Manager/Producer wants to rep me.
Hey I’ve got a pretty important decision to make and thought I would get opinions form you.
It’s been hard for me to keep this from you to this point!
There is a person in the area that wants to manage and produce me.
Take me and my music to a level of professionalism.
He hears something in my creativity and style and believes in me. He has already shopped my music to Alligator records.
Alligator passed on me based on my vocals.
Alligator signs acts they don’t sign writers.
The perspective manager believes strongly that Alligator missed the point.
As my manager to start, he wants to polish up a 3 song demo with professional mastering, up grade photos, and bio.
Then pitch me to other labels, find musicians, gigs and take it to a much higher level.
He’s a pro at what he does and is well respected and well known in the area.
I will create most tracks here on nTrack to cut cost (he doesn’t mind, if they meet a curtain level of sound quality), we’ll record actual drummers and do the vocals in his studio.
He wants 20% as a manager. Any studio costs will be paid back out of the profits at a small percentage above the 20% manager cost and with no hurry to do that.
He will have me giging clubs and concerts as an opening act.
Until label support happens.
I appreciate him at this point for his ambition and his enthusiasm.
He’s called me twice and we’ve talked 1 1/2 hrs so I know he is committed.
He is wanting me to make a legal commitment to him.
Do you think that me and my music deserve a manager?
Like y’all he hears a ZZTop Texas thang he wants to make happen.
Do y’all think I’m to old for all that?
I think I’m good for another 10 yrs maybe a little more. Is that even enough time?
Go for it Levi - I was listening to your stuff today. You have a style all your own and you should make a run at it!
Quote: (Poppa Willis @ May 14 2009, 5:40 PM)
Go for it Levi - I was listening to your stuff today. You have a style all your own and you should make a run at it!
Thx Tommy! I suppose I would regret not trying. I appreciate your opinion very much pops!
You HAVE to do this Levi 
You’re never too old. BEST of luck buddy and well done!!!
GO GO GO!!!
Quote: (spreadercraig @ May 14 2009, 6:27 PM)
You HAVE to do this Levi
You're never too old. BEST of luck buddy and well done!!!
GO GO GO!!!!
Thx Spreader!
lol ya I suppose with all the; "make money with your music" preachin I do, that I have to do this! 2 out of 2!
be careful.
I think that if you think about the money you would invest into it, if you lost it all would that change anything?, I’m just saying don’t bet the farm but if you’ve have enough to spare, it’s a better investment than anything on the stock market!
You’ve got the time, the adrenaline and the music will keep you going.
You know you have to try it. You have the musical side wrapped up. (Just heed some of the warnings about the money side).
Best of luck to you.
I say no. We’re not supposed to have any fun in life, I’m pretty sure. That all sounds like fun. Lots of fun.
There you go again - basing an argument on fact! sheesh 
Hey Pops, I’m just wondering about your signature. Which sports figure are ya talkin about?
Thx for everyones input! I’m still not sure and I’ll definitely be taking each step with caution. I’ve got to get outside of the bubble, to really get a feel for this idea. Maybe my instincts will be better tomorrow.
The idea of loosing the farm doesn’t really apply (there’s no farm). As a manager he would have to supply the gigs that will be creating the moneys to pay him back. For some reason I don’t see that as a problem.
And the cost not that great. But on the other hand, I’m trying to see traps or problems that could be below the surface. I’m trying to anticipate worse case scenarios.
Just be sure you understand anything you are signing. The fact that this guy has a good reputation among musicians there is a positive, and this ain’t exactly a marriage contract, but still… But at the end of the day, if it feels right, you know you have to do it.
Quote: (john doe's evil twin @ May 14 2009, 7:34 PM)
be careful.
That ^^^^...
If sounds too good to be true, it probably is... Use caution.
D
I’ve heard this before and been sucked in before. Beware. Seriously.
sometimes it’s nice not to be good enough to worry about such things. simple minds…
Quote: (john doe's evil twin @ May 15 2009, 10:49 AM)
sometimes it's nice not to be good enough to worry about such things.
simple minds....
Got sucked into a local booking agency once (one man operation), and realized if he said it was black, then you knew it was really white.
I think he's in local government now.
How could this guy do you harm? You could give him yor credit card numbers. You could agree to a minimal level of compensation regardless of how much money comes in. You could agree to exclusive representation without him begin required to do anything. Talk to his present and former clients.
If all he does is get you gigs and takes a cut, well, that’s sounds pretty normal.
Quote: (kevinmyers @ May 15 2009, 7:48 AM)
and this ain't exactly a marriage contract, but still...
God forbid I should ever get married again! lol Thx Kev!
Thx D, interesting enough nothing about this sounds to good to be true, that’s one of the factors that’s making this so tough to decide on. In fact some of it is a bit of a downer. Like replacing bass parts.