The Manager's Playbook

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Wallo267, entrepreneur, author, speaker, and co-host of Million Dollaz Worth of Game, for a raw conversation on accountability, artist development, management, and building without excuses. Wallo breaks down why your phone is an “excuse killer,” how independent artists can start building with the tools they already have, and why real managers need to remove ego, do the groundwork, and want the artist to win more than anyone. From saying “yes” to yourself and learning how to say “no,” to building a real brand, protecting your name, creating leverage, pitching with confidence, and surrounding yourself with the right team, this episode is a practical playbook for artists, managers, creators, and entrepreneurs trying to build something that lasts. A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap. Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://themanagersplaybook.com/home⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://distrokid.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET

Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://themanagersplaybook.com/home⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Jermaine Dupri joins The Manager’s Playbook to talk about writing songs that last, from Jagged Edge’s “Let’s Get Married” to Usher’s “Confessions.” JD breaks down how real conversations, relationship tension, and everyday details turned into timeless records. He reflects on chasing the feeling of Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September,” realizing “Let’s Get Married” had become a forever copyright, and the Babyface moment that pushed him to prove he could keep making hits beyond Kris Kross. He also shares the story behind writing “Confessions” for Usher, how writer’s block turned into storytelling, and why the best songs often come from paying attention to what’s happening right in front of you. This clip is a songwriting masterclass for artists, producers, managers, A&Rs, and music executives studying hit records, timeless songs, and the creative process behind music that lasts. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://themanagersplaybook.com/home⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Jermaine Dupri joins The Manager’s Playbook to talk about spotting superstar talent, discovering Kris Kross, writing “Jump,” and why hit records still matter more than hype, charts, or streaming numbers. JD breaks down how he identifies artists with real star potential, from Bow Wow’s hunger to Latto standing out early, and explains why making undeniable songs has always been the foundation of the music business. He also reflects on how “Jump” changed his life, the role his father played as his manager, and why younger artists, managers, A&Rs, and music executives need to stay focused on the one thing that still moves everything forward: the song. This clip is a lesson in instinct, artist development, and what it really takes to build a lasting career in music. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://distrokid.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Jermaine Dupri joins The Manager’s Playbook for a masterclass on hit records, artist development, and what today’s music business is getting wrong. As the founder of So So Def and one of the most successful hitmakers of all time, JD breaks down how he spots superstar potential, why timeless songs still matter more than streams or first-week numbers, and what young artists, managers, A&Rs, and music executives need to understand about building real careers. We get into the stories behind Kris Kross, Bow Wow, Xscape, Da Brat, Usher’s “Confessions,” Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together,” Muni Long’s “Made For Me,” and the pressure of staying great after decades in the industry. This episode is for anyone serious about music business, management, artist development, major labels, independent artists, and the difference between hype and legacy. A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap. Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://themanagersplaybook.com/home⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://distrokid.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Symba and Mauricio break down how artists can build the right team, avoid bad label deals, and create leverage before signing anything. They talk about hiring a coordinator or marketing lead, why artists need people thinking about them every day, and how manager incentives can get messy when the money only comes from advances or short-term wins. The conversation also gets into label bidding wars, why advances are not always the flex they look like, and how direct fan communication gives artists more control outside the algorithm. A practical music business conversation for artists, managers, and aspiring executives trying to understand team building, artist management, label deals, leverage, and long-term career strategy. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://themanagersplaybook.com/home⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/5bfrDmiSjjkWgdH24954jQ?si=QusPqMgoRNOqnjOuvt9k3A⁠⁠ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Symba breaks down why he built his own direct-to-fan app after feeling stuck inside the algorithm and major label system. He talks about creating a space where his real supporters can find the music, content, unreleased records, and community without waiting on platforms or labels to decide what gets seen. Symba also shares how the app became a new way to take ownership, build recurring revenue, and connect directly with fans on his own terms. A sharp music business conversation for artists, managers, and aspiring executives thinking about direct-to-fan strategy, artist ownership, fan monetization, and what it really means to build outside the system. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://themanagersplaybook.com/home⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/5bfrDmiSjjkWgdH24954jQ?si=QusPqMgoRNOqnjOuvt9k3A⁠ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Symba breaks down what happens when a label rollout misses, momentum resets, and the records don’t match what fans first connected with. He reflects on releasing Don’t Run From Rap during COVID, dealing with constant product manager turnover, and learning how major label priorities can shift when revenue becomes the focus. Symba also shares how the Don’t Condone series helped him rebuild momentum independently, and how working with Dr. Dre taught him the difference between rapping well and really performing a record. A sharp music business conversation for artists, managers, A&Rs, and anyone trying to understand label rollouts, artist development, performance records, and what it takes to build a career that actually connects. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://distrokid.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5bfrDmiSjjkWgdH24954jQ?si=QusPqMgoRNOqnjOuvt9k3A Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Symba joins Mauricio Ruiz for an honest conversation about major label deals, artist development, management, leverage, and the hard lessons that come from learning the music business in real time. Symba breaks down what he experienced signing with Columbia and Atlantic, how early deals and label turnover shaped his career, and why having the right team around an artist can make or break momentum. He also reflects on Kendrick Lamar’s influence, working with Dr. Dre, going viral after his LA Leakers freestyle, touring with Joyner Lucas, and the importance of keeping the song as the main thing. This episode is a sharp, grounded look at what artists, managers, and aspiring music executives need to understand before signing deals, chasing advances, or trusting the wrong system. Symba also shares how he’s rebuilding independently through his own direct-to-fan app, exclusive music, brand deals, and a deeper connection with his audience. A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap. Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://themanagersplaybook.com/home⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get 20% of Magic Mind with code TMP20 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://magicmind.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://distrokid.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET

Tom Windish joins The Manager’s Playbook to break down why big streaming numbers do not always translate into real ticket sales, and what it actually takes to build a long-term live career. In this clip, Tom explains why artists should not be discouraged by playing smaller rooms, why superstar artists still need independent agents, and how great booking agents help create opportunities across promoters, festivals, cities, and markets. We also get into the real cost of touring, how artists can tour smarter on a budget, why fan-shot content can be useful, and how patience, curiosity, and relationships helped Tom discover artists early, including The xx. For artists, managers, agents, and aspiring music executives, this is a practical look at touring strategy, ticket sales, artist development, and the live music business. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://themanagersplaybook.com/home⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/4iOGoCNraEzW4SV2QbtZAU?si=w8RtcXRkSDWxRj8iXiOIdg⁠⁠ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Tom Windish joins The Manager’s Playbook to talk about the business behind booking, building an agency, and what it actually takes to grow artists in the live music world. In this clip, Tom shares how he went from promoting college concerts to becoming a booking agent, building The Windish Agency, scaling the company, and eventually selling to Paradigm. He also gets into the early days of electronic music booking, promoter-agent relationships, artist services, and the hard reality of management. For artists, managers, agents, and aspiring music executives, this is a real look at how live music careers and music agencies get built from the ground up. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://themanagersplaybook.com/home⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/4iOGoCNraEzW4SV2QbtZAU?si=w8RtcXRkSDWxRj8iXiOIdg⁠⁠ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Tom Windish joins The Manager’s Playbook to break down why artists need to take more ownership of ticket sales in today’s touring business. In this clip, Tom explains why artists are often the best advertisers for their own shows, why promoters need real fan data, and how SMS lists, email, city-level audience insights, and presale strategy can help artists understand actual ticket demand. We also get into when it makes sense to skip steps in touring, how to choose the right room size, and why the music business still needs better direct-to-fan systems. For artists, managers, booking agents, promoters, and aspiring music executives, this is a practical look at how touring strategy, fan data, and ticket sales actually work. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://themanagersplaybook.com/home⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/4iOGoCNraEzW4SV2QbtZAU?si=w8RtcXRkSDWxRj8iXiOIdg⁠ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Tom Windish joins The Manager’s Playbook to break down what booking agents actually do and why live music still matters in a world where attention is harder to earn than ever. In this clip, Tom explains how agents help artists build touring careers, why getting fans to leave the house is more difficult now, and how managers and artists should think about live shows, content, openers, festivals, brand deals, and long-term artist development. We also get into the difference between online attention and real fan connection, why patience matters early, and what it actually takes to build a career beyond streams. For artists, managers, agents, and aspiring music executives, this is a real look at the live music business from one of the best to ever do it. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://distrokid.com/⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4iOGoCNraEzW4SV2QbtZAU?si=w8RtcXRkSDWxRj8iXiOIdg Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, legendary booking agent Tom Windish breaks down what booking agents actually do and why your favourite artists can have streams, press, and viral moments but still struggle to sell tickets. Tom explains how agents help build an artist’s live career, from choosing the right rooms and negotiating fees to working with promoters, planning tours, developing festival opportunities, and turning online attention into real-world demand. We also get into why artist development takes longer now, why managers and artists need more patience, how direct-to-fan data like emails, phone numbers, and ZIP codes can change a touring strategy, and why the artist is often the most important marketer for their own shows. For independent artists, managers, agents, and aspiring music executives, this episode is a real look at the touring business and what it actually takes to build a live career that lasts. A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap. Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: ⁠⁠⁠https://themanagersplaybook.com/home⁠⁠⁠ Get 20% of Magic Mind with code TMP20 ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://magicmind.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://distrokid.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET

