Building Your Creative Team

There will come a point, you know, no matter how skilled you are, when you're simply too busy. At that moment, you will need to build a team and bring in other people to help you.

The Importance of the Right Team

We looked at all our favorite bands and the way they operated. They all seemed to have people in the background, managers, agents, and others, who were as important as the band, sharing the same vision and integrity.

• Find the Right People: It's crucial to get the right people on board who really understand what you're trying to achieve.
• Reflecting Your Vision: They need to reflect your goals in the environments they operate in.

Key Roles in Your Team

• Managers: Representing you for work.
• Lawyers: Handling your deals.
• Makeup Artists & Musicians: They all need to know your specific vision.

Remember, each artist has different aspirations. Therefore, building on your originality and maintaining your integrity is paramount. You need to be selective in choosing people who share your values and current interests.

Attracting the Right Talent

You could want to be pop-oriented and attract people knowledgeable in that genre. It's about surrounding yourself with individuals who mirror your interests.

For instance, we had a big hit early in our career, which we felt was significant. Our managers understood that the direction we wanted to take differed from what was commercially promoted at the time. If we had chosen the wrong management, we might have faced difficulties continuing as a band.

The Evolution of Management

In the beginning, I had a manager, actually, for 20 years. I met him at school, and he continued to manage me over the years. However, as I became interested in broader aspects of the music ecosystem, such as:

• Making gloves
• Exploring future music revenue streams
• New ways of touring

I realized having just one manager wasn't sufficient.

Seeking Advisors, Not Just Managers

Many artists are now looking for a council of advisors, people who believe in you and know their areas of expertise. They don't need to know everything, as the music industry has evolved significantly over the past two decades.

Ideal Qualities in an Advisor

• Loyalty: I want someone who stands by me.
• Effectiveness: I need someone who can act decisively on my behalf.
• Conciliatory Nature: They shouldn't ask unnecessary questions that waste time and money.

Flexibility is vital for creativity. Just because something has been done this way before doesn't mean it suits your specific situation. Ideally, you want someone who is interested in both making and breaking contracts when necessary.

Building a Consistent Team

We have been fortunate that our road crew has largely remained the same or expanded over the past 25 years.

• Longstanding Relationships: Our sound engineer, Jim, has been with us since our first show in '92.
• Shared Vision: It was essential for us as a young band starting out to work with people who shared our vision.

As I navigated my career, I discovered that often, the right individuals are closer than I realized. I found connections through my fanbase, social media, and networking, realizing that the more you say yes to opportunities, the busier you become, and the more diverse people you meet.

Expanding Your Horizons

When you begin to think beyond just making music, exploring various avenues can be thrilling and beneficial.

Ultimately, it's about finding your champions, whether they be friends, family, or mentors. Many artists are even managed by their parents, illustrating that support can come from those closest to you. It's all about discovering and connecting with those cool people who champion your journey.