MMF UK has recently launched a report, titled: Managing Expectations: An exploration into the changing role and value of the music manager. This research is underpinned by a survey of more than 180 music managers as well as in-depth interviews conducted by Music Ally’s Eamonn Forde with managers representing acts including The 1975, Gorillaz, Mumford & Sons, Robbie Williams, J Hus, Little Simz, Nick Cave, The xx, Blue Lab Beats, PJ Harvey, Two Door Cinema Club and Bill Ryder-Jones.
In detail, it examines how managers support talent development, their relationships with record labels, the diverse and expanding skills set they require, the challenges around mental health, and the evolving commercial models between music managers and both their creative clients and industry partners.
The wide-reaching research also indicates a potential disconnect between the increased workload and expectancies shouldered by music managers, and the mechanisms by which they are paid – with the majority still dependent upon a pre-digital commission-based models.