Clinton Sparks breaks down how to build a music career people actually remember. In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Clinton shares his formula for winning in the music business, from powerful production and bulletproof business to aggressive visibility, real branding, and monetization. He also explains how “Get Familiar” became bigger than a tag, why independent artists have to think like their own label, and why copying trends usually leads to short-lived careers. A sharp lesson for artists, managers, producers, and music executives on branding, marketing, independence, authenticity, and building something that lasts. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://themanagersplaybook.com/home⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/60xO3CvAdGfeyyFikLsISg?si=yH1urO5uQquBCrTcW0YoJw⁠ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Clinton Sparks breaks down why networking is the piece most people misunderstand. In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Clinton shares how he built a reputation by adding value first, protecting his name, and staying authentic instead of chasing fake momentum. From working at UPS and producing music at night to breaking into radio, landing syndication, and building relationships across the East Coast, this is a real music business lesson on patience, reputation, visibility, and becoming useful before asking for access. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://themanagersplaybook.com/home⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/60xO3CvAdGfeyyFikLsISg?si=yH1urO5uQquBCrTcW0YoJw⁠ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Clinton Sparks breaks down what it really means to do it for the culture. In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Clinton reflects on supporting Clipse’s We Got It For Cheap mixtape series without profiting, spending his own money to press and distribute CDs, and why protecting trust mattered more than chasing a quick win. He also talks about refusing payola, building Mixunit.com, helping DJ Drama and DJ Khaled, and the late-night DJ Kay Slay story that turned into a street classic. A real music business lesson on integrity, mixtape culture, radio, networking, and staying focused on the mission. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://themanagersplaybook.com/home⁠⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/60xO3CvAdGfeyyFikLsISg?si=yH1urO5uQquBCrTcW0YoJw Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Clinton Sparks breaks down the real story behind DJ Snake and Lil Jon’s “Turn Down for What.” In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Clinton shares how he signed DJ Snake in 2007, introduced him to Lil Jon, and watched the record grow from an early idea into a global hit. He also talks about Lil Jon’s guerrilla approach, the behind-the-scenes tension around the song, and why DJ relationships still matter when breaking records. Clinton also reflects on DJ Snake’s drive, his “Bird Machine” breakthrough with Dillon Francis, and the early moments that helped shape his rise from Paris to worldwide success. A sharp look at music business strategy, artist development, networking, and what it really takes to make a record move through culture. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. ⁠⁠⁠https://distrokid.com/⁠⁠ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/2WkHm0XSp9TX4hbyUCRGxC?si=yepnZQe2QAq1dSPZ0-H66w⁠⁠⁠ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with legendary producer, DJ, songwriter, and entrepreneur Clinton Sparks for a conversation on artist branding, music business relationships, and building a career that lasts. Clinton breaks down what it really means to become a brand, how he built “Get Familiar” into something people remembered, and why the best networking starts with adding value before asking for access. He also shares the story behind working with DJ Snake years before “Turn Down for What,” his role in mixtape culture, the importance of reputation, and why authenticity still matters in an industry full of fake momentum. A must-listen for artists, managers, producers, music executives, and independent creatives trying to build leverage, trust, visibility, and a brand people actually believe in. A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap. Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: ⁠⁠https://themanagersplaybook.com/home⁠⁠ Get 20% of Magic Mind with code TMP20 ⁠⁠⁠https://magicmind.com/⁠⁠⁠ Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://distrokid.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Nick Groff breaks down why great artist managers need to think like CEOs, not just operators. Nick and Mauricio Ruiz discuss the modern manager’s role in building artist businesses, aligning teams, protecting long-term vision, and creating real growth around the artist. They also get into equity, IP, joint ventures, manager commissions, hiring for emotional intelligence, building scalable teams, and why instinct is often just experience with better timing. A sharp listen for artists, managers, aspiring music executives, and anyone trying to understand what artist management really looks like today. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: ⁠⁠⁠https://themanagersplaybook.com/home⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/2WkHm0XSp9TX4hbyUCRGxC?si=yepnZQe2QAq1dSPZ0-H66w⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Nick Groff and Mauricio Ruiz get into the gray area of AI, creativity, and who gets to make music. They discuss whether AI can become a real creative tool for people with ideas but without formal training, while also unpacking the concerns around authorship, devalued music, bad actors, and what “human-made” music even means anymore. From Suno and AI music tools to Timbaland, record labels, the Grammys, Napster, and the future of the music business, this is a sharp conversation about where creativity may be heading next. A must-listen for artists, producers, managers, music executives, and anyone trying to understand AI’s impact on music. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: ⁠⁠⁠https://themanagersplaybook.com/home⁠⁠⁠ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/2WkHm0XSp9TX4hbyUCRGxC?si=yepnZQe2QAq1dSPZ0-H66w⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Nick Groff breaks down how BUNT. turned a viral moment into a real hard-ticket fanbase. Nick and Ruiz get into the business behind live growth: merch strategy, per-head sales, market-by-market pricing, fan accessibility, Coachella storytelling, and why viral attention does not mean much if it does not turn into real fans. They also discuss how BUNT. approached merch like a brand, priced Mexico City with the local fan in mind, treated Argentina differently as a market, and used intentional live moments to create momentum beyond the algorithm. A sharp listen for artists, managers, music marketers, and aspiring music executives trying to understand touring, fanbase building, and modern artist development. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: ⁠⁠https://themanagersplaybook.com/home⁠⁠ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/2WkHm0XSp9TX4hbyUCRGxC?si=yepnZQe2QAq1dSPZ0-H66w⁠⁠⁠ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Nick Groff breaks down why modern artist management now looks more like running a media company. Nick and Ruiz get into storytelling, fan acquisition, content flywheels, post-show highlights, and why artists can’t rely on music releases alone to stay connected with their audience. They also discuss what artists can learn from streamers, how Billie Eilish’s “Ocean Eyes” proves the power of context, and how BUNT built its world around clear brand pillars like smile, sweat, squad, and soccer. A sharp listen for artists, managers, music marketers, and aspiring music executives trying to understand how attention works in today’s music business. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. ⁠⁠https://distrokid.com/⁠ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/2WkHm0XSp9TX4hbyUCRGxC?si=yepnZQe2QAq1dSPZ0-H66w⁠⁠ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Nick Groff returns to The Manager's Playbook, former Interscope and Geffen executive, longtime A&R, entrepreneur, and manager of BUNT. Nick breaks down the modern artist playbook: how managers can build artists like media companies, why storytelling and world-building matter, and how BUNT. went from being dropped to building a global fanbase, selling hundreds of thousands of tickets, and creating real momentum around live shows, merch, content, and community. We get into artist management, fan acquisition, touring strategy, merch, market-by-market pricing, Coachella, AI, the creator economy, and why the modern manager has to think more like a CEO than ever before. A must-listen for artists, managers, aspiring music executives, and anyone trying to understand how the music business really works today. A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap. Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: ⁠https://themanagersplaybook.com/home⁠ Get 20% of Magic Mind with code TMP20 ⁠⁠https://magicmind.com/⁠⁠ If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: ⁠⁠⁠https://form.typeform.com/to/JNELnGw9?utm_source=xxxxx&typeform-source=bit.ly#fbclid=xxxxx&gclid=xxxxx⁠⁠⁠ Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. ⁠⁠⁠https://distrokid.com/⁠⁠⁠ Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET

