The European Music Managers Alliance (EMMA) has released a study based on a survey of 330 music managers in more than 30 countries.
The report presents “a detailed picture of a highly skilled but structurally fragile profession shaped by income volatility, touring risk, access-to-finance barriers, and growing wellbeing pressures,” according to EMMA.
Findings included the fact that 56.3% of respondents said their personal savings and income are the dominant source of investment in their clients’ careers.
The survey also found that touring continues to be artists’ most significant source of revenue — though many managers still report breaking even or running at a loss from live.
Managers are also shouldering more responsibilities than ever, as minimal staffing, scatty finances and long hours contribute to unsustainable business models.
These findings echo reports from Music Ally Connect’s music management panels. Eleven Management co-founder, MMF chair and Gorillaz manager Niamh Byrne commented on funding issues, overwork and low pay.
“The management role is now shouldering a hell of a lot more than it did before, and it’s now us that are doing the lion’s share of the work,” she described.
“With rapid rising costs, I don’t see how particularly younger or more inexperienced managers are able to get their artists out of their domestic territories,” added Will Bloomfield, co-president and head of global artist management at Tap Music.
EMMA is calling for industry recognition and a shift in manager working standards, including improved access to investment and expanded business training.
“Managers are not service providers, they are creative and entrepreneurial business builders, said EMMA’s Executive Director Jess Partridge. “They need greater support if the European music market wishes to compete at the highest level.”
