Everyone is always talking about the artists team, the critical support structure that helps spread the music and manage fanbases. But when it comes to successful artists, the most important and well-paid members are lawyers and accountants – then the webmaster, booking agent, manager, and everyone else.
The Future of Music Coalition recently interviewed thousands of artists about the composition of their team, and this is what a few hundred, high-earning artists said. These are full-time artists making more than $100,000 a year with over 90% of that coming directly from their music. And outside of the band members themselves, these were the roles designated most (in terms of the percentage of respondents indicating that these people were members of their team).
I find the balance between business and creativity very important. The moment in the subway and the moment in the cathedral are the same. Sometimes the value of a service shifts based on when it is provide, however the value of a team member may be tied to their role and its impact on a performance, or ongoing performances.
Sad part is there are those who don’t recognize this fact…nor will they take the time to find this out!