Charlie Rocket breaks down why artists and managers need to stop waiting on labels, managers, or industry validation and start building fans first. In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Charlie talks about fan demand, leverage, moving faster, releasing more, and avoiding the trap of getting overwhelmed by industry knowledge before there’s an actual business to protect. He also gets into why travel can help artists spark creativity, change perspective, and find new ideas before a breakthrough. For independent artists, managers, and aspiring music executives, this is a reminder: build the fans first, then let the industry catch up. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: ⁠https://themanagersplaybook.com/home⁠ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/2WkHm0XSp9TX4hbyUCRGxC?si=yepnZQe2QAq1dSPZ0-H66w⁠⁠ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Charlie Rocket breaks down a real artist growth playbook built on volume, virality, and in-real-life fanbase building. In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Charlie explains how he helped build Travis Porter’s momentum with no big budget, using fast music output, MySpace hustle, local marketing, and real-world events to create demand from the ground up. He gets into the nine-month blitz strategy, why artists need to move faster, how to build local buzz before chasing the whole internet, and why real fanbases are still built person by person. For independent artists, managers, and aspiring music executives, this is a reminder: the internet matters, but the streets still talk. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: https://themanagersplaybook.com/home Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/2WkHm0XSp9TX4hbyUCRGxC?si=yepnZQe2QAq1dSPZ0-H66w⁠ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Charlie Rocket breaks down how artists can build a real superstar brand by giving fans something to belong to. In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Charlie explains why fan names, colors, symbols, emojis, accessories, catchphrases, and ad-libs matter more than most artists think. These are the details that turn passive listeners into real participants. He also talks about why there are no secrets in marketing: study what already works, decode the pattern, and build a world fans can recognize instantly. For independent artists, managers, and aspiring music executives, this is a simple but important reminder: great branding is not just how an artist looks. It’s how fans know they’re part of something. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. ⁠https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/2WkHm0XSp9TX4hbyUCRGxC?si=yepnZQe2QAq1dSPZ0-H66w⁠ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Charlie Rocket breaks down the problem with viral-first artist development and why chasing views can hurt an artist’s long-term career. In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Charlie explains why artists should not be treated like influencers, how viral trends can damage mystique, and why real fanbase building matters more than empty attention. He also shares how artists, managers, and small teams can use social media, fan pages, and smart content strategy to grow without relying on a record label. For independent artists, artist managers, and aspiring music executives, this is a reminder: views are cool, but fans build careers. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Check out Influur Pulse and stop chasing the moment after it passes: ⁠https://www.influur.com/book-a-demo⁠ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2WkHm0XSp9TX4hbyUCRGxC?si=yepnZQe2QAq1dSPZ0-H66w Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Charlie Rocket returns to The Manager’s Playbook with a full breakdown on how artists and managers can build a real fanbase without waiting on the industry. In this episode, Charlie gets into the Law of 62, why pace matters more than slow consistency, how to create viral content without making the artist look corny, and why protecting mystique still matters in the social media era. He also breaks down direct-to-fan strategy, superfan communities, naming your fanbase, testing music with fans, singles versus albums, AI in music, street marketing, and the mindset it takes to build an artist from the ground up. If you’re an independent artist, artist manager, aspiring music executive, or anyone trying to understand how real fanbases are built, this one is a playbook. A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap. Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: https://themanagersplaybook.com/home Get 20% of Magic Mind with code TMP20 ⁠https://magicmind.com/⁠ If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it.KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: ⁠⁠https://form.typeform.com/to/JNELnGw9?utm_source=xxxxx&typeform-source=bit.ly#fbclid=xxxxx&gclid=xxxxx⁠⁠ Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. ⁠⁠https://distrokid.com/⁠⁠ Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz and James Beshara reframe mental health as mental wealth. James shares the personal story that pushed him to take prevention seriously, then breaks down the five daily buckets he believes help build real resilience: sleep, diet, exercise, stress management, and exogenous compounds. They also get into consistent wake times, better sleep, alcohol, processed foods, walking, creativity, caffeine, nicotine, Adderall, and the ingredients behind Magic Mind. For artists, managers, founders, and creatives trying to perform at a high level without burning out, this is a reminder that the work starts before the work. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Book a 1:1 Strategy Session with Mauricio Ruiz, host of The Manager's Playbook, with over 16 years of experience for tailored advice for artists and managers. Consultation Fees Apply ⁠https://calendly.com/themanagersplaybook⁠ Check out James Beshara's Essay on Mental Wealth: https://jjbeshara.com/2020/06/04/mental-wealth/ Get 100% off APT with code TMP100 https://www.tryapt.ai/ Get 20% of Magic Mind with code TMP20 https://magicmind.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/1XMFFyBvpSTfUzuRfCFkyu?si=sVEhF1A2StqEPEx7xFFCRA⁠⁠ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz and James Beshara talk about focus, under-committing, and why artists need to stop trying to master everything at once. James breaks down the idea of doing very little and doing it big. For artists, managers, and music entrepreneurs, that means building skills gradually, releasing consistently, learning from feedback, and creating systems before adding more plates to spin. They also get into artist burnout, long-term mastery, ownership in 2026, and why the modern music business has more opportunity than ever if you can stay focused long enough to use it. For independent artists, artist managers, aspiring executives, and anyone building a real creative career, this is a reminder that the play is not doing more. It’s doing the right things better. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Book a 1:1 Strategy Session with Mauricio Ruiz, host of The Manager's Playbook, with over 16 years of experience for tailored advice for artists and managers. Consultation Fees Apply https://calendly.com/themanagersplaybook Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/1XMFFyBvpSTfUzuRfCFkyu?si=sVEhF1A2StqEPEx7xFFCRA⁠ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz and James Beshara talk about purpose, burnout, validation, and what it really means to build with intention. James breaks down the idea that “industry” means to persevere with purpose, and why talent alone does not mean much if you avoid the business side, the hard conversations, or the responsibility that comes with building something real. They also get into right action, finding the role that gives you energy, the pressure artists feel to keep touring, and why personal responsibility matters in music, startups, and creative careers. For independent artists, artist managers, aspiring executives, founders, and anyone trying to build something that lasts, this is a conversation about moving with purpose instead of chasing approval. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/1XMFFyBvpSTfUzuRfCFkyu?si=sVEhF1A2StqEPEx7xFFCRA⁠ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz and James Beshara break down why success in any creative career usually comes down to people, practices, and tools. James challenges the myth of the solo genius through Brian Eno’s idea of “scenius,” showing why artists, managers, founders, and creatives need the right scene, the right collaborators, and the right people around them. They also get into pitching, sales, asking better questions, finding your zone of genius, and building teams with people whose strengths complement your weaknesses. For independent artists, artist managers, aspiring music executives, and creative entrepreneurs, this is a reminder that talent matters, but the scene around you matters too. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Check out Influur Pulse and stop chasing the moment after it passes: https://www.influur.com/book-a-demo Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1XMFFyBvpSTfUzuRfCFkyu?si=sVEhF1A2StqEPEx7xFFCRA Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with angel investor, musician, founder, creator, and Magic Mind CEO James Beshara for a different kind of music business conversation. James brings a Silicon Valley lens to artist development, independent artists, artist management, and building a career that actually lasts. We get into why “trust and a network” are the foundation of anything meaningful, what the music industry can learn from startup culture, and why recording artists need more than talent to win. From building and selling Tilt to Airbnb, to creating Magic Mind after a major health wake-up call, James shares real lessons on purpose, reliability, productivity, fundraising, wellness, flow state, and finding your zone of genius. Whether you’re an artist, manager, aspiring music executive, or creative entrepreneur, this episode is a blueprint for building with more trust, more intention, and a lot less noise. A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap. Check out James Beshara's Essay on Mental Wealth: https://jjbeshara.com/2020/06/04/mental-wealth/ Get 100% off APT with code TMP100 https://www.tryapt.ai/ Get 20% of Magic Mind with code TMP20 https://magicmind.com/ If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it.KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: ⁠https://form.typeform.com/to/JNELnGw9?utm_source=xxxxx&typeform-source=bit.ly#fbclid=xxxxx&gclid=xxxxx⁠ Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. ⁠https://distrokid.com/⁠ Book a 1:1 Strategy Session with Mauricio Ruiz, host of The Manager's Playbook, with over 16 years of experience for tailored advice for artists and managers. Consultation Fees Apply ⁠https://calendly.com/themanagersplaybook⁠ Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Amber Grimes, EVP, GM, and partner at Love Renaissance (LVRN), to talk about self-advocacy, asking questions, and learning the business without pretending to know everything. Amber shares how asking for help changed the way she negotiated contracts, understood stock compensation, talked about pay, and recognized her own value in rooms where those lessons are not always taught. The conversation also gets into cultural confidence, executives of colour advocating for themselves, using every tool available, adapting to new platforms, and staying optimistic in a music business that keeps changing. A must-listen for aspiring music executives, artist managers, independent artists, and anyone building a career in the music business. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ZGoA4uIb95Ln5Og2lT6Ga?si=Jwmq9YR2QPuq1vZ7YO7How Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Amber Grimes, EVP, GM, and partner at Love Renaissance (LVRN), to talk about what makes artists memorable in today’s music business. Amber breaks down the importance of visual identity, distinctive perspective, consistency, mystery, and competitiveness when building an artist brand that can actually last. She uses examples like Rihanna, Sabrina Carpenter, Zara Larsson, Ice Spice, Sexyy Red, Kanye West, Pink, Ne-Yo, Summer Walker, Beyoncé, Drake, and Taylor Swift to explain how artists build recognition, trust, fan engagement, and long-term connection. The conversation also gets into authentic world-building, Summer Walker’s rollout strategy, why marketing should solve fan frustration, how oversharing can hurt longevity, and why music is still a competitive sport. A must-listen for independent artists, artist managers, aspiring music executives, and anyone interested in artist branding, visual identity, music marketing, rollout strategy, and artist development. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ZGoA4uIb95Ln5Og2lT6Ga?si=Jwmq9YR2QPuq1vZ7YO7How Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Amber Grimes, EVP, GM, and partner at Love Renaissance (LVRN), to talk about what artists need beyond the music. Amber breaks down the fundamentals of artist branding: authenticity, purpose, identity, community, fan access, and building something people actually believe in. She also explains how fan culture has evolved from fan clubs to stans to subscribers, why artists need direct ways to reach their audience, and how real fan communities can turn supporters into brand ambassadors. A must-listen for independent artists, artist managers, aspiring music executives, and anyone interested in artist development, music marketing, fanbase growth, direct-to-fan strategy, and building a lasting artist brand. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ZGoA4uIb95Ln5Og2lT6Ga?si=Jwmq9YR2QPuq1vZ7YO7How Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Amber Grimes, EVP, GM, and partner at Love Renaissance (LVRN), to talk about what goes into building artist rollouts that actually connect. Amber shares the story behind 6LACK’s tour promo with a real bear, how LVRN develops creative ideas as a team, and why the best rollouts start with meaning before money. She also breaks down LVRN’s global vision, building in South Africa with trust and intention, the importance of artist authenticity, and why hard work still separates talent from greatness. A must-listen for independent artists, artist managers, aspiring music executives, and anyone interested in artist branding, music marketing, rollout strategy, and the real work behind building artist worlds. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ZGoA4uIb95Ln5Og2lT6Ga?si=Jwmq9YR2QPuq1vZ7YO7How Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Amber Grimes, EVP, GM, and partner at Love Renaissance (LVRN), for a real conversation about artist branding, music rollouts, and what it takes to build artists people actually believe in. Amber breaks down the rules behind lasting artist brands: authenticity, purpose, community, visual identity, consistency, mystery, competitiveness, and knowing exactly why you exist. She also shares the story behind the real bear in 6LACK’s tour promo, how LVRN builds worlds around artists, and why Summer Walker’s authenticity is such a powerful example of long-term fan connection. We get into modern music marketing, artist development, fan communities, direct-to-fan strategy, manager value, self-advocacy in business, and how artists can adapt as the industry keeps changing. A must-listen for independent artists, artist managers, aspiring music executives, and anyone serious about building a career in today’s music business. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it.KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://form.typeform.com/to/JNELnGw9?utm_source=xxxxx&typeform-source=bit.ly#fbclid=xxxxx&gclid=xxxxx Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Book a 1:1 Strategy Session with Mauricio Ruiz, host of The Manager's Playbook, with over 16 years of experience for tailored advice for artists and managers. Consultation Fees Apply https://calendly.com/themanagersplaybook Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET

Great music still wins. In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Nael Atweh and Alyce Hayek of Grass Fed Music talk about what it really takes to build a music career that lasts. They get into artist development, independent artists, major label partnerships, AI, superfans, touring, culture-building, and why exceptional ideas still matter more than tools, resources, or industry excuses. Nael and Alyce also break down why artists need to stop blaming playlists, focus on making better music, and build with the right people. This clip is for artists, managers, aspiring music executives, and anyone trying to understand how real careers are built in today’s music business. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4mqdVGC0ip18qh5ZlaOVKf?si=6sl7kZnsS3eQcnhNrIbiNA Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

What does it really take to last in the music business? In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Nael Atweh and Alyce Hayek of Grass Fed Music talk about the mindset behind building a meaningful career in music. Nael shares lessons from his father’s optimism, his Palestinian roots, his brother Nasri’s resilience, and the belief it takes to keep going when the business tests you. They also get into no-agenda networking, serving others, managing with intention, why managers often work in the shadows, and how real impact matters more than just chasing money. This clip is for artists, managers, aspiring music executives, and anyone trying to build with purpose in the music business. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4mqdVGC0ip18qh5ZlaOVKf?si=6sl7kZnsS3eQcnhNrIbiNA Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

