Scheduling tours, organizing band members, and fighting off groupies is all in a day’s work for an artist manager. This summer, Max Newman ’16, an economics major, is getting hands-on experience in the music industry, interning in NYC with the support of the Daniel Fielding ’07 Internship Fund. He is working as an assistant for two artist management companies in the city: Post Hoc Management and Maine Road Management.
On a day-to-day basis, Newman completes the usual duties of a band manager, interacting with record labels, booking agents and promoters, updating social media and archiving related pictures, videos and articles. Some of his other responsibilities include “creating tour books, completing SoundScans, and update flight databases for tour managers to access on the road.” Newman revealed that “Maine Road also does a lot of its own booking for artists,” requiring him to “research appropriate venues artists could play in cities where they have not yet performed.”
“I’m trying to find the right place for me in the music industry,” Newman explained. “I chose management for this internship because it’s at the center of the band’s affairs, exposing me to a variety of tasks and sectors of the industry.” And he was right: in June, Newman worked backstage at the Prospect Park Bandshell in Brooklyn, for The National concert. “I was going to head back to the office after helping deliver The National's merchandise,” he recounted, “but the tour manager stole me and put me to work; that day, I learned how many people it takes to put on a great show.”
Newman said that after graduation he may open up a venue of his own, or become an artist manager. “I also might try to get a law degree - having knowledge of entertainment law can only help my ability to manage my bands,” he stated. “I think it's important to appreciate the fact that a manager plays a vital role in making [a band’s career] happen.”
Max Newman is a graduate of the Meadows School, Las Vegas, NV.
