Manager Sabrina Li Connects with Award-winning R&B/Neo-Soul Artists who Just Bang

“In 2020, Sabrina joined my management team and her contributions have been instrumental to my achievements and the successes of many established artists. She helped execute my EP 'What's a Diamond to a Baby' and has been responsible for managing marketing budgets, executing project management duties.”— Emmavie, an international recording artist who’s shared the stage with acts like Masego, Smino, and Mahalia and received recognition from Idris Elba, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and will.i.am

Using her natural chutzpah to get into the music business and then ensuring clear communication to always be on the same page with team members and clients, Artist Manager Sabrina Li has worked with several Grammy-winning and nominated performers. They include Frank Dukes one of the most established R&B/Hip Hop/Pop producers of our time, who himself has collaborated with insanely talented and multi-Grammy winning artists like Drake, Ariana Grande, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone, Frank Ocean and more.

The Way of Ging

Hong Kong-born and now LA-based Li, who presently manages notable R&B artists like Lucky Daye, Che Ecru, Devin Tracy and Anjali Taneja, says of learning while working on Dukes’ management team: “I joined his team in overseeing and supporting the release of his debut album ‘The Way of Ging.’ His work is recognized internationally and it was an honor to be able to be a part of his team and help with the roll-out of his release.”

Syncing with Emmavie

Li, who has now featured on multiple panels (like at A2IM—American Association of Independent Music) inspiring those who want to work in the music industry, relates a very telling story of how she busted into the field. In fact, Li’s experience with Emmavie is a shining example of how to finesse one’s way into the music business, and then establish lasting connections and networks.

Li recalls listening to Emmavie’s music back in her early days of University in the UK, where this acclaimed R&B artist is from. Li recalls Emmavie’s dope vocals, straight fire basslines and arresting performance video visuals. Li explains, “When I was figuring out how to get my start, I boldly reached out on Instagram to Emmavie. I was aware she had already gained national and international coverage on platforms such as Billboard, Paper Magazine, and Essence Magazine. I was honest and mentioned in that first message to her how big of a fan I was, as well as how much I wanted to try and support her.”

Indeed, it paid off, as Li continues, “It all kicked off from there! I joined her management team a few days later. And, as I assisted her team execute her EP 'What's a Diamond to a Baby,’ I helped support her partnership with brands like Converse and Budweiser and gaining recognition from multi-Grammy winning and nominated acts like will.i.am, Kendrick Lamar, Phonte, and Timbaland and more.”

Talk about exciting times.

But Li, who has also been lending her growing artist management skills to working with Too Lost, a dynamic new distribution company, imparts more advice from the frontlines of management: “How do you make true and lasting connections? It involves a mix of understanding the world of music you want to be in and also figuring out how to connect with people that make sense for you and your world. Once you plant a seed of connection, it’s about understanding and asking the right questions to assure whether this is a connection worth nurturing and growing and not forcing it if the energy doesn’t fit.”

Energy doesn’t lie

Growing up, Sabrina Li was inspired by a who’s who of R&B/Hip Hop legends including Tupac Shakur, Alicia Keys, Usher, J. Cole, Lauryn Hill to H.E.R., Summer Walker (Billboard Music winner), and Joyce Wrice. And along the way, she’s learned that it’s crucially important to be picky about who you want to work with.

So, from a manager’s POV, she offers 3 keys to understanding people and what they really want or need:

•Clear communication is important—establish the boundaries and aims/goals of what you want in the relationship, and going forward make sure you’re always on the same page.

•Observing and getting to know the person you’re working with—understanding what pace works for them/you and finding a compromise and rhythm to what works with everyone.

•Understanding what works for YOU—and what you need in a partner to work with is always important as well. Sometimes you’ll realize after some time, someone you work with isn’t on the same page as you or doesn’t work the way that works for you. So, it’s good to be picky about who you want to work with. “Energy doesn’t lie.”

In effect, Li says an artist manager provides structure in the business of an artist's career and a solid foundation for them to grow from. And, from her experience, she offers several “Do’s” for artists:

•Keep on creating music as it’s the most important element.

•Find people in the same lane as you and nurture your community.

•Closely study the business of music—the more you know the more you can protect yourself.

•Content is key, so create authentic material that people want to listen to and watch.

As for her strengths, it goes back to her initial connection with an artist like Emmavie, and she offers: “One asset I have is the ability to understand how to connect with people and to maintain those relationships over time. The idea of networking and reaching out to people came quite naturally to me and from there, I was able to expand my network in the industry and to connect with so many great people that I still work with, to this day.”

Finally, as for what’s upcoming, Sabrina Li explains that the artists she’s working with, like Emmavie and Devin, are about to release “some amazing new music.”

The best is yet to come.

Drop in on Sabrina Li Management, and check her out on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and her Linktree page.