What separates great artist managers from everyone else? In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Nael Atweh and Alyce Hayek of Grass Fed Music talk about managing artists with care, honesty, trust, and real business execution. Nael shares lessons from Sal & Co, Mike Caren, and Scooter Braun, why the song has to come first, and how Grass Fed helped build DJ Habibeats by bringing Middle Eastern music into club culture in a fresh way. They also get into working together as partners in life and business, balancing creative vision with operational structure, and what real management actually requires behind the scenes. This episode is for artists, managers, aspiring music executives, and anyone trying to understand the music business from the inside. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4mqdVGC0ip18qh5ZlaOVKf?si=6sl7kZnsS3eQcnhNrIbiNA Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Nael Atweh and Alyce Hayek of Grass Fed Music join The Manager’s Playbook to talk about building a music management company together as husband and wife. They share how they met, how their relationship turned into a business partnership during COVID, and how Grass Fed developed its artist services model for independent artists. Nael and Alyce get into artist development, content strategy, rollout planning, business structure, team building, and why great management needs both creative instinct and operational discipline. This episode is for artists, artist managers, aspiring music executives, and anyone trying to understand what it really takes to build artists behind the scenes. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Check out Influur Pulse: https://www.influur.com/book-a-demo Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4mqdVGC0ip18qh5ZlaOVKf?si=6sl7kZnsS3eQcnhNrIbiNA Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Artist management is not just about deals, rollouts, and relationships. It’s service. In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Nael Atweh and Alyce Hayek of Grass Fed Music for a real conversation about what it takes to build artists behind the scenes. Nael and Alyce talk about running a music management company as a married couple, developing independent artists, building trust with clients, and balancing creative instinct with business structure. They also get into the story behind Grass Fed Music, working with DJ Habibeats, the rise of Middle Eastern club sounds, lessons from Nasri Atweh, MAGIC!’s “Rude,” Justin Bieber cuts, Myspace-era hustle, mentorship, and why the song still has to come first. This episode is for artists, managers, aspiring music executives, independent artists, and anyone trying to understand what real artist management actually looks like. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it.KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://form.typeform.com/to/JNELnGw9?utm_source=xxxxx&typeform-source=bit.ly#fbclid=xxxxx&gclid=xxxxx Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Book a 1:1 Strategy Session with Mauricio Ruiz, host of The Manager's Playbook, with over 16 years of experience for tailored advice for artists and managers. Consultation Fees Apply https://calendly.com/themanagersplaybook Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Omar Grant breaks down the mistake too many artists make with their music: releasing without enough quality control, strategy, or honest feedback. Omar explains why great songs still need the right artist, the right plan, and the right timing. He also gets into the pressure independent artists feel to release constantly, why the market can be a useful teacher, and when blaming the marketing is really just avoiding the harder question: was the song strong enough? A sharp conversation for independent artists, managers, A&Rs, songwriters, producers, and aspiring music executives trying to build better records and smarter release strategies. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6V9sf8DiDrf8EmOspp48OH?si=7iM5Mi76QAKBwVyzQc8zeQ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Omar Grant breaks down the strategy behind building a real career in the music business. Omar reflects on his rise from Bronx DJ and Columbia Records intern to Rihanna’s A&R and co-president of Roc Nation, sharing the lessons that shaped his path: patience, artist development, trust, relationships, and doing the work most people never see. He also explains what made Roc Nation different, why authentic marketing has to start with understanding the artist, and why copying another artist’s rollout is rarely a real strategy. A sharp conversation for aspiring music executives, artist managers, A&Rs, marketers, independent artists, and anyone trying to understand how long-term careers are actually built. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6V9sf8DiDrf8EmOspp48OH?si=7iM5Mi76QAKBwVyzQc8zeQ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Omar Grant breaks down why artist development no longer lives only inside record labels. As Rihanna’s longtime A&R, former Roc Nation co-president, and founder of Chapter A.R.T. Music Publishing, Omar has seen how real development actually happens: through time, trust, taste, honest feedback, and the right people around the artist. Omar explains why producers, managers, and trusted creative partners now often play the role traditional A&Rs used to own. He also gets into building trust with artists like Rihanna, hearing great records in rough demos, why trend-chasing is not real A&R, and how songs go from good to great. A sharp conversation for artists, managers, producers, songwriters, aspiring A&Rs, and music executives trying to understand how long-term careers are really built. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6V9sf8DiDrf8EmOspp48OH?si=7iM5Mi76QAKBwVyzQc8zeQ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Rihanna’s next album isn’t just another release. It comes with the weight of everything she’s already done. In this episode, A&R executive Omar Grant breaks down the pressure behind new Rihanna music, why following records like “We Found Love,” “Diamonds,” “Work,” and Anti is so difficult, and what it takes to make songs that actually last. Omar talks about global writing camps, creative briefs, Rihanna’s own A&R instincts, the problem with mediocrity in today’s music, and why artists, writers, producers, and executives need to care more about quality, storytelling, melodies, choruses, and real development. A sharp look inside the music business, the A&R process, and the standard behind timeless records. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6V9sf8DiDrf8EmOspp48OH?si=7iM5Mi76QAKBwVyzQc8zeQ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Omar Grant, Rihanna’s longtime A&R, former Roc Nation co-president, and founder of Chapter A.R.T. Music Publishing. Omar breaks down what real A&R looks like today, why great records feel harder to find, and how Rihanna’s creative instincts continue to raise the bar for the entire music industry. He shares how global writing camps, creative briefs, honest feedback, and deep artist trust all shape the records that actually last. This conversation goes beyond hit songs. Omar explains the difference between viral moments and timeless copyrights, why artist development still matters, and how aspiring A&Rs, managers, songwriters, producers, and music executives should think about taste, quality control, and creative leadership. We also get into modern music publishing, the future of A&R, and Omar’s new platform Who’s Your A&R, built to give artists and creatives the kind of feedback most people never get access to. A masterclass in A&R, artist development, songwriting, and building music that stands the test of time. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it.KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://form.typeform.com/to/JNELnGw9?utm_source=xxxxx&typeform-source=bit.ly#fbclid=xxxxx&gclid=xxxxx Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Book a 1:1 Strategy Session with Mauricio Ruiz, host of The Manager's Playbook, with over 16 years of experience for tailored advice for artists and managers. Consultation Fees Apply https://calendly.com/themanagersplaybook Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Lecrae breaks down the business behind Reach Records and what it really takes to run an independent label. He explains how Reach operates with a 20-person staff, 11 artists, multiple departments, and four studios in Atlanta, while also sharing how he balances being both Artist Lecrae and CEO Lecrae. Lecrae also gets into marketing budgets, recoupment, expensive features, and why he believes in spending as momentum builds instead of betting big too early. A valuable listen for independent artists, artist managers, music executives, and anyone studying how to build a real music business. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5DBsFfmC1YCHzhwn1dlHlH?si=MO71e6ZmSzanB7atasJ3QQ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Lecrae breaks down how Christian radio really works and why gospel, Christian music, and mainstream radio operate in very different ways. He explains the cultural divide between gospel and contemporary Christian music, how artists get boxed into categories, and how Christian radio can connect records to major touring opportunities like K-Love and Winter Jam. Lecrae also talks about crossover strategy, artist adaptability, radio economics, payola, and why independent labels need to become trusted curators for their audience. A valuable listen for independent artists, artist managers, music executives, Christian hip-hop fans, and anyone studying music business, radio strategy, and audience development. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5DBsFfmC1YCHzhwn1dlHlH?si=MO71e6ZmSzanB7atasJ3QQ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Lecrae breaks down the hidden business behind Christian music and why the niche is much bigger than most people realize. He explains how independent Christian labels built real revenue before major-label partnerships, how church licensing through CCLI can become a major income stream, and why Christian hip-hop developed its own touring power through live shows, festivals, churches, and direct fan connection. Lecrae also shares what today’s independent artists need to understand about building an audience: stage presence, social media, music curation, fan connection, adaptability, and the work behind the highlight reel. A strong listen for independent artists, artist managers, music executives, Christian hip-hop fans, and anyone studying how niche music markets become real business. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5DBsFfmC1YCHzhwn1dlHlH?si=MO71e6ZmSzanB7atasJ3QQ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Lecrae breaks down how he built independently after major hip-hop labels said his music was “too Christian” and gospel labels said it was “too hip-hop.” Lecrae talks about being both authentically hip-hop and authentically Christian, the business influence of Texas trunk-sale culture, and how Reach Records became a fully independent label without a major-label JV. He also shares how early community support, independent distribution, and projects like Anomaly helped prove there was a real audience long before the industry knew where to place him. A sharp lesson for independent artists, artist managers, music executives, and anyone building outside the traditional music business system. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5DBsFfmC1YCHzhwn1dlHlH?si=MO71e6ZmSzanB7atasJ3QQ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Lecrae for a conversation about faith, hip-hop, independence, and what it really means to build when the industry doesn’t know where to put you. Lecrae breaks down how he navigated the divide between mainstream hip-hop and Christian music, why Reach Records had to become fully independent, and how community, touring, and direct fan support helped build one of the strongest independent businesses in music. We also get into Christian radio, the business of gospel and Christian music, artist development, building a healthy team, balancing CEO vs artist decisions, podcasting, media, ownership, and why independent artists need to understand their audience before chasing industry approval. A must-listen for artists, managers, music executives, Christian hip-hop fans, and anyone serious about building outside the traditional music business system. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it.KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://form.typeform.com/to/JNELnGw9?utm_source=xxxxx&typeform-source=bit.ly#fbclid=xxxxx&gclid=xxxxx Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Book a 1:1 Strategy Session with Mauricio Ruiz, host of The Manager's Playbook, with over 16 years of experience for tailored advice for artists and managers. Consultation Fees Apply https://calendly.com/themanagersplaybook Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz talks with Peso Pluma’s Tour Director, Veikko Fuhrmann, about the business behind Latin touring across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. Veikko breaks down how touring deals differ by market, from flat promoter packages in Latin America to U.S. and Canadian models built around splits, overages, settlements, taxes, union fees, and visas. They also get into building We Are Live, bringing Latin acts like Nicky Jam and Romeo Santos into major Canadian arenas, working with Ricky Martin, and what it takes to bridge cultures, crews, cities, and expectations on the road. For artists, managers, promoters, tour managers, and music executives, this is a real look at how the Latin live music business actually works. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Z67uqWjrxIw2S3uK6HKDj?si=I5CLRNPTSP--acz7Btxo7g Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook Topics include: Latin touring, Peso Pluma, tour management, promoter deals, arena shows, Nicky Jam, Romeo Santos, Ricky Martin, U.S. touring, Canadian touring, visas, taxes, and artist management.

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Peso Pluma’s Tour Director, Veikko Fuhrmann, to break down what a tour director actually does on a music tour. Veikko explains why the job is so much more than logistics. It’s cash flow, startup costs, payroll, vendor payments, credit card spend, delayed settlements, promoter advances, and making sure the tour can keep moving without the money falling apart. They also get into why great tour directors ask better questions, how artists get paid on tour, and why some promoter advances can feel less like free money and more like a loan. For artists, managers, tour managers, independent teams, and music executives, this is a practical look at the business behind the road. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Z67uqWjrxIw2S3uK6HKDj?si=I5CLRNPTSP--acz7Btxo7g Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook Topics include:Tour directors, tour management, artist cash flow, touring startup costs, promoter advances, earn-out deals, business managers, artist payments, and live music business.

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with live touring specialist and Peso Pluma Tour Director Veikko Fuhrmann to explain why a tour guarantee does not always mean an artist is making money. Veikko breaks down how tour offers are built, what guarantees and overages actually mean, how promoter splits work, and why every expense matters once a show moves past the guarantee. They also get into arena and stadium logistics, curfews, overtime, runners, carnets, day sheets, settlement sheets, and the real business behind protecting artist profit on the road. For artists, managers, tour managers, independent teams, and music executives, this is a clear look at how touring money really works. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Z67uqWjrxIw2S3uK6HKDj?si=I5CLRNPTSP--acz7Btxo7g Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook Topics include:Tour guarantees, overages, artist expenses, promoter splits, tour management, arena logistics, settlement sheets, curfews, touring documents, and live music business.

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with live touring specialist Veikko Fuhrmann of We Are Live to break down how artists lose money on tour and how the right team can fix it. Veikko explains why tour management is really about protecting the artist’s money, from club-level P&Ls and merch sales to promoter expenses, cash flow, insurance, touring LLCs, and upfront costs. This is a practical conversation for artists, artist managers, tour managers, independent teams, and music executives trying to understand the financial reality of touring before the road gets expensive. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Z67uqWjrxIw2S3uK6HKDj?si=I5CLRNPTSP--acz7Btxo7g Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with live touring specialist Veikko Fuhrmann of We Are Live for a deep breakdown of how music touring actually works. Veikko shares his journey from working event security in Germany to joining Ricky Martin’s team and building a career across global tours, arenas, stadiums, and the live music business. This conversation covers the real financial and logistical side of touring: tour budgets, guarantees, overages, settlement sheets, cash flow, curfews, insurance, touring LLCs, tax withholding, carnets, crew culture, and what it really means to protect an artist’s money on the road. If you’re an artist, artist manager, tour manager, music executive, or independent team trying to understand the business of live shows, this episode is a masterclass in touring. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it.KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://form.typeform.com/to/JNELnGw9?utm_source=xxxxx&typeform-source=bit.ly#fbclid=xxxxx&gclid=xxxxx Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET Topics include:Tour management, live music business, artist touring, tour budgets, guarantees and overages, settlement sheets, cash flow, arena logistics, Latin artists touring, and manager wisdom.

