Frank Giaramita
10/02/05, 08:09 PM
Thanks to Chris Black for taking the time out of his day to answer these questions for me. If you haven't done so yet, purchase Cartel (http://www.cartelrock.com)'s debut full-length Chroma immediately... or else.
Frank: Chris, you're an up-and-coming manager working with an up-and-coming band, Cartel. Do both you and Cartel learn a lot from each other? and do managers tend to learn more about the business as their bands grow?
Chris: We are constantly learning together. We have a relationship that goes far beyond the music business, which allows us to overcome the seeming lack of experience. I have have surrounded myself with very well versed individuals in this business that have taught me the "ins and outs" and have given me valuable information that I can apply to this project and well as any future endeavors. The music business is evolving and growing constantly, we have to all work together to make this a sustainable entity.
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Frank: What kind of experience do you have in the music industry, and what would you tell kids who are looking to become artist managers someday?
Chris: I’ve been in artist management for two years. I have been involved on lesser levels since a very young age. If your looking into management make sure you choose an artist who you can deal with on a day to day basis. Also understand that its not as glamorous as it may seem, the drugs and debauchery tend trickle down very seldom. Prepare to deal with assholes day in and day out and never forget the goals you set out with. Purchase a T-Mobile Sidekick II, and stretch your fingers.
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Frank: What is the key to success in the management field of the business?
Chris: People skills. My day consists of phone calls and emails. It’s not always people id choose to associate with in a social atmosphere. Management is being able to handle situations as they arise, no matter what the circumstances. Connections and relationships are a pillar in this business. Always fight for your artist.
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Frank: In this business, the record labels always seem to have a love/hate Relationship with their bands' managers, because a lot of labels feel the managers get in the way of a direct band to label relationship. Is this theory true, or is it just myth?
Chris: Of course its true. I work for Cartel. At the end of the day i am responsible for 5 peoples well being. I am a liaison between the band and the business side of music. I want Cartel focused on strictly on the artistic; the business is for myself and our team to deal with. Labels want what’s best for the label, I want what’s best for my client, problems will always arise.
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Frank: To my understanding, Cartel recently picked up an agent. How does this change your job, if at all, and does it take some weight off of your shoulders?
Chris: A booking agent is a huge asset. Until very recently we were only approached by agents that didn’t follow through or show the band that they were truly interested. We only want to work with people who understand our vision and direction. We have now aligned ourselves with a proven agency that has a rich history in the business, we are all excited to begin working with them.
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Frank: You've had some experience in dealing with major labels. Obviously some bands will see more success on major labels then indies. What do you think the major differences are between the two, and when do you feel a band is ready to jump up to the big leagues?
Chris: Obviously an "indie following" is very important. Independent labels are doing much bigger things lately than ever before. The indie labels have carved an amazing niche in the business that allows bands to grow with their fan base. Major labels have a greater amount of money and man power to devote to their artists. The time to move from an indie to a major depends greatly on the maturity and work ethic of the artist. Each case is very different, I don’t think you can pinpoint a specific "time" for that jump.
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Frank: When do you feel a band is ready to seek management? When do you think it would be unecessary for a band to have management?
Chris: Management is a necessity if you plan to make music your career. When your popularity grows and you are constantly touring you don’t have the time nor energy to devote to the business side. It’s unnecessary to seek management if your band is not committed to making music a priority. It’s also unnecessary if you’re VERY bad, we don’t need the market a flooded anymore than it already is. Go back to college.
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Frank: Any last words, thank yous, advice, stories, jokes or things you'd like to say?
Chris: Mandy Moore if you’re reading this, I’m available anytime, contact me at your leisure. If you don’t own the first Notorious B.I.G album, turn off the Thrice record and go buy "Ready To Die." Thanks to Gucci for making wonderful accessories and thanks to Cartel for doing their job and making this enjoyable.
Frank: Chris, you're an up-and-coming manager working with an up-and-coming band, Cartel. Do both you and Cartel learn a lot from each other? and do managers tend to learn more about the business as their bands grow?
Chris: We are constantly learning together. We have a relationship that goes far beyond the music business, which allows us to overcome the seeming lack of experience. I have have surrounded myself with very well versed individuals in this business that have taught me the "ins and outs" and have given me valuable information that I can apply to this project and well as any future endeavors. The music business is evolving and growing constantly, we have to all work together to make this a sustainable entity.
-----
Frank: What kind of experience do you have in the music industry, and what would you tell kids who are looking to become artist managers someday?
Chris: I’ve been in artist management for two years. I have been involved on lesser levels since a very young age. If your looking into management make sure you choose an artist who you can deal with on a day to day basis. Also understand that its not as glamorous as it may seem, the drugs and debauchery tend trickle down very seldom. Prepare to deal with assholes day in and day out and never forget the goals you set out with. Purchase a T-Mobile Sidekick II, and stretch your fingers.
-----
Frank: What is the key to success in the management field of the business?
Chris: People skills. My day consists of phone calls and emails. It’s not always people id choose to associate with in a social atmosphere. Management is being able to handle situations as they arise, no matter what the circumstances. Connections and relationships are a pillar in this business. Always fight for your artist.
-----
Frank: In this business, the record labels always seem to have a love/hate Relationship with their bands' managers, because a lot of labels feel the managers get in the way of a direct band to label relationship. Is this theory true, or is it just myth?
Chris: Of course its true. I work for Cartel. At the end of the day i am responsible for 5 peoples well being. I am a liaison between the band and the business side of music. I want Cartel focused on strictly on the artistic; the business is for myself and our team to deal with. Labels want what’s best for the label, I want what’s best for my client, problems will always arise.
-----
Frank: To my understanding, Cartel recently picked up an agent. How does this change your job, if at all, and does it take some weight off of your shoulders?
Chris: A booking agent is a huge asset. Until very recently we were only approached by agents that didn’t follow through or show the band that they were truly interested. We only want to work with people who understand our vision and direction. We have now aligned ourselves with a proven agency that has a rich history in the business, we are all excited to begin working with them.
-----
Frank: You've had some experience in dealing with major labels. Obviously some bands will see more success on major labels then indies. What do you think the major differences are between the two, and when do you feel a band is ready to jump up to the big leagues?
Chris: Obviously an "indie following" is very important. Independent labels are doing much bigger things lately than ever before. The indie labels have carved an amazing niche in the business that allows bands to grow with their fan base. Major labels have a greater amount of money and man power to devote to their artists. The time to move from an indie to a major depends greatly on the maturity and work ethic of the artist. Each case is very different, I don’t think you can pinpoint a specific "time" for that jump.
-----
Frank: When do you feel a band is ready to seek management? When do you think it would be unecessary for a band to have management?
Chris: Management is a necessity if you plan to make music your career. When your popularity grows and you are constantly touring you don’t have the time nor energy to devote to the business side. It’s unnecessary to seek management if your band is not committed to making music a priority. It’s also unnecessary if you’re VERY bad, we don’t need the market a flooded anymore than it already is. Go back to college.
-----
Frank: Any last words, thank yous, advice, stories, jokes or things you'd like to say?
Chris: Mandy Moore if you’re reading this, I’m available anytime, contact me at your leisure. If you don’t own the first Notorious B.I.G album, turn off the Thrice record and go buy "Ready To Die." Thanks to Gucci for making wonderful accessories and thanks to Cartel for doing their job and making this enjoyable.