Making money in the music industry isn't always as simple negotiating a salary and waiting for your paycheck to come in. Most jobs in the industry pay per project basis, on percentages, commissions, i.e. are freelance roles. This makes it very important for you to know, what job demands what, and we are hopeful this article will help you in decision making. But remember, as always, that this information is general, and the deal you agree to will dictate your circumstances.
1. Managers
Managers receive a pre-agreed percentage of the income from the artists they work with. Sometimes, musicians may pay managers a salary as well - this often works like a retainer, ensuring the manager doesn't work with any other bands. However, it should be noted that this latter scenario really only comes into play when the artists are making a sufficient enough income to support themselves comfortably and legitimately have a need to make sure their manager focuses only on them. Managers are generally paid a percentage of the band's income: often 15% to 20%. In addition to their percentage, managers should not have to cover any expenses out of their own pocket.
India only has a handful of good managers, we can name four top managers in the country some of them are also self-managed musicians. If you want your go-to managers for a conversation, work reference, these are the people you must look at. We Need Better Managers!
1. Gaurav Vaz plays the bass for The Raghu Dixit Project is the backbone of the globally celebrated band. Gaurav is one man who created a BRAND out of a star!
2. Tej Brar, the Ex-OML employee, managed Nucleya, the visuals, stage productions, artist positioning, more to do with 360 management, than handling "ONLY Bookings". Tej has now started his own venture called "High-End Boutique" an artist management firm.
3. Subir Malik, from Parikrama, WHO doesn't know Parikrama. That itself speaks volumes. Subir Malik has shaped many careers of independent artists and is the main man behind the management of Parikrama.
4. Uddipan Sarmah, from AsWeKeepSearching, started his own record label called "Blue Tree", got multiple international acts to India. Recently has joined OML to handle their LIVE artists.
2. Music Promoters
Promoters make money on ticket sales for the gigs they promote "typically". While in India, most managements are also promoters. There are two ways this can happen when it comes to understanding the pay:
- The promoter takes a percentage of the returns from the show in the wake of recovering their costs, giving the rest of the money to the artists. A door split is a term for the financial agreement between a band and a promoter or venue. In this sort of understanding, the performers don't get a set charge for performing. Rather, they get a percentage of ticket sales or the club fee at the door. Door Splits parts are more typical for independent artists, newcomers, and growing bands. Set up artists with solid followings will probably demand an ensured fee.
- The promoter may agree to a fixed payment with the musicians for their performance and then any money left after costs is theirs to keep.
- Karan Mehta, Blue Tree
- Viren Khanna, VKP Parties, Bangalore
- Aftab Khan, MixTape
- Sohail Arora, Krunk
- Dev Bhatia, Unmute
3. Music Agents / Booking Agents
Agents take a pre-agreed percentage of the fees for the shows they arrange for musicians. Please Note, the job of an agent is very different from an artist manager! While Indian managers are confusing their roles to that of the agents. In terms of payments, if an agent negotiates a fee with a promoter for a band they represent to be paid Rs.10,00,000 for playing a show, the agent takes a cut of that Rs.10,00,000.
A Few good booking agencies in India include Krunk, Overture India, BlueTree, KWAN, BToS, TM Talent Management, and much more!
4. Record Labels
At an exceptionally fundamental level, record marks profit by selling records. Your job at the record label and what kind of label you work for will define out what this implies for you. If you have your own record label, at that point, you profit by selling enough records to take care of your expenses and make a profit. If you work for another record label, you will probably get a salary or hourly compensation. The size of the label and your role there will decide how huge that salary/wage will be.
To Name a few good record labels in India, Pagal Haina Records, Blue Tree, Sony Music Entertainment, SaReGaMa , Paramvah Music, RDX Productions and more.
5. Music PR
Be it radio plugging or conducting press campaigns, music PR companies get paid on a campaign basis, sometimes even are on retainer contracts. They will negotiate a flat fee for working a release or tour, and that fee will usually cover a set amount of time for the company to promote the product/tour. Music PR companies may also get bonuses for successful campaigns and reach certain thresholds - for instance, a bonus if the album sells a certain number of copies, or a band gets a "number" of booking inquiries due to the campaign.
6. Music Journalists
If music journalists work freelance, they will be paid on a per project or contract basis. If they work for a specific publication, they will likely receive a salary or hourly wage. Typically, a fun role yet very demanding.
7. Music Producers
Record producers may receive a salary if they are tied to a specific studio or be paid on a per project basis if they freelance. Most producers have a team consisting of programmers, instrumentalists, etc and they take care of the entire production. The producer works with the band, session musicians, and the studio engineers to "produce" the sound of the recordings. Often the producer's job is to provide an extra set of ears to aid in the creation of a certain sound or to provide experience.
A record producer may be involved with arranging parts of the track or even writing it. In smaller studios, the role of engineer and producer may be combined, and the band may produce or co-produce the recordings with the engineer.
8. Sound Engineers
Sound engineers who work independently get paid on a per project basis - this can be a one night deal, or they may go on the road and do sound for a whole tour, in which case they will be paid for the tour and may also receive P.D.s. Engineers who work with a particular venue exclusively are likely to receive an hourly wage. A Few sound engineers are also full-time and in-house. They get paid on a salary basis.
9. Musicians
What about the musicians themselves? Musicians ideally must make money from royalties (long shot, given Indian Music industry ecosystem) advances, playing live, selling merchandise, and licensing fees for their music. Sounds like a lot of revenue streams, but don't forget they often have to share the money with the people listed above.
Obviously, there are lots of different ways to make money in the music business, and many of them come down to percentages and contracts. For this reason, it is crucial that everyone is on the same page about the how the payment will take place. Also, you should always get it in writing on contracts.
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