The Manager's Playbook Inside the Playbook: Dan Gonzalez on Why Artists NEED Business Managers
Aug 21, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Dan Gonzalez, a seasoned business manager in the music industry, underscores the evolving significance of business managers for artists. He delves into the critical role these managers play in navigating finances, from handling advances to tax planning. The conversation highlights key differences between business and artist managers, and the importance of personalized financial strategies. Dan also touches on the distinctions between boutique and corporate management, emphasizing tailored approaches for long-term success.
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Business Manager Role Has Deeply Evolved
- The business manager role evolved from bill-paying and taxes to owning the artist's full financial infrastructure.
- Dan Gonzalez says music's decentralization demands back-office systems to manage payments and compliance.
Set Up Back-Office Before Scaling
- Build finance infrastructure that handles W9s/W8s, portals, and cross-border payments before revenue scales.
- Dan Gonzalez recommends investing in back-office functionality to keep money flowing legally and smoothly.
Prefer Boutique Over High-Volume Shops
- Choose a boutique business manager if you want focused, long-term partnership and tailored services.
- Dan Gonzalez suggests limiting clients to grow deep five- to ten-year relationships rather than a high-volume corporate model.