Contact a Music Manager :
the complete guide 2026
When to look for a music manager, how to prepare your press kit, where to find the right contacts and what email to send — everything an independent artist needs to know to contact a music manager effectively.
What does a music manager do?
A music manager is an artist's strategic partner. Their role is to structure, develop and protect the artistic career — not to replace the artist's work, but to amplify it.
What a music manager does
- Defines the long-term career strategy
- Manages relationships with labels, publishers and bookers
- Negotiates contracts and fees
- Coordinates teams (press agent, booker, etc.)
- Structures the release and touring schedule
- Identifies commercial opportunities (sync, brand deals)
What a music manager doesn't do
- Create the music for you
- Build your fanbase from scratch
- Replace a press agent or booker
- Manage your accounting (role of the accountant)
- Guarantee you a contract with a label
When to contact a music manager: the signs you're ready
This is one of the most important questions. Contact a music manager Approaching too early is counterproductive — a manager invests their time and network in projects that already have momentum.
| Indicator | Recommended minimum threshold | Why it’s important |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Spotify streams | 1,000–5,000+ streams/month | Demonstrates an existing audience |
| Published releases | At least 1 single distributed | Shows the project exists |
| Social presence | Active account + regular content | Credibility and consistency |
| Professional photos | At least 3 HD photos | Defined artist image |
| Tangible project | Release, tour or music video underway | Something to develop |
| Bio and positioning | Clear bio in 150 words | The manager must understand who you are |
The rule: one music manager is not there to build your project — they are there to amplify it. If you have nothing to show, start developing the project independently before seeking a manager. See our guide: promote your music.
How much does a music manager take: actual commission rates
Before contact a music manager, understand the business model. The manager is paid on commission — not a fixed salary.
| Type of manager | Standard commission | On which income | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior manager | 10-15% | Artist gross income | For projects in development |
| Established manager | 15-20% | Live shows, royalties, merch, sync | French industry standard |
| International manager | 20-25% | All revenues + sometimes an advance | For artists with strong traction |
| Post-contract commission | Variable 15–20% | Revenue generated during the contract | May still apply after termination |
Red flag: anyone music manager who asks for a fixed upfront payment (fees, 'administration fees', 'setup fees') is not a standard professional manager. The normal model is a commission on revenue generated.
Where to find a music manager: the right channels
Music industry trade fairs
The best opportunities to contact a music manager in person. MaMA Festival (Paris, October), Printemps de Bourges (pro), BIS in Nantes (January), Trans Musicales de Rennes. These events bring together managers, labels, promoters and bookers — a single day can be worth months of cold outreach.
LinkedIn target by portfolio
LinkedIn lets you search for managers by the artists they represent. Search 'music manager France' or 'music manager [genre]' and review their portfolio before contact a music managerSend a connection request with a short personalised note.
Recommendations from your network
Most collaborations between artists and managers happen through recommendations. A press agent, a booker or an agency like Beathoven can connect you with managers suited to your project. Networking is the most effective channel for contact a music manager.
Facebook groups and artist communities
Independent artists' Facebook groups, SoundCloud forums and music Discord communities are ways to find entry-level or mid-level managers looking for new projects. Less prestige but more accessible for contact a music manager artists early in their careers.
Prepare your dossier before contacting a music manager
Before contact a music managerYour press kit must be complete. A manager receives dozens of enquiries — an incomplete kit is ignored.
| Press kit contents | Format | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Artist bio | 150 clear words | Essential |
| Spotify link | Profile + single | Essential |
| YouTube link | Music video or lyric video | Essential |
| HD photos | Minimum 3, 300 dpi | Essential |
| Spotify for Artists stats | Screenshot | Highly recommended |
| Development plan | 1 page max | Highly recommended |
| Upcoming releases / projects | Short-term schedule | Recommended |
| Media coverage obtained | Articles, radio airplay | Recommended |
The perfect email to contact a music manager
The email is the first point of contact. It should be short, personalised and professional. Here is the template used by artists who get responses.
