Hannah Ford
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« on: April 09, 2007, 01:06 PM » |
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The manager for my band is awesome!
He does the bookings, contracts, handles the money, makes sure our sound equipment is running, is all together and continues to be upgraded as necessary.
He keeps not only my band schedule for performances but also arranges all the rehearsals. He also keeps my personal appearance and drum clinic schedule up to date for me. He handles all the promotional materials, photo shoots etc.
He attends all rehearsals as well as all performances. He makes sure there's always beverages and snacks at the rehearsals and that we have a clean enviroment to play in.
He's the first one in and the last one to leave at any event. He carriers all the drum and percussion equipment in, sets it up and makes sure it is in good operating condition. He takes care of the heads and any repairs that need to be made and is always there in the event something malfunctions during a performance.
He is also a great musician and this past weekend as we were cutting our first demo cd his ear and musicianship was very valuable at the board, as it is when we play live.
He is always a great spokesperson for me and the band and sets high standards of professionalism for us all.
He is our/my number one fan! My delima??? Our manager does EVERYTHING he does for nothing right now....he has asked for NO compensation nor does he seem to expect any. I don't feel comfortable with this any longer and I want to do whats fair.
You see, I think he would do this forever without any compensation because he loves me so much and is my biggest supporter....my manager is my Dad.
I'd like to get some feed back from the professionals here that have valuable experience to share on this topic. I'm certainly not makings millions now but we are gigging often and between the band and my solo project he works hard and I think deserves some of the reward.
Thank you for helping me improve...
Hannah
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Peace Love & Drums...
Hannah Ford
"Life's a Stage...Perform It..."
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Tony
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« Reply #1 on: April 09, 2007, 02:01 PM » |
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Sounds like your Dad is more than a manager, he's your roadie, agent, manager, lawyer and producer all rolled up into one. This be viewed both as good and bad (Britney's Mom hasn't done that great a job but apparently Jessica Simpson's has). But that's off topic, so we'll stick to the question you asked about.
Generally speaking, manager's in this capacity make anywhere from 5-15% commission off the money they generate (appearance fee's, band bookings, etc.). Some offer a sliding scale (ours take 15% off of gigs over a certain $ amount and 10% for those under the threshold). This is for my geographic area of the country, etc. which may impact how you work it out. I'm not sure what the going rate for bands in Chicago are, but I'm sure it's more than the Gump (Montgomery, AL). So your commission might be more or less as well.
I don't know if you've considered it, but have you spoken to your Dad about this? Also, your other band mates? They may have some ideas as well. Good luck.
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Hannah Ford
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« Reply #2 on: April 09, 2007, 02:25 PM » |
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Sounds like your Dad is more than a manager, he's your roadie, agent, manager, lawyer and producer all rolled up into one. This be viewed both as good and bad (Britney's Mom hasn't done that great a job but apparently Jessica Simpson's has). But that's off topic, so we'll stick to the question you asked about.
Generally speaking, manager's in this capacity make anywhere from 5-15% commission off the money they generate (appearance fee's, band bookings, etc.). Some offer a sliding scale (ours take 15% off of gigs over a certain $ amount and 10% for those under the threshold). This is for my geographic area of the country, etc. which may impact how you work it out. I'm not sure what the going rate for bands in Chicago are, but I'm sure it's more than the Gump (Montgomery, AL). So your commission might be more or less as well.
I don't know if you've considered it, but have you spoken to your Dad about this? Also, your other band mates? They may have some ideas as well. Good luck.
All rolled up in one...you're right. I believe better than Britney's Mom and every bit as good as Jessica's Dad. LOL The other guys in the band appreciate him as well and would have no problem with compensating him...I'm just looking for something that's fair. You're formula seems to be a good starting point for us. Thanks for your input. |
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Hannah Ford
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Chris Whitten
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« Reply #3 on: April 09, 2007, 05:46 PM » |
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IME.......15-20% of all your income (band or solo work).
As it's your Dad and so far has been working gratis, I would suggest 15%.
If nothing else, cover all expenses; phone calls, postage, petrol (gas), food and board when away from home.
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rdmitch
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« Reply #4 on: April 09, 2007, 06:59 PM » |
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Hannah,
Your dad sounds like a absolute wonderful person and an valuable asset to your success.
While I believe he would do this forever out of pure love, I think at least 15% would be
proper. Not only is he functioning as a manger, but he also is your advance man, publicist, road manager and sound technician. 15% would be the low end of the scale in my opinion.
Granted, and may never ask for a cent, but he has to be compensated as if he was a person(s) you hired to do these jobs. You and your bandmates have one heck of a bargain with him at the helm and I don't believe anyone would squak at him being payed as any one else would. It's a business and many management fees may even be itemized on your taxes if you file long form and claim this income/expense.
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Gaddabout
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« Reply #5 on: April 09, 2007, 09:50 PM » |
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I have to say, your father sounds like an amazing person. 15 percent is very fair. I'd also tell you to be very wary of changing attitudes in the band once your father becomes a paid member of the band. The reason? He's your father, you trust him implicitly with the money. If things ever get really big, your father might become a target of suspicion -- for no good reason other than he's your father who's handling the money. I'd say just be careful of that in terms of how the band perceives him. It sounds like they already think of him as a mate. That's great. But when there's more money on the table, musicians tend to be ... how do I say? ... they tend to think more in terms of business and less in terms of friendship. Just be intuitive to stay ahead of the attitude curve. That's all I'm sayin'.  |
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Hannah Ford
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« Reply #6 on: April 09, 2007, 11:29 PM » |
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Thank you all so much. I knew I could get some good advice here.