Tems’ manager Muyiwa Awoniyi joins The Manager’s Playbook to break down how to build a real company around an artist. In this clip, Muyiwa explains why Tems’ long-term vision goes beyond music into business, philanthropy, investing, ownership, and company-building. He also shares how non-transactional relationships, delegation, team structure, artist development, admin deals, distribution, YouTube Foundry, and smart JV strategy helped Tems’ team build independence and long-term leverage. A must-listen for artists, managers, music executives, and anyone serious about building a sustainable music business. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1duk4mJxoVF7D9G5Whhjqk?si=mI5dFiQAT7uwrOUXtFLlHA Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠ In this episode:00:00 Tems’ North Star and Long-Term Growth00:47 Real Relationships, Not Transactions01:15 Weaknesses, Patience, and Team Support02:28 Delegating Emails and Staying Focused04:17 Inbox Systems and Daily Syncs06:15 Vision Map and North Star Strategy07:27 Mentorship Over Generic Industry Talk10:21 Toronto Talent and Executive Leadership Gap14:12 Building Global Teams and The Weeknd Model15:50 Tems’ Admin Deal vs Publishing Deal16:51 Funding Independence With Distribution and YouTube Foundry18:38 Structuring JVs for Company Expansion19:34 Why Artists Become Executives

Tems’ manager Muyiwa Awoniyi joins The Manager’s Playbook to break down the truth about Afrobeats going global and what African artists need to understand before chasing the American music market. In this clip, Muyiwa explains why artists need to build real leverage at home first, how cultural ripple effects shape global crossover, and why labels must invest in African music infrastructure instead of only extracting from the culture. He also gets into why modern managers have to think like CEOs, how to create music moments with intention, and how Tems’ team built trust, equity, and long-term strategy around her career. A must-listen for artists, managers, music executives, and anyone serious about Afrobeats, African music, global crossover, and the business behind the music. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1duk4mJxoVF7D9G5Whhjqk?si=mI5dFiQAT7uwrOUXtFLlHA Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook In this episode:00:00 Visitor Mindset in America00:25 Does the West Water Down Afrobeats?01:34 Cultural Ripple Effects and Global Music02:18 Breaking Into the U.S. Music Market02:49 Why Labels Miss Cultural Nuance04:07 Investing in African Music Infrastructure05:03 Why Artist Managers Are CEOs Now05:53 Creating Music Moments and Planning Ahead07:00 Twitter Fans, Criticism, and Artist Strategy08:21 Artist-Centered Management vs Business08:52 Going All In for Artists09:36 Building Trust, Equity, and Long-Term Leverage

Tems’ manager Muyiwa Awoniyi joins The Manager’s Playbook to break down how Tems’ team built a business beyond the music. In this clip, Muyiwa explains why The Leading Vibe treats expenses as investments, how they built an ecosystem around Tems, and why ownership, valuation, team culture, fan engagement, and business literacy matter for long-term success. He also talks about Tems as both artist and executive, building a female-led team culture, why fans buy into movements, developing new artist Rue, and why discipline matters more than motivation. A must-listen for artists, managers, music executives, and independent artists serious about building something that lasts. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1duk4mJxoVF7D9G5Whhjqk?si=mI5dFiQAT7uwrOUXtFLlHA Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook In this episode:00:00 Investing in Tems00:34 Building the Artist Company01:43 Tems as Artist and Executive02:50 Team Operations and Business Structure04:06 Female-Led Team Culture04:57 Why Fans Buy Into Movements06:12 Fan Engagement in Today’s Music Industry07:44 What Makes New Talent Stand Out08:12 Introducing New Artist Rue09:10 Tems Origin Story10:52 Pressure, Responsibility, and Leadership15:32 Discipline Over Motivation16:17 Why Muyiwa Manages Artists

Tems’ manager Muyiwa Awoniyi joins The Manager’s Playbook to explain why real artist management starts with protecting the person before the music. In this clip, Muyiwa breaks down his people-first approach to managing Tems, why mental, spiritual, and physical well-being come before strategy, and how shared vision shapes the team’s decisions. He also gets into Tems’ RCA license deal, music ownership, master reversion, rollout strategy, Coachella with Justin Bieber and Wizkid, artist branding, authenticity, and building a sustainable company beyond the illusion of success. A must-listen for artists, managers, music executives, and anyone serious about artist development, ownership, and the business behind global music. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1duk4mJxoVF7D9G5Whhjqk?si=mI5dFiQAT7uwrOUXtFLlHA Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook In this episode:00:00 Music as a Vehicle00:22 People-First Artist Management02:57 Team Alignment and Shared Vision04:39 Music Ownership and RCA License Deal05:33 Rollout Strategy and Surprise Drops07:09 Coachella With Justin Bieber and Wizkid11:10 Artist Narrative and Brand Building14:11 Authenticity, Fame, and Artist Development16:17 Saying No and Staying Aligned19:55 Real Success and Long-Term Business

Tems’ manager and partner Muyiwa Awoniyi joins The Manager’s Playbook to break down the strategy behind building Tems into a global music star. Muyiwa shares his people-first approach to artist management, why Tems’ team prioritized ownership over quick checks, how they structured their RCA license deal, and what it takes to build an artist career that can grow beyond music. This conversation covers Afrobeats, African music, artist management, music ownership, branding, fan engagement, publishing, label infrastructure in Africa, and building a global artist ecosystem without losing the vision. A must-listen for artists, managers, music executives, and anyone serious about the business behind global music. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it.KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://form.typeform.com/to/JNELnGw9?utm_source=xxxxx&typeform-source=bit.ly#fbclid=xxxxx&gclid=xxxxx Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET In this episode: 00:00 Afrobeats Money Mistakes 01:24 People-First Artist Management 04:17 Ownership Over Checks 06:57 Coachella With Justin Bieber & Wizkid 10:59 Branding and Artist Narrative 19:45 Diversifying Beyond Music 24:59 Why Fans Buy Into Movements 26:48 Fan Engagement in the Experience Era 40:42 Afrobeats, America, and Global Crossover 43:33 Why Labels Need Infrastructure in Africa 44:22 Why Artist Managers Are CEOs Now 50:51 Building Tems From Scratch 54:11 Partnerships Over Transactions 01:07:41 The Weeknd Blueprint, Equity, and Ownership 01:10:20 Funding Independence 01:11:36 Publishing Advances and Admin Deals 01:23:56 Omah Lay Split and Deal Fix 01:32:48 Artist vs. Entertainer Focus 01:34:39 Faith, Purpose, and Staying Grounded

Matt Hansen joins Mauricio Ruiz on The Manager’s Playbook to talk about the balance between being the artist and being the CEO of your music career. Matt explains why thinking about ROI, TikTok hits, or business strategy while writing can hurt the song and why he has learned to separate the creative process from the business side. He also breaks down testing songs on TikTok, revisiting hooks, preparing for headline tours, protecting his voice, delegating on the road, and building a team culture rooted in trust, kindness, drive, accountability, and initiative. This conversation is for independent artists, managers, music marketers, and aspiring music executives who want to understand how to build a real artist business without losing the creative centre. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/54E4CbJCx5Mc7tKAlwIySp?si=Vg5LiESwTBWKYKRsO6usiA Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Matt Hansen joins Mauricio Ruiz on The Manager’s Playbook to break down how independent artists can make content that actually moves the music. Matt explains how he built a short-form content system around TikTok hooks, emotional targeting, teaser windows, and fan data, including writing 15 hooks per song with his managers and focusing on the first 2-3 seconds of every video. He also shares how he built a 300K-400K SMS/email fan list through Laylo, pre-saves, tour pre-sales, and a “text me” number in his Spotify bio, helping create a reliable first-day streaming baseline without depending only on playlists or the algorithm. This conversation is for independent artists, managers, music marketers, and aspiring music executives who want to understand how content strategy, direct fan data, and emotional storytelling can turn attention into real career leverage. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/54E4CbJCx5Mc7tKAlwIySp?si=Vg5LiESwTBWKYKRsO6usiA Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Matt Hansen joins Mauricio Ruiz on The Manager’s Playbook to break down the real business behind touring as an independent artist. Matt explains how he used short-term distribution deals to fund touring and releases, why he kept ownership of his earlier songs, and how opening for artists like Train, Teddy Swims, Alec Benjamin, and Lauv helped grow his audience. He also talks about losing up to $140K on opening slots, turning live performance clips into streaming growth, and how “Let Em Go” jumped from around 90K to 600K daily Spotify streams. This conversation also covers catalog ownership, touring ROI, front-of-house relationships, performing with no soundcheck, and why opening slots can be one of the best ways for artists to build leverage. For independent artists, managers, music marketers, and aspiring music executives, this is a practical look at how touring can create value beyond the nightly settlement. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/54E4CbJCx5Mc7tKAlwIySp?si=Vg5LiESwTBWKYKRsO6usiA Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Matt Hansen went viral overnight after posting a one-take Frank Ocean “Godspeed” cover in a parking garage. In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Matt joins Mauricio Ruiz to talk about what happened after the viral moment: going from 500 TikTok followers to 500,000 overnight, getting immediate major label interest, taking meetings alone while still at UCLA, and learning how to protect his leverage as an independent artist. Matt also breaks down finding the right managers, using data to guide his cover strategy and branding, building a “mini label” around himself, staying independent through distribution, and investing in touring even when the early numbers did not make sense on paper. This conversation is for independent artists, managers, music marketers, and anyone trying to understand how a viral moment can turn into a real music career. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/54E4CbJCx5Mc7tKAlwIySp?si=Vg5LiESwTBWKYKRsO6usiA Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Matt Hansen went from posting TikTok covers to building a billion-stream independent music career. In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Matt joins Mauricio Ruiz to break down how a one-take Frank Ocean “Godspeed” cover in a parking garage took him from 500 followers to 500,000 overnight, sparked major label interest, and forced him to learn the music business fast. Matt opens up about staying independent, finding the right managers, building a mini-label team, using distributor deals to fund growth, losing money on tour, turning opening slots into content ROI, collecting fan data, and separating CEO mode from artist mode. This conversation is for independent artists, artist managers, music marketers, aspiring music executives, and anyone trying to understand how a viral moment can become a real career. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it.KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://form.typeform.com/to/JNELnGw9?utm_source=xxxxx&typeform-source=bit.ly#fbclid=xxxxx&gclid=xxxxx Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET Topics include: TikTok music strategy, artist development, touring, opening slots, distributor deals, catalog ownership, fan data, songwriting, content strategy, and Matt’s debut album Orchid. Listen to more episodes of The Manager’s Playbook wherever you get your podcasts.

How The Manager’s Playbook Became Music’s Insider Podcast In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz shares why he created the podcast and how it became a way to give music industry knowledge back to the community. Mauricio talks about stepping away from artist management, wanting to build his own IP, and turning private “inside baseball” conversations into a public platform for artists, managers, executives, and creatives. He also shares how the podcast started with Troy Carter as the first guest, why Toronto is at the heart of the mission, and how Erica and Mel helped build the show through trial and error. This one is for artists, managers, aspiring music executives, and anyone trying to understand how the music business really works. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0EpX71F9JklAmZAEdXsRKA?si=877g60VXRImVmjV0j-ud6A Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook Topics include:The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz, Troy Carter, artist management, music business, Toronto music scene, building IP, podcasting, music executives, independent artists, publishing, content strategy, and giving back to the community.

When Is an Artist Ready for a Manager? In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz breaks down what artists and managers should understand before working together. Mauricio talks about why management is rooted in value, trust, communication, and the ability to sell a vision. He explains how a sales background can help managers build thick skin, ask better questions, read the room, build rapport, and turn conversations into real next steps. The conversation also covers creative ways artists can build teams when cash is limited, including offering points on masters, as well as basic music publishing concepts like songwriter share, publisher share, mechanicals, performance rights, and sync. This one is for artists, managers, and aspiring music executives trying to understand how to build real relationships in the music business. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0EpX71F9JklAmZAEdXsRKA?si=877g60VXRImVmjV0j-ud6A Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook Topics include:Artist management, music business, sales skills, networking, building relationships, master points, independent artists, music publishing, songwriter share, publisher share, sync, performance royalties, and The Manager’s Playbook.

