Krissa Willett
The name of my blog is
“How to build a successful artist/manager relationship.”
It’s important
for the artist to first pick the right manager one who supports the artist adequately
and believes in their music. It’s
important for the artist and manager to have this relationship as soon as
possible or the business relationship will not last. Motivation for the manager to work harder for
the artist will be automatic if the manager understands the artist and it’s
music.
The next critical
step in building a good relationship is constant communication between both
parties. If there ever is an issue or
any question of an issue the situation should be addressed right away. I spoke
with Jay Bryan who is the CEO of the Wile
Out Crew. He currently manages and
is the star artist for the group, and he is involved at every level. I interviewed Jay Bryan to get an inside look
at how managers and artist interact as well as their thoughts on the
subject.
I noticed that you
stand out as the leader in the group.
How do you go about handling band members when they don’t show up or
someone drops the ball due to bad communication?
It’s tough when your working with many different artists who
all live completely different lives.
Several members have children and some attend college full time so
scheduling conflicts come up more than often.
To avoid a lot of complications I try to book gigs in plenty of advance
to ensure a solid date, which everyone can attend. Secondly we are like a family and I focus on
keeping individuals who want success and are willing to work hard and give
100$.
Let us know the best
places for us to go to hear your music, which social network and websites are
you affiliated with? Please provide
links.
https://www.facebook.com/jaybryanwileout
twitter.com/jaybryanmusic
http://www.youtube.com/user/JayBryanTV
Would you consider
yourself the manager of the Wile Out crew and all it’s artist?
I would definitely
consider myself the manager of this group I provide direction both on and off
the stage. We take care of each other
like a family we stick together and work as a team at all times. I am the one who gives orders, makes
reservations, books gigs, and handle all financials.
As a manager how do
you want your artists to perceive you?
How does this affect the group’s relationship between artist and
manager?
I want the members to view me as
someone who they can trust and rely on if needed. I also want them to see me as the person who
keeps them in line when they are not doing what they are supposed to do. I want them to able to come to me in the
event that they have issues or concerns that would affect the group.
What do you expect
from those persons in the Wile Out crew.
Does everyone bring something to the table or handle a responsibility?
All members bring a unique talent or
ability to the table. Everyone is
working towards a common goal and we all contribute equally. I’m highly devoted to ensuring the success of
all band members and the group as a whole.
When we have a weak link a meeting is called and it is addressed as soon
as possible. We have a “real” policy in
this group and that is to keep it real at all times. No hiding or holding back information we
handle situations as soon as they arise.
What types of venues
do you normally perform in and who is responsible for booking those. Does all band members have a say in these
decisions? How well does the group
communicate on these matters?
We are a rap group so most of our
venues include opening up for artists at rap concerts. We have opened for names such as Twista, T.I,
and jay-Z. I myself a responsible for
booking these events, promoting these events, and making sure everything runs
smoothly. We have performed at
everything from local community center talent shows, high schools, to opening
acts for A-list artists.
How to you manage to
keep a strong manager/artist relationship amongst the group.
I have an open
door policy where I strive on treating everyone equal and doing right by my crewmembers. We all have a pact which each of us had to
sign that lays out general ground rules and what were to happen if the contract
was breached. The band members and
myself stay in close contact with each other and we spend a fair amount of time
together. We have developed a family
reputation over the years and none of our members have changed since the
beginning in 2000.