You're right, Dad would do it for nothing and that's the part I'm beginning to feel a little guilty about.
Dad and I are very open about the money with the other guys in the band. So, at least at this point they trust him as much as I do....I have seen in the past how money can change peoples attitudes.
My talent is a blessing from God....my Dad and all the companies and people that are supporting me are just a huge bonus. I'm so thankful for everyone.
I will take your advice and have a sit down with EVERYONE and discuss this up front.
Thanks again guys.....you're all great!
Hannah
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Peace Love & Drums...
Hannah Ford
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robyn
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« Reply #7 on: April 09, 2007, 11:39 PM » |
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He might refuse too. When you are a parent yourself, you'll understand his selflessness.  If he does, perhaps you can set aside what you consider his share and bank it, for later. There are other things that would be meaningful to him--if you write a special dedication to him on your CD jacket, mention a special dedication at your shows, and remember all he's done for you once you get to the top! One of the best things you could do for him is to write him a letter, telling him exactly how much he means to you and how much you appreciate him. I guarantee that that will mean far more to him than any amount of monetary compensation you could ever give him. You are very lucky to have such a special Dad, and to have such a wonderful, close relationship w/ him. robyn |
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Gaddabout
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« Reply #8 on: April 09, 2007, 11:42 PM » |
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I guarantee that that will mean far more to him than any amount of monetary compensation you could ever give him. I dunno, Robyn. If my child ever records a quadruple platinum album with a world tour, and I get 15 percent of that, I would be pretty happy.  |
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Hannah Ford
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« Reply #9 on: April 10, 2007, 07:13 AM » |
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He might refuse too. When you are a parent yourself, you'll understand his selflessness. If he does, perhaps you can set aside what you consider his share and bank it, for later. There are other things that would be meaningful to him--if you write a special dedication to him on your CD jacket, mention a special dedication at your shows, and remember all he's done for you once you get to the top! One of the best things you could do for him is to write him a letter, telling him exactly how much he means to you and how much you appreciate him. I guarantee that that will mean far more to him than any amount of monetary compensation you could ever give him. You are very lucky to have such a special Dad, and to have such a wonderful, close relationship w/ him. robyn [/quote You are very lucky to have such a special Dad, and to have such a wonderful, close relationship w/ him. ] Hi Robyn, You are correct, he would do this simply to support me and my dreams, but I need to feel better about it as well. Maybe your idea to set the money aside will work too. I AM lucky to have the relationship I do. He is not just my Dad but a great friend as well. The last three years, performing on stage with him have been a blast and something I will cherish forever. He jokes around now that I've fired him and I'm moving on...He says he just wants to drive the bus! Well, I think I'm a long way from a bus, but when I do get one if he still wants to drive it that's fine by me! Hannah |
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Hannah Ford
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Hannah Ford
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« Reply #10 on: April 10, 2007, 07:16 AM » |
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LOL..wow, I really struggle trying to figure out how to work this whole "quote" and reply thing.....LOL
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Peace Love & Drums...
Hannah Ford
"Life's a Stage...Perform It..."
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Hannah Ford
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« Reply #11 on: April 10, 2007, 07:17 AM » |
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I dunno, Robyn. If my child ever records a quadruple platinum album with a world tour, and I get 15 percent of that, I would be pretty happy. NO KIDDIN....I don't think he's have a problem with it either! |
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Peace Love & Drums...
Hannah Ford
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Marcos
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« Reply #12 on: April 11, 2007, 07:36 PM » |
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Your Dad is awesome - If this were my situation I wouldn't be happy unless his cut was equal to all the members in the band. Now, how would I get him to accept an equal share? Simple - You did say he was a musician, right? Have him join the band!
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- Marcos*********  "If you can play, you can play anything. I don't like classifications."
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Hannah Ford
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« Reply #13 on: April 11, 2007, 11:11 PM » |
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Your Dad is awesome - If this were my situation I wouldn't be happy unless his cut was equal to all the members in the band. Now, how would I get him to accept an equal share? Simple - You did say he was a musician, right? Have him join the band!
My Dad is a great Trumpet player. He is currently in the band I'm leaving and have played drums in for the last 3 years. I can't tell you how much fun it's been performing with him....We play a lot of music with a Blues Rock mix and he added just enough flavor to make our sound unique in a lot of ways. I am leaving the band we both currently play in to pursue fronting my own band.."The Hannah Ford Band" that will debut here in Chicago in June. He has decided to leave the band as well and help me pursue this project as more of a manager, for lack of a better word. Dad feels like the idea of me graduating to my own band is to progress as a musician and as a group. I believe he just feels like the new band has musicians of a different calibur....he doesn't want to take away from that. I'm sure there will be times when I'll have him sit in on that special blues tune his horn would sound so good on. I know he'll miss the stage, but I also know how much he enjoys being part of helping me succeed as well. Change is not always easy and almost never without emotion. Thanks for sharing your thoughts... Hannah |
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Peace Love & Drums...
Hannah Ford
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Marcos
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« Reply #14 on: April 12, 2007, 02:18 PM » |
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts...
Hannah
My pleasure, best wishes for you and Dad Hannah. |
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- Marcos********* "If you can play, you can play anything. I don't like classifications."
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