Hello, [Prénom du manager],
I noticed you represent [Artiste de leur portfolio] — our music targets the same audience and I think your approach would suit my project.
I am [Artist's First Name], [genre in 3 words] based in [Ville]. My latest single '[Title]' [Date] — [1 chiffre ou fait notable : X streams, article dans Y, passage radio Z].
I'm seeking support for [objectif précis : structurer les prochaines sorties / développer le booking / préparer un EP].
🎧 Listen: [Spotify Link]
📋 Full press kit: [Google Drive Link]
Thank you for your time. I'm available to talk at your convenience.
[Prénom] — [Instagram] — [Email]
The 3 email rules: under 150 words, one personalised sentence proving you know the manager, and a clear objective. A generic email sent to 30 managers = 0 replies. A personalised email sent to 5 well-targeted managers = several replies.
Manager, booker, press officer: who does what?
Before contact a music manager, clarify whether you are actually looking for a manager — or another professional.
| Professional | Main role | Remuneration | When to get one |
|---|---|---|---|
| Music manager | Overall career strategy | 15–20% commission | Project with existing momentum |
| Booker | Organises concerts and tours | 10–15% of live fees | When you want to play live |
| Press officer | Media and press relations | Flat fee per campaign | For each release |
| Music promotion agency | Radio, playlists, digital | Flat fee per campaign | For each track release |
| Music publisher | Administers publishing rights | 50% of publishing rights | For sync placements and publishing |
Mistakes that make managers ignore your enquiry
❌ Contacting without personalisation
A generic mass-sent email is recognised immediately. To contact a music manager effectively, mention at least one artist from their roster and explain why your project would suit them.
❌ Contacting too early
An artist with no releases, no stats and no online presence has nothing to offer a manager. Contact a music manager before having existing momentum is premature.
❌ Email too long
A 500-word email with your full artistic history will never be read. To contact a music manager, keep it under 150 words with a single clear objective.
❌ Inflating your numbers
Managers check Spotify for Artists stats and your socials. Lying about your numbers to impress will immediately destroy your credibility with any music manager serious professional.
🎯 Beathoven helps you structure your approach.
Before contacting a music manager, build your visibility and social proof. Beathoven coordinates your music promotion so you arrive with the right numbers.
Free analysis of my project →FAQ — Contacting a music manager
For contact a music manager : 1) Prepare a full press kit — bio, Spotify/YouTube links, photos, stats. 2) Find contacts via industry events, LinkedIn, Groover or your network. 3) Send a short email (max 150 words) personalised to the manager's portfolio. 4) Wait 7-10 days before following up once. A music manager professional is paid on commission (15–20%) — beware of any upfront payment.
The right time to contact a music manager : is when you have tracks released on Spotify, an active presence on socials, an early engaged fanbase and concrete projects. A manager isn't there to build a project from scratch — they amplify a project that already has direction. Start by promoting your music before looking for a manager.
A music manager A manager typically takes between 15% and 20% of the artist's gross income — gigs, royalties, merchandising, sync. Emerging managers may accept 10–15% for projects in development. The commission applies to all revenue generated during the contract term. Beware managers who ask for a fixed upfront payment — this is not the standard model.
For finding a music manager as a beginner: industry events (MaMA Festival, Printemps de Bourges, BIS in Nantes) are the best places. LinkedIn lets you target managers based on their portfolio. Groover helps get you noticed by industry professionals. Recommendations from other artists or promotion teams remain the most effective channel.
No — a music manager A professional is paid solely on commission (15-20% of revenues). They should never request an unjustified upfront payment. If a manager asks for money before having delivered results, that is a red flag. See also: CNM resources on management contracts.
Additional resources
Find a music label
How to approach labels in 2026.
Read →Find a booker
Develop your on-stage and live presence.
Read →Promote your music
10 complete levers 2026.
Read →Send your music to the media
Method and tools 2026.
Read →360° music promotion
Radio, press, playlists, digital.
Discover →Digital Communication
Social media and content strategy 2026.
Read →Useful links: Groover · Feedzback · CNM · SACEM · Spotify for Artists
