I think a lot of Independent Management Firms go with percentage and monthly minimum.

To reply to the comment about Percentage vs Flat Rate and that Flat Rate would be better. When you are talking about an Independent Artist Flat Rate would not be the way to go for everyone. Because as an Independent Artist there are sometimes weeks where no money is made, the manager is still working, but they arent making anything….If you were paying a flat fee you would pay them every month regardless of whether you made anything.

If you are considering a management firm, do your homework check out multiple firms and their various contracts. Contracts can be negotiated, but keep in mind an Indie Mgr working for an Indie Artist is going to be doing a lot of work (if they are good that is) as an investment into your career.

Management makes percentages off say your Merch Sales and your Performances and Royalties etc. But they aren’t immediately profiting off the Phone calls, the social networking, the blogging, the mail, the networking.

As an Indie, your Artist Manager becomes the PR/Publicist, the booking agent, the merchandiser, the promoter, the social network expert, your marketing advisor, graphic designer/web designer, photographer/videographer,etc The roles that an Artist Manager takes to BREAK the Artist they are dedicating themselves to is extensive.

I personally will not work with anyone unless I believe in them and their vision. I will not work with an artist just to profit off of them regardless of how great they are! I have to connect with them and feel that we can work together and that their vision is something I can believe in and promote.

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The most likely thing is that an indie band will hire a close friend as a manager.

Professional managers should charge fixed fees instead of taking percentages, and artists should stop thinking they can do everything themselves.

Managers are not always looking out for the band’s best when they work for percentages. Give them the choice between 1) a major label + an advance (and the prospect of being dropped before the next album) and 2) an indie label minus an advance, but more dedication and longterm commitment, and I can assure you that in 8 out of 10 times they will persuade the band to go with the major label.

This is why Universal’s market share keeps on surging in a time when everyone supposedly “hates” the majors.

Artists and managers are independent only until some major company throws a large wad of cash at them.