Actually, there is a significant difference between the two. While many people confuse the two professions the functions performed by Managers and Agents are very different but intertwined.
Managers are big-picture oriented. They are concerned with the artistes future, where they are headed, what image is projected now and in five years time, where they should be playing, etc. The manager is the front man of the artiste or band when they are off stage. Record labels, talent agencies, literally anyone in the music business who wants to interact with the artiste has to go through the manager. More often than not, the manager becomes so essential to the artiste that they get involved in their personal lives as well. From taking them to the doctor’s to sorting out their insurance, managers need to be almost everywhere at all times. However, this is compensated by the commission that the managers receive which can range from 20 % to over 30 % in some cases.
Agents perform a simpler task; they find the gigs. Agents run around and aggregate locations, events, etc. that they think the artistes they represent should perform at. Then they communicate with the artiste’s manager to decide which opportunity suits the artistes most. Once the manager (not even the artiste) makes the call, the agent proceeds to book the gig. Agent commissions range from 10 to about 15 %.
Both Agents and Managers are essential in the careers of artistes as the functions they perform are impossible for the artiste to handle on their own.