Not sure about that at all. You're right, never really come accross it discussed before. I dare you to try trevradiator.

I'd say you're better off doing the whole manager thing for yourselves for a little while. It'll give you a good idea of what a future manager should be doing for you! Just get out there and start gigging! Look for support slots. Even try and organise your own gigs, ask other bands to play with you. If you have friends in other bands that are gigging or have a manager ask them how they went about it. A.

Gotta agree with Soft Cuddly Toys. There's not alot a manager can do for you at the early stages that you can't do yourselves (unless you're the best thing since The Beatles). Go to gigs and ask bigger bands for support slots. Get the Hotpress Yearbook out and start emailing people in the industry to come to those gigs. Promote your own gigs posts flyes etc. DO THE MANAGERS JOB!!!! Its hard tedious work but no one said it was easy!

And for christs sake don't sign anything.

Am going to overrule Damien on this one and side with the Unicron... though Damien was tongue in cheek i know. Best bet is to go it alone for awhile, get comfortable with your set and being on stage and play as many gigs as you can get to build up your confidence and getting a good strong 30 minute set together. Buy a few books on the Industry as well. The Music Management Bible is essential reading not just for Managers, but also for acts to get an understanding about what the business end of the industry means and its consequences for things you do or dont do, and how signing the simplest thing without proper advice can potentialy mess up your long term career. Anyway, for now.. go gig and enjoy it!!