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz breaks down the early days of managing Jessie Reyez and the strategy behind her breakout single, “Figures.” Mauricio shares what made Jessie undeniable from the beginning: her work ethic, voice, authenticity, and the team that helped build the foundation around her. He talks about the role of The Remix Project, Junia-T, Byron Wilson, Dana Meyerson, Spotify relationships, and how “Figures” gained momentum through FADER, Zane Lowe, and New Music Friday. The conversation also gets into the major label bidding war that followed, why the team chose Island Records, and how doing a publishing deal before the label deal helped create leverage. This one is for artists, managers, and young music executives trying to understand artist development, rollout strategy, publishing, record deals, and how to build momentum before signing. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0EpX71F9JklAmZAEdXsRKA?si=877g60VXRImVmjV0j-ud6A Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook Topics include:Jessie Reyez, Mauricio Ruiz, artist management, “Figures,” Spotify New Music Friday, FADER, Zane Lowe, Island Records, publishing deals, major labels, artist development, Toronto music culture, and The Manager’s Playbook.

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz breaks down how he helped build Mad Ruk Entertainment into one of Canada’s biggest music video production companies. Mauricio reflects on the shift from million-dollar music video budgets to the digital era, where taste, storytelling, and execution started mattering more than access to massive budgets. He shares how YouTube, behind-the-scenes content, and online platforms changed the way artists could market themselves visually. He also talks about producing videos for artists like Avicii, Nicky Romero, SonReal, Future, and The Weeknd, including the viral Reddit moment behind SonReal’s “Everywhere We Go” and his experience executive producing Future’s “Low Life” featuring The Weeknd. This conversation is for artists, managers, directors, producers, and creatives trying to understand music videos, content strategy, artist marketing, budgeting, and the people side of production. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0EpX71F9JklAmZAEdXsRKA?si=877g60VXRImVmjV0j-ud6A Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook Topics include:Mad Ruk Entertainment, music videos, artist marketing, content strategy, YouTube, Reddit virality, The Weeknd, Future, Avicii, Nicky Romero, independent artists, music video budgets, and building creative teams.

How did Mauricio Ruiz go from managing artists to building one of the music industry’s most trusted insider podcasts? In this live, in-person episode of The Manager’s Playbook, the script gets flipped. Mauricio Ruiz sits on the other side of the interview to talk through his journey from film, door-to-door sales, and co-founding Mad Ruk Entertainment to managing Jessie Reyez and eventually building The Manager’s Playbook, moderated by Donavan Brown. Mauricio breaks down the early lessons that shaped him: how music videos became artist marketing, why relationships matter more than people think, what it took to help build Jessie Reyez’s early momentum, and how “Figures” led to major label attention before the team chose Island Records. He also gets into publishing, ownership, sales skills, team building, independent artist strategy, and why stepping away from management allowed him to build his own IP. This episode is for artists, artist managers, aspiring music executives, creatives, and anyone trying to understand how the music business really works. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET

How do artists get discovered on Spotify today? In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz and Bryan Johnson from Spotify talk about the future of music discovery, editorial playlists, algorithmic recommendations, and what artists should understand about Spotify for Artists. Bryan explains why both editorial and algorithmic playlists still matter, how active listening signals like searches, saves, and direct adds influence discovery, and what actually happens when artists submit music through Spotify’s playlist pitch tool. They also discuss sustainable artist careers, the role of human editors, and why real fan behavior still matters in an increasingly algorithmic music economy. For artists, managers, and music executives, this is a clear look at how discovery works now and how artists can better position their music to be heard. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0EpX71F9JklAmZAEdXsRKA?si=877g60VXRImVmjV0j-ud6A Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook Topics Covered:00:00 Humans Behind Music Tech00:07 Future of the Music Economy00:47 Sustainable Artist Careers01:07 Editorial vs Algorithmic Playlists03:14 Active Listening Explained04:57 Why Editorial Still Matters05:17 Inside Spotify’s Pitch Tool06:58 How Spotify Editors Listen07:58 The 100,000 Tracks a Day Problem

Getting dropped by a record label used to feel like the end. In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz and Bryan Johnson from Spotify talk about how streaming changed the path for artists after a label deal ends. Bryan shares his own experience as a musician, from self-releasing music and touring in bands to getting dropped by a label and later moving into the industry through PRS and Spotify. They also discuss Spotify’s responsibility to artists, the shift from ownership to access, the old stigma of being “damaged goods,” and how tools like Spotify for Artists, playlist pitching, audience data, and distribution have given artists more ways to keep building. For artists, managers, and music executives, this is a conversation about artist leverage, modern record deals, and why having a real audience can matter more than having a label. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0EpX71F9JklAmZAEdXsRKA?si=877g60VXRImVmjV0j-ud6A Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook Topics Covered:00:00 Spotify’s Responsibility to Artists01:44 Misconceptions About Spotify Success02:26 From Shelf Space to Streaming04:28 Bryan Johnson’s Early DIY Music Hustle06:26 Bands, Deals, and Breakthroughs08:47 From Drummer to Industry Advocate11:02 Getting Dropped and DIY Then13:54 Streaming After Labels16:16 Modern Record Deals and Artist Power18:04 Spotify as an Artist Voice Platform

How is Spotify handling AI music, fake streams, and artist impersonation? In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz and Bryan Johnson from Spotify discuss how AI is changing the music business and what it means for artists, songwriters, rights holders, and listeners. Bryan breaks down Spotify’s approach to AI music, including spam filters, impersonation policies, AI credits, artificial streaming, and the removal of around 75 million spammy tracks over the past year. They also discuss prompt-generated AI songs, low listener engagement, artist opt-in, AI derivatives, UGC remixes, copyright protection, and why fair compensation for songwriters and publishers will be a major part of the conversation going forward. For artists, managers, songwriters, producers, and music executives, this is a clear look at where AI music is headed and why artist protection still has to come first. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0EpX71F9JklAmZAEdXsRKA?si=877g60VXRImVmjV0j-ud6A Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook Topics Covered:00:00 AI Music and Royalty Dilution00:59 Spotify’s AI Music Policies01:29 Spam Tracks and Fake Streams02:35 AI Artists vs Music Fraud04:48 Low Engagement on AI Songs05:46 Music Technology and Fear07:36 AI Derivatives and Artist Opt-In09:42 Artist Rights and Compensation10:18 Publishers, Songwriters, and UGC

Spotify paid $11B to music rights holders in 2025 but who actually gets the money? In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz and Bryan Johnson from Spotify break down what the Loud & Clear report really means for artists, managers, songwriters, and the wider music business. They get into how Spotify royalties work, why payments go to rights holders first, what stream-share means, why “per-stream rates” are misleading, and how independent artists are participating in the growth of streaming. They also discuss how streaming helped lower the barriers for DIY artists, why Spotify was built as a response to piracy, how global music is cutting through, and why catalog value has changed in the streaming era. For artists, managers, and aspiring music executives, this is a clear look at how money moves through Spotify and why the headline number is only part of the story. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0EpX71F9JklAmZAEdXsRKA?si=877g60VXRImVmjV0j-ud6A Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook Topics Covered:00:00 Streaming Boom Stats00:31 DIY Artist Breakthroughs02:13 Mobile Streaming and Discovery04:21 From Piracy to Streaming05:41 Global Languages Breaking Through09:19 Loud & Clear Payouts12:10 Rights Holders Explained15:58 Stream Share vs Per-Stream Rates18:37 Artist Dilution Myth20:43 Catalog Sales in the Streaming Era

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Bryan Johnson, Spotify’s Head of Artist and Industry Partnerships, International, for a rare inside look at how Spotify is shaping the modern music business. Bryan breaks down Spotify’s 2025 Loud & Clear report, including the $11B paid to rights holders, the growth of independent artists, the rise of the artist middle class, and why more artists are building real careers through streaming than ever before. They also get into the questions artists and managers actually care about:Who really gets paid?How do Spotify royalties work?Do playlists still matter?Is algorithmic discovery more important than editorial?What does AI mean for artists, songwriters, and rights holders? This conversation covers streaming royalties, Spotify for Artists, Fresh Finds, global music discovery, AI music, artificial streaming, ticketing, merch, catalog value, and why artist control matters more than ever. For artists, managers, songwriters, and aspiring music executives, this episode is a clear look at where the music economy is headed and what it takes to actually benefit from it. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET Topics Covered 00:00 Streaming Opens Doors02:04 Spotify Then vs Now06:45 Piracy to Streaming08:06 Global Languages Breaking Through11:43 Loud & Clear Report14:34 Who Actually Gets Paid18:22 Stream Share vs Per-Stream Rate23:08 Catalog Sales and Valuation33:44 Fresh Finds Breakouts43:32 The Artist Middle Class49:13 AI Music, Spam, and Spotify Policies55:48 Derivatives and Artist Opt-In01:09:11 Spotify’s Responsibility to Artists01:19:22 Getting Dropped by a Label01:26:43 The Future Music Economy01:27:44 Editorial vs Algorithmic Discovery01:31:32 How Spotify Pitching Works01:43:34 Superfans and Final Thoughts Listen to more episodes of The Manager’s Playbook for conversations on artist management, music business strategy, streaming, labels, publishing, marketing, and the future of the music industry.

What does the future of artist development actually look like in a democratized music business? In this clip, Chris Anokute breaks down why younger artists, managers, and executives are building their own systems, skipping old gatekeepers, and using new tools to break artists faster than previous generations. He also explains why superstar careers are still possible, why artist development now requires more patience and a longer view, and how the next wave will come from blending old-school taste and development with modern marketing, audience acquisition, and AI-assisted strategy. This clip is for artists, managers, A&Rs, and music executives thinking about artist development, independent music strategy, AI in music, fan growth, audience building, and the future of the music business. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1V06xjz5nGBJO77fYwdH14?si=K1M5F0F9QwK4xxbD-1K-6Q Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

What makes an artist worth backing before the data shows up? In this clip, Chris Anokute breaks down why real artist development starts with belief, desire, point of view, and trust; not just streams, looks, or momentum. He also reflects on the Jessie Reyez story, what major labels often miss because of red tape, why disrespect can cost companies great artists, and how timing, leverage, and real relationships shape careers in the music business. This clip is for artists, managers, A&Rs, and music executives thinking about artist development, record labels, management, leverage, mentorship, and how great talent gets recognized before the rest of the industry catches up. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1V06xjz5nGBJO77fYwdH14?si=K1M5F0F9QwK4xxbD-1K-6Q Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

