How to approach a manager…
First of all, don’t send them a spam email with 20 other managers on it. Think of it as a job interview. If you were applying for a job in any other field, would you send mass emails to random companies? Or would you check them out and then apply to each of them separately?
Do your homework! Research the potential manager, google them! Be sure he/she is right for you! Does he/she manager artists similar to you? Do they manage artists in your genre? Every manager is not the same! Read as much as you can about them before you approach them!
If you answered yes to all the above questions, then begin to write a professional pitch letter tailored specifically to that manager. Address them by name. To Whom It May Concern emails go directly into the trash folder. Try to mention something that you’ve read about them, so they know you spent some time getting to know them online.
Make sure you have something to offer them other than just another starving artist waiting for someone else to “launch” their career. Let them know why you’d like them to consider you as an artist, and why you’re reaching out to them in particular. And don’t say “I’m looking for someone to take me to the next level”. Don’t tell them you’re going to be “the next big thing”! Most of them have heard it all.
Be polite, professional, and find a way to stand out. Let them know when you’re playing live. Don’t attach Mp3s. Offer links, then tell them you’d be happy to send them mp3s should they want them. Don’t add them to your mailing list (unless they specifically ask to be added).
Finally, give them a little time, then follow up. Be professionally persistent. Remember, while the music business may be a little more laid back than other industries, its still business, and you need to treat it as such. And most of all, make sure you really want to be managed!
Rants From The Rocks 