The most important duties of a band manager fall into the demos and promotion category. Bands that are just starting out or that want to introduce new works need to get their music onto CDs. Media Positive Radio explains that band managers arrange for studio time for these recordings and connect with other professionals such as music producers to turn the recording from a concept into a hard disc copy. Band managers take the demo CDs produced and develop press kits for the artist. They then distribute the press kits and CDs to get the word out about the band's work and to secure venues where the band might perform. To do this, band managers network routinely and have to spend a lot of time visiting others or making calls. They also may work with people like fashion designers and stylists to give band members a distinctive look. The work that the band manager does in this stage is crucial because it impacts how the public will perceive the band, which determines who will make up the fan base.
Band managers have to figure out how to "sell" their band before and as they develop the demo CD, subsequent full CDs and press kits. Band managers thus research the market formally and informally to see what is popular and find some clues that the marketing approaches they are considering will work. This is why many band managers have some business education—they have to understand how to capitalize on trends and to stand out among throngs of hopefuls.
Band managers have multiple legal responsibilities, according to Music Biz Advice. They negotiate contracts for their bands. They also have to make sure that everything done during the band's events complies with local, state and federal safety and health guidelines, as well as regulations on work hours and copyright. If anyone in the band becomes sick, the band manager has to make sure that the sick person(s) receive(s) adequate medical attention.