AI is already changing the music business, and artists can’t afford to ignore it. In this clip, Chris Anokute breaks down why AI is not a passing trend, how the industry may respond the same way it did with streaming, and why artists need to start paying closer attention to rights, royalties, and how their work could be used in the future. He also gets into why producers are quietly using tools like Suno, how artists can think about AI as a tool instead of a replacement, and why today’s real battle is not just music creation, it’s attention. This clip is for artists, managers, producers, and music executives trying to understand AI music, artist rights, royalties, record labels, IP, audience behavior, and the future of the music business. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1V06xjz5nGBJO77fYwdH14?si=K1M5F0F9QwK4xxbD-1K-6Q Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Why do artists still sign record deals if they don’t actually need them? In this clip, Chris Anokute breaks down the real value of record labels, why there’s no such thing as a universally “good” or “bad” deal, and what artists need to understand about rights, leverage, and ownership in today’s music business. He also explains why recouping even a small investment is harder than most people think, what it really costs to build momentum from zero, and how artists can start creating leverage through repertoire, content, strategy, and consistency. This clip is for independent artists, managers, music executives, and anyone trying to understand record deals, artist development, A&R, leverage, and the real economics of building in music today. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1V06xjz5nGBJO77fYwdH14?si=K1M5F0F9QwK4xxbD-1K-6Q Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In the part II of this Manager’s Playbook convo, Mauricio Ruiz sits back down with former EPIC Records executive Chris Anokute to talk about what AI means for artists, how Suno is already being used in music, and why the future of the music business will belong to people who know how to adapt. Chris breaks down the truth about record deals, why no deal is simply “good” or “bad,” and how artists can build leverage from zero through repertoire, content, strategy, and consistency. He also shares his thoughts on AI ethics, intellectual property, artist development, independent label operations, and what it takes to build the next superstar in a democratized music industry. This episode covers AI music, artist development, music business strategy, record deals, independent artists, A&R, audience growth, music marketing, and the future of the music industry. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET

What does every producer need to know about the music business beyond making great records? In this clip, Khris Riddick-Tynes gets into the side of the game a lot of creatives learn too late, publishing structures, deal terms, mentorship, discipline, and why studying the greats still matters. He also breaks down how an old MDRC publishing deal became difficult once the business shifted to streaming, how supportive mentors helped him navigate it, and why producers need to understand more than just the studio if they want real longevity. If you care about music publishing, producer development, mentorship, songwriting, and learning how the music business actually works, this one’s for you. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5wOQH0FOauCNaI3L8RANXx?si=TBK2clMnRkOmvZt0tvrCPg Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Why did Kehlani’s “Folded” work the way it did? I n this clip, Khris Riddick-Tynes breaks down how the record came together, why it needed more emotional nuance than a standard breakup song, and how trusting the feeling of a record can lead to something bigger. He also gets into how to motivate artists without forcing them, why substance matters more than technique, how he knew “Folded” was special, and what it takes to keep a slow-burn record moving through smart rollout, remixes, challenges, and staying close to what the audience is responding to. If you care about Kehlani, songwriting, artist development, hit records, music production, and the long game behind songs that last, this one’s for you. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5wOQH0FOauCNaI3L8RANXx?si=TBK2clMnRkOmvZt0tvrCPg Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Why do some artists last while others fade after one breakout moment? In this clip, Khris Riddick-Tynes breaks down the mindset behind real music career longevity, from resilience and studying your wins to avoiding short-term money traps and building demand the right way. He gets into why you have to watch the tape after a hit, why touring still matters, and how artists, managers, and producers can think beyond quick money and start building something that actually lasts. If you care about artist development, breakout songs, music business strategy, touring, and long-term success in music, this one’s for you. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5wOQH0FOauCNaI3L8RANXx?si=TBK2clMnRkOmvZt0tvrCPg Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Why do some songs fade fast while others last for years? In this clip, Khris Riddick-Tynes breaks down why the song still comes first; not the trend, not the moment, not the hype. He gets into why lyrics, melody, and emotional truth are what give records real staying power, and why track-first songs often burn out fast. The conversation also covers how SZA’s “Snooze” came together, why mentorship matters, what discernment looks like in A&R and executive production, and how great songs often start with honest conversations and difficult emotions. If you care about songwriting, artist development, music business, A&R, producer mindset, and building records that last, this one’s for you. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5wOQH0FOauCNaI3L8RANXx?si=TBK2clMnRkOmvZt0tvrCPg Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Khris Riddick-Tynes, three-time Grammy-winning producer, songwriter, and Kehlani’s executive producer, joins The Manager’s Playbook to break down what really makes hit songs last. This conversation gets into songwriting, artist development, A&R, executive production, mentorship, and music business strategy, with stories behind SZA’s “Snooze”, Kehlani’s “Folded”, and the long game behind building records that connect. Khris also shares lessons on producer ego, trusting your instincts, navigating deals, studying the greats, and why the song still comes first. If you care about hit songs, music business, artist development, songwriting, and career longevity, this episode is for you. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Hitmaka and Mauricio Ruiz unpack why the music industry does not create stars the way it once did. They get into what separated artists like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole from the pack, how algorithms and personalized discovery have changed the way audiences connect with music, and why the business needs more fearless creatives in positions of leadership. The conversation also explores artist development, label politics, NBA YoungBoy’s unique rise, the tension between taste and data, and what it really takes to build lasting success in today’s music business. A valuable listen for artists, producers, songwriters, managers, A&Rs, and music executives trying to understand the future of stardom, leadership, and culture in the music industry. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7tjdQ69aragoLlzVBOxsFT?si=0hO2glznQ2GUHa1IU6j0Og Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Hitmaka breaks down why the music industry is really a people business. From working with labels and independent artists to building trust, collaboration, and long-term leverage, Hitmaka shares how real relationships create opportunities in music. He also reflects on developing an artist connected to Gillie, how that led to an Epic deal, why getting invited back into the room matters, and the role humility plays in building a sustainable career. A valuable listen for artists, producers, songwriters, managers, and music executives looking to better understand how relationships, collaboration, and reputation shape success in the music industry. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7tjdQ69aragoLlzVBOxsFT?si=0hO2glznQ2GUHa1IU6j0Og Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Hitmaka breaks down how producers really get paid in the music business. He reflects on his time during Atlantic’s high-powered A&R era, how he helped shape the sound of modern R&B and hip-hop, and why songwriters have historically been undervalued. From the making of A Boogie’s “Look Back At It” to the strategy behind producer credits, advances, and building leverage, Hitmaka gives a real look at the business behind hit records. A must-listen for producers, songwriters, artists, managers, and music executives trying to better understand how the music business really works. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7tjdQ69aragoLlzVBOxsFT?si=0hO2glznQ2GUHa1IU6j0Og Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Hitmaka breaks down how producers really get paid in the music business. From song deals and publishing to fair splits, leverage, and non-exclusive relationships across labels, Hitmaka shares real insight into the business mechanics behind a successful producer career. He also talks about why he stays rooted in hip hop and R&B, the gatekeeping that exists in pop, why the industry is in a “refresh” era, and why building new talent matters now more than ever. A must-listen for producers, songwriters, artists, managers, and music executives trying to better understand how money, leverage, and opportunity really work in today’s music industry. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7tjdQ69aragoLlzVBOxsFT?si=0hO2glznQ2GUHa1IU6j0Og Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Hitmaka, formerly Yung Berg, for a deep conversation on the real business behind hit songs. Hitmaka breaks down how hit records actually get made, from demo-first songwriting and producer collaboration to song deals, publishing, label politics, and artist development. He reflects on nearly three decades in music, the mindset that kept him going through every era of his career, and the lessons he learned building records like “Sexy Can I,” Big Sean’s “Bounce Back,” and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie’s “Look Back At It.” They also get into why writers often do not get paid properly, how producers create leverage, the importance of relationships in the music business, and why the industry needs more creative leadership. A must-listen for artists, producers, songwriters, managers, and anyone serious about understanding how the music industry really works. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it.KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET

Mike Caren breaks down what actually makes a song feel like a hit. This clip explores the role of A&R, taste, replay value, emotional connection, melody, lyrics, and creative judgment in today’s music business.  Mike also talks about trusting your opinion, learning from missed calls, redefining what a hit means in the streaming era, and why great executives grow by focusing on their strengths instead of rushing titles. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2UnV1d2ltTCO1rfjqhTKc4?si=seltDGQ-RvWE9fwshY-f3w Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook Timestamps: 00:00 Have an Opinion 00:58 What Makes a Hit 03:18 Replay Test for Songs 05:37 Gut Instinct Explained 07:08 Defining Hits Today 08:04 Culture vs Chart Peaks 09:42 Career Moves for Execs 10:58 Turning Down Promotions 11:36 Choosing Your Strengths 13:00 Closing Thoughts on Growth

Mike Caren breaks down why artists and managers need to have hard conversations early if they want to avoid bigger problems later. This clip is about artist-manager communication, label frustrations, project readiness, honest feedback, over-communication, and building stronger working relationships in the music business.  It’s a sharp reminder that many issues are not solved by blame. They’re solved by clarity, direct conversations, and the willingness to address problems before they get expensive. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2UnV1d2ltTCO1rfjqhTKc4?si=seltDGQ-RvWE9fwshY-f3w Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook Timestamps: 00:00 Label Frustrations 01:21 Tough Talks Early 01:43 Is It Ready 03:11 Feedback Not Gossip 04:24 Ad Break Publishing 06:12 Challenge To Improve 08:13 Learning Softer Critique 10:10 Over-communicate Always 11:05 Decisions And Regret

Mike Caren breaks down why consistency, discipline, and adaptability matter more than occasional flashes of brilliance in the music business. This clip explores the traits that help artists and executives build lasting careers: embracing change, staying open to new ideas, avoiding nostalgia, protecting your focus, and developing the self-awareness to regularly reassess your strategy.  It’s a sharp conversation on artist development, music business longevity, creative discipline, release strategy, and staying relevant in a constantly evolving industry. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2UnV1d2ltTCO1rfjqhTKc4?si=seltDGQ-RvWE9fwshY-f3w Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook Timestamps: 00:00 Consistency Beats Brilliance 00:29 Adapting to Industry Change 01:27 Letting Go of Old Ways 02:47 Hip Hop Cycles and Optimism 05:54 Nostalgia vs Innovation Mindset 06:53 Distractions and Staying Focused 08:45 Quarterly Self Review Habits 10:09 Reputation Takes Time to Shift 11:16 Release Strategy and Artist Growth 13:12 Discipline and Consistency Wrap Up

Mike Caren breaks down what actually creates longevity in the music business. This clip is about building a career the right way: bringing value instead of extracting it, thinking long term, preparing before chasing opportunity, and developing the habits that lead to real greatness. Mike also touches on confidence, artist development, smart collaboration, and the importance of understanding music publishing and songwriting royalties. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2UnV1d2ltTCO1rfjqhTKc4?si=seltDGQ-RvWE9fwshY-f3w Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook Timestamps: 00:00 Value First Mindset00:34 Longevity Over Hype02:58 Preparation Beats Opportunity04:02 Superstar Myth Reality04:29 Publishing Royalties Break05:20 Cosign Win Win Model07:35 Traits of Long Term Thinkers09:39 Mentorship Asking Questions11:49 A&R Practice and Confidence15:36 Habits of Elite Artists17:04 Chasing More vs Mastery19:09 Yin Yang Collaborations19:50 Staying Fresh Closing

