. Developing the ability to recognize & control one's own emotions is just good business. it's imperative to know when you're in a position to act vs. when it might be better to step away to gain important perspective. The ability to understand the emotions of others enables you to empathize (continuing to build trust between you and your artist) and to strategize (so that you're not in the habit of spinning your wheels, trying to force certain accomplishments under temporarily-preventative circumstances).

In the music biz, mastering emotional intelligence is like knowing your scales—essential! ?? From my accounting experience, balancing the books is easier than balancing egos. ?? Managing emotions boosts negotiation skills, crucial when dealing with high-strung artists or demanding stakeholders. Understanding each personality isn't just nice; it's necessary! As a stakeholder myself, clear communication and empathy have been game-changers. After all, we're not just counting beats; we're counting on each other! ?? #EmotionalIntelligence #MusicIndustry #StakeholderSavvy #EmpathyEqualsHarmony

Making sure the other party is heard can go a long way. Hard negotiation doesn’t have to mean a closed conversation. Helps with your credibility in the negotiation and with keeping relationships in the longer term.

?? In managing artists, negotiation is like chemistry: mix the right elements and you get gold. ?? Whether securing contracts or gigs, persuasive skills are crucial. It's all about balancing firmness and flexibility—like a tightrope walker, maintaining positive ties while advocating fiercely. Remember, knowing each party's values is key! ?? After all, even Einstein said, "Logic will get you from A to B, but imagination will take you everywhere." Keep it strategic and creative! #NegotiationSkills #ArtistManagement #ArtAndScience

A manager-artist relationship is built on trust, which grows over time. It’s important to allow things to develop naturally and give that trust the space to evolve. Be truthful in your actions—both the artist and the industry value honesty. As you advance the artist’s mission, stay positive and encouraging, but be careful not to overpromise. While you’re building mutual trust, you’re also managing your expectations of each other. When these elements are balanced, they gradually form a solid foundation of trust between you. Keep the artist actively informed about your actions and what you aim to achieve with them, especially in the early stages. When the artist is up to date, it’s easier for them to trust you.

You can't build a house without first building the foundation. And you can't build a career without first building a trusting relationship with your artist. It's the key that opens the door to honesty, mutual respect, progress, and ultimate success.