What We Do
Nick Krautter Management is a group of perpetual optimists, bringing dreams to reality and music to the world. We expect the impossible of ourselves and work only with the most talented artists. A constant attitude of belief over doubt and a ruthless dedication to the groups we represent.
Breaking The Band - Article on Touring
Read the unabridged version of nick's interview from the SF Weekly's "Listen Up!" section below *
Who is Nick Krautter?
Nick Krautter got his start in the music industry as most people do, as a fan of music. In high school he bought a guitar and true to his independent nature, taught himself how to play basic chords, and immediately began writing songs. Shortly after buying his first electric guitar nick formed a band with two high school friends. Nick went through a few more bands in high school and college, always taking the role as de facto manager.
In college he studied Marketing and Music Industry, winning scholarships for both music and academics. It was also while in college that Nick got a weekend job at a major SF radio station and was quickly promoted to the producer of the morning show, working full time the last two years of university. Before finishing his degree Nick connected with some of the artists he currently represents. Starting out by working with a friend's band, nick soon realized that management fulfilled both his musical and business aspirations.
To further his knowledge of management, Nick worked with Greg DiGiovine of Santana Management, someone he thinks of as a mentor and a friend. Another major influence and guide is Michael Aczon, esq., both a teacher and a friend with an amazing love and enthusiasm for music and the music industry.
In only a few short years, Nick's reputation for honesty, knowledge, and limitless energy spread throughout the bay area. Countless local groups started sending in demos and requesting his help. Nick has given multiple lectures on artist management to University classes at his alma mater and has also published multiple articles in national music magazines. Recently he created and currenty teaches a university course designed to help independent musicians and music entrepreneurs reach their goals.
In addition to managing five groups, Nick is also the primary producer and writer with the hip-hop production crew SoLow Productions. At his studio Nick still writes and produces his own material quite prolifically. He has also produced demos and EP's for many different artists in diverse genres across the bay area.
* SF Weekly interview [unabridged]
What are the benefits to hiring a band manager or management company?
When you decide that you want to be a professional musician, having a manager is essential. Each manager has their own style, personally I like to work with my groups on every level, from the music to marketing to image to meeting with industry people. A good manager should understand every aspect of the music biz, it's very complex and the competition is fierce - think of a manager as the person who will help you build and navigate your career, while keeping the sharks at bay. The manager will be able to look for opportunities that might not be on a band's radar. A manager is also there to be objective - it's hard when you are personally connected to the music to be objective about what is good and what isn't. One of the major benefits I feel I bring to the table is knowing the timing of the industry - for example, a major magazine isn't going to review your music unless it's in national distribution - major labels need to hear more than good music, they get 100's of CD's each week of good music, it's having a story [huge fan base, record sales, etc] that separates your band from every other band.
What does a manager actually do for me?
At the begining a manager does basically everything. Every musician has a goal - a manager helps you define your goal, map out the steps to take, and bring in the other people [publicists, labels, publishers, agents] neccessary to help you get to your goal. Specifically, your manager is the person who will be creating the business of your band, taking care of contracts, coordinating with everyone in the team to make sure everything is on schedule. As a band gets bigger the role changes - I've been with many of my bands from the very begining when I was recording their demos and writing their press kits, now I'm finding studios for them, talking with major labels and distributors, reading over licensing contracts, and coordinating with publicists. My background in marketing has been a huge help - that's why my groups have street teams, downloadable flyers, and make great efforts to get their stuff on college radio and to the local media.
Why not just have a friend (roommate/brother/girlfriend) manage the band?
I would never recommend working with anyone you are intimately involved with, that ensures that your work stress is your home stress, and you don't want to break up with your lover and find yourself out of a manager at the same time. It would also be bad for your home life if your band started getting really successful and you had to get a real manager because your current 'manager' didn't have the skills and knowledge to grow with you. If your friend is educated regarding the music industry and is very dedicated to helping you out then that might work - just make sure you deal with business as business and pay your friend as you would any other manager. The money is never a problem when everyone is broke - it's when the money starts rolling in that things get complicated between friends, so keep that part of your relationship strictly business. Hopefully you'll have the same relationship with your manager as I have with my bands - I only work with people who are incredibly dedicated and talented and my bands have become my friends, as I have become their's - don't forget, we're all in this together.
Does it cost a lot?
No, the greatest expense and asset in life is time - A good manager will help you save time both in the long and short term. Rates are negotible - managers typically make 15% - 25% of gross income and resonable expenses. If you only need a few questions answered and are involved in the business there are Management consultants who charge an hourly rate or work on retainer for a block of time each month. The most important thing is that the manager you hire really knows what they're doing. I might consider consulting part time because my band roster is full right now, I couldn't take on anymore full time bands, I'm already working 15 hours a day 7 days a week.
When I decide to hire someone to manage my band what qualities should I look for in that person/company?
There is a trade off between working with an individual manager and a company - The company will have more contacts and collective experience but will be less personally involved with your career. An individual on the other hand might have fewer contacts and experience but will work tirelessly to make you more successful, and you know that they'll be there to work with you on what YOU want out of your career. In either case you want to work with someone who understands the business of music. They should also be excited about you and your music - if they're not they won't be very convincing when they're pitching your band to labels and agents - and they won't be as dedicated to you either. You should also look for someone who likes working with people, doesn't mind traveling, and is very self motivated.
Should I sign a contract?
You should work with the manager for a few months before signing a contract - that way you'll know if it's a good match. Contracts are good in that they help clarify who does what and how much they're paid. When the time comes to sign a contract make sure you take it to a lawyer to explain the clauses to you and help negotiate the fairest aggreement. There are many successful band / manager relationships that exist without contracts - but I would recommend a contract, it helps protect the band as much as the manager.