The Artist Manager Relationship

Abstract

The relationship between artist and manager operates within legal context that developed in the popular music industry of the post-war 20th century, at a time when the business model of recording industry was predicated on the sale of physical products, such as vinyl records, audio cassettes and CDs. However, in the 21st century technological innovations in music dissemination and forms of consumption within the music industry have disrupted that model and have created new opportunities for artists to sell their music in ways that are independent of traditional record labels. This new digital environment has led to the adoption of new roles and areas of activity in music industry management. This chapter considers to what extent existing contractual norms remain sufficient and appropriate in an environment of changing and expanding expectations around management duties.