Artist Management

Artist Managers are in charge of running the business side of an artist or band’s career, because the band or artist needs to concentrate on creating the music.  The artist manager, work in many areas i.e. the promoter, agent, accountant, any role that is necessary to help that artist/band’s career.  The artist manager ensure that the artist/band is booked and paid, helps to promote a project, get the proper people who will help to move an artist/band career.  When an artist manager has a new artist trying to get established in the business, you work extra hard because you play so many roles, you are trying to establish that artist/band career in the industry.  The artist manager is the mediator between the artist/band; they play a personal role or business role.  They may be involved in image development, acquiring record deals, hiring publicists, etc.  They help in all aspects of an artist/band career; their income is usually a percentage of an artist/band earnings. 

Depending on the level of the artist/band career, artist management can be strenuous and time consuming.  It requires networking and getting to know all the lead people in the industry.  As an artist manager you should make sure you have a contract signed with the band/artist to ensure that you receive your earnings, because in some cases different contracts are utilized for i.e. concerts, booking, etc.  When reviewing contracts, you should always utilize a professional in that area, such as a lawyer.  As an artist manager you can have more than one client, it is up to you to know what you can handle at once.

Interview with Robert “Big Bob” Crippen

I interviewed Robert “Big Bob” Crippen; he has worked in the entertainment industry for the past 20 years as a road manager, artist manager, promoting, and other jobs.  He is the CEO of “Higher Power Promotions” and he is currently working with a Spanish group called S.A.1 “Stand As One” as one of their managers.  Big Bob has worked with some of the best in the industry, people such as Jamie Fox, Keisha Cole, Jay’Z, names were flowing from his mouth I couldn’t keep up with them all. 

Mr. Crippen is also affiliated with Premier Luxury Rental, Inc., doing marketing and promotions, as well as assisting with driving actors, and artist to important events such as shows, parties, and interviews whatever is needed.  He is affiliated with many people in the industry, he has worked with some of the top DJ’s in the entertainment business located in or around Philadelphia, PA, Dj’s such as Golden Boy, Lady “B”, Doc B, Larry O, to name a few.  He has done work with legendary producers Kenny Huff and Leon Gamble, known as Gamble and Huff, who is best known for working with Billy Paul, O’Jays, Patti Labelle, and Teddy Pendergrass, to many to name.  Big Bob has promoted blockbuster movies in his assigned regional area, Philadelphia, PA, such as Tyler Perry movies,

Being affiliated with these different entities in the industry has brought recognition and clientele his way.  It has brought him to a status, in which different executives in the industry seeks him out.  But due to his illness, he has not been able to be as busy as in the past; but it has not stopped him. He says that each day brings new and exciting opportunities his way.  His main focus at this time is getting recognition for his new and upcoming group S.A.1. 

I have had the pleasure of meeting and networking with Mr. Crippen; I met him at one of the events he promoted back in 2007.  We have spoke on several occasions, and he is always willing to help me when I ask him for assistant with some of the artist that I have worked with, he gives me advice on some of my current projects as well as him giving me some of his contacts to work with.  He has introduced some important people to me, some who can help me along with my career.  He has went as far as contacting some of his people from New York, to give me the ins and outs to the business.  “Big Bob” as he likes to be called, has always told me “its not just what you know, its also who you know in the business”.  I appreciate the advice and the constructive criticism that he gives me.

http://www.gamble-huffmusic.com/home2/
http://www.facebook.com/S.A.1fanpage
http://www.premierluxuryrentals.net