Mike Caren is one of the most respected music executives of his generation. From his early years at Atlantic Records to building Artist Publishing Group and Artist Partner Group, Mike has played a major role in the careers of artists, songwriters, producers, and executives across the modern music business. In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Mike for a wide-ranging conversation on A&R, artist development, music industry leadership, publishing, record labels, management, and what it really takes to build something that lasts. Mike breaks down why great creative executives need strong opinions, why long-term thinking beats short-term hype, and how the best artists and executives separate themselves through discipline, consistency, communication, curiosity, and self-awareness. He also shares his perspective on identifying hit songs, building sustainable careers, filtering distractions in the age of social media, and creating teams that challenge artists instead of simply validating them. This episode is a masterclass for anyone serious about artist management, music executive leadership, independent artist growth, A&R development, career longevity, and the inner workings of the music business. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it.KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET Timestamps: 00:00 Why opinions matter00:27 Mike Caren career breakdown03:40 Giving back with facts07:22 Service over extraction08:09 Longevity mindset17:00 Mentorship, not commands19:10 A&R taste test routine20:29 Time management and boundaries23:11 Elite artist habits26:30 Collaboration and trust31:42 Optimism and embracing change36:18 Focus versus distractions39:29 Consistency and catalog growth44:01 Tough conversations early47:00 Feedback over complaints48:12 Why hard conversations matter50:53 Learning from mistakes52:16 Overcommunicate to win57:22 Teamwork and opinions59:09 What makes a hit01:03:20 Defining hits today01:05:57 Getting ahead as an executive01:10:04 Hiring and scaling slowly01:14:54 Building around artists01:17:59 Consistency for artists01:22:57 Hiring passionate talent01:27:23 Long-term career patience01:28:28 Closing thoughts

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Charlie Rocket breaks down how he would build an artist with no money, using speed, consistency, release strategy, and real-world fan-building. He talks through a no-budget artist development plan built around frequent releases, working with talented producers who believe in the vision, and staying always on so fans can build real habits around the music. Charlie also explains why mixtapes, bigger projects, versions, and steady output often do more for fan engagement, streaming growth, and artist momentum than short, low-commitment releases. The clip also dives into real-world music marketing: listening parties, release parties, meet-and-greets, video shoots, and neighbourhood-level promotion. Charlie’s bigger point is that local scene momentum still matters, and that artists can build enough heat in real life for the internet to catch up later. A strong listen for independent artists, managers, A&Rs, and music executives thinking seriously about music marketing, artist development, release strategy, fan-building, and long-term career growth. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2rJBuPhpk34kdSw9Dc2MCX?si=OIqpw0t1R5KHv2Qa1GAnig Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Charlie Rocket reflects on how he and his partners ended up managing 2 Chainz by doing the work before anyone officially gave them the title. What began as music marketing, mixtape promotion, CD street-team strategy, and fan-building quickly turned into something bigger. Charlie explains how they kept showing up with value: bringing a 30/60/90-day artist development plan, investing in physical promo, lining up opportunities, and creating momentum around the artist until the role naturally became theirs. The clip also gets into a deeper idea that matters across the music business: the tension between being “smart” and being willing to move before the proof is there. Charlie argues that in artist management, A&R, artist development, and hip-hop marketing, conviction and action often create opportunities that logic alone never will. At the centre of it all is a simple truth: sometimes you recognize superstar potential before the rest of the industry does. And if you believe strongly enough, you move accordingly. A strong listen for independent artists, managers, A&Rs, music executives, and anyone serious about breaking artists, building momentum, and understanding how artist careers really get shaped behind the scenes. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2rJBuPhpk34kdSw9Dc2MCX?si=OIqpw0t1R5KHv2Qa1GAnig Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Charlie Rocket breaks down why so many artists in today’s music industry are too focused on virality and not focused enough on building real momentum. He shares a sharper approach to music marketing, artist development, fan-building, and independent artist growth: run the play, stay consistent, and boil a pot of water before trying to heat up the whole world. Using Travis Porter’s early run in East Atlanta as an example, Charlie explains how repeated club appearances, street marketing, direct fan engagement, flyers, CDs, and weekly presence helped turn strangers into loyal fans. He also introduces his idea of “mom-ology” - the process of building superfans through connection, consistency, vulnerability, authenticity, and time spent. The clip goes further into why time spent has become one of the most important drivers of audience loyalty, and why the loss of mixtape culture changed the way hip-hop artists build fanbases, release music, and stay connected between projects. A strong listen for independent artists, managers, A&Rs, and music executives thinking seriously about artist promotion, fan engagement, direct-to-fan strategy, and long-term music career growth. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2rJBuPhpk34kdSw9Dc2MCX?si=OIqpw0t1R5KHv2Qa1GAnig Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Charlie Rocket breaks down his “Blitzkrieg” approach to music marketing; a focused 30-day sprint built around urgency, consistency, and strategic execution. Instead of glorifying burnout or everyday hustle culture, Charlie explains why artists, managers, and music executives often get better results from short, high-intensity bursts of artist promotion, fan-building, local market strategy, content creation, and release momentum. He walks through how to build a 30-day promo campaign, from radio stops, DJ outreach, city runs, local collaborations, street marketing, and video drops, to creating enough touchpoints for an artist to feel impossible to ignore. He also shares a sharp lesson for managers on how to get artist buy-in: don’t pitch small asks. Pitch the bigger vision and the upside attached to it. The clip also touches on early Travis Porter growth, using manual MySpace outreach, direct fan engagement, and zero-budget marketing to become the platform’s top unsigned act. A strong listen for independent artists, managers, A&Rs, and anyone serious about artist development, music marketing, and building momentum in the music business. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2rJBuPhpk34kdSw9Dc2MCX?si=OIqpw0t1R5KHv2Qa1GAnig Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Charlie Rocket joins us for a powerful conversation on artist development, music marketing, fan building, independent artist strategy, and the mindset required to win in the music business. Best known for helping build 2 Chainz and for his evolution from music executive to public speaker and entrepreneur, Charlie breaks down why he believes success often requires a level of intentional “delusion,” the kind of belief that allows artists, managers, and executives to move before the proof is there. We talk about what it really means to chase purpose over money, why overthinking kills momentum, and how some of the best careers in music are built through conviction, consistency, and action. Charlie also shares practical gems on breaking artists without money, building authentic fanbases, local market strategy, mixtape culture, release strategy, manager leadership, publishing, label relationships, streaming growth, and audience development. From 30-day blitz campaigns and “boiling a pot of water” in one city, to winning over 2 Chainz and navigating a life-changing brain tumour diagnosis, this episode is full of hard-earned lessons on music industry strategy, artist growth, and long-term career building. Whether you’re an independent artist, manager, A&R, music executive, or creative entrepreneur, this is a conversation about belief, leverage, execution, and what it really takes to build something that lasts. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it.KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Tommy Brown breaks down why K-pop continues to win at artist development, and why its system still looks a lot closer to Motown than what much of the American music industry is doing today. We get into Tommy’s work in Korea, the session that led to BLACKPINK’s “Ice Cream” featuring Selena Gomez, the group’s studio discipline, and what that level of perfectionism taught him about greatness, standards, and building global artists. Tommy also talks about fan culture, physical album sales, team structure, and why moving fast, experimenting, and “rushing to get to no” can be a real advantage in the music business. This one is for artists, managers, producers, songwriters, and music execs trying to understand K-pop, BLACKPINK, artist development, global music strategy, and how real systems create real stars. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/71unpLmCSi3VjbieeOMiUy?si=KmFi8zCgTqmYpznq5UdhqQ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Tommy Brown reflects on his experience filming Netflix’s Hitmakers, the pressure of creating on camera, and why the show did not go deep enough into the real lives of songwriters and producers. We get into leadership, acceptance, collaboration, and the financial reality behind the music business, including why so many creatives are not making the money people assume. Tommy also shares how he would rather show the real process through songwriting camps, daily content, building in public, and honest storytelling around what it actually takes to build a career. This one is for artists, managers, producers, songwriters, and music execs who care about the real work behind the scenes. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/71unpLmCSi3VjbieeOMiUy?si=KmFi8zCgTqmYpznq5UdhqQ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Tommy Brown breaks down one of the hardest truths in the music business: huge streaming numbers do not always mean real money for songwriters and producers. We get into producer points, publishing royalties, master royalties, label negotiations, and why so many creators are still underpaid. Tommy also talks about learning under Rodney Jerkins, the difference between making beats and making records, and the kind of discipline it takes to build a real career in the music industry. This one is for artists, managers, producers, songwriters, and music execs who want a clearer understanding of producer pay, publishing, music contracts, and long-term leverage. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/71unpLmCSi3VjbieeOMiUy?si=KmFi8zCgTqmYpznq5UdhqQ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Tommy Brown breaks down why visibility and content strategy are now part of the job for artists, producers, and songwriters. We talk about why posting consistently matters, how even simple beat videos can drive massive audience growth, and why being seen is now directly tied to opportunity in the music business. The conversation also gets into streaming economics, songwriter and producer pay, music publishing, Spotify, AI, user-generated remixes, catalog sales, and why publishing may be heading into a much bigger era. This one is for artists, managers, producers, songwriters, and music execs trying to understand where the business is going next. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/71unpLmCSi3VjbieeOMiUy?si=KmFi8zCgTqmYpznq5UdhqQ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, I sit down with Tommy Brown (TBHits), hitmaking music producer, songwriter, and one of the most important creative forces behind modern pop music. Tommy has worked with Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, The Weeknd, Victoria Monét and more, and this conversation is a real look at what it takes to become a true hit producer in today’s music industry. We get into the making of “thank u, next,” what actually makes a hit record, why so many successful producers and songwriters still struggle financially, and the difference between being a beatmaker and a real record producer. Tommy also breaks down artist development, publishing, producer points, label deals, streaming economics, content strategy, K-pop systems, Netflix’s Hitmakers, and the lessons he learned studying Rodney Jerkins. This one is for artists, managers, songwriters, producers, A&Rs, music executives, and independent artists trying to build real careers, stronger teams, better systems, and long-term leverage in the music business. If you care about music marketing, songwriting, publishing, producer income, artist growth, streaming strategy, audience building, and career longevity, this episode is for you. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it.KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET

In this clip, LaRussell and his team break down what it really takes to build an independent music business at scale. They talk about the infrastructure behind the operation: merch, brand identity, photography, videography, editing, security, logistics, live show staffing, sound engineers, and the contractor-based team required to keep everything moving. The conversation also gets into the unglamorous side of growth: scaling from an LLC mindset into a real enterprise, tightening operations, improving tax compliance, creating better payment structures, and learning how to delegate with trust. LaRussell also speaks on reinvesting heavily into the business, leading with belief, questioning limits, and building without relying on a traditional label system. If you’re an artist, manager, or entrepreneur trying to understand how independent artists scale, build teams, and turn momentum into infrastructure, this is a strong one. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4gh5xJy3JaJikr9JEEIZAC?si=tQwOj5sGRFKts7KWvPw3Bw Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip, LaRussell and Tietta Mitchell break down a lesson a lot of artists learn too late: before you hire help, you need to understand the work yourself. They talk about why doing every part of the business early on - content, posting, editing, ticketing, emails, calendars, and operations - makes it easier to train people, delegate clearly, and scale without losing standards. The conversation also traces how Tietta became essential to LaRussell’s growth: first by spotting the TikTok opportunity, then proving her value through consistency, curiosity, and learning the music business from the ground up. If you’re an independent artist, manager, or creative operator trying to understand artist management, delegation, team building, music business education, and how to scale an independent career the right way, this is a real blueprint. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4gh5xJy3JaJikr9JEEIZAC?si=tQwOj5sGRFKts7KWvPw3Bw Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Most artists don’t hate ads. They hate what bad ads reveal. In this clip, LaRussell breaks down how he actually uses ads as an independent artist: not to force Spotify streams or fake momentum, but to amplify content that already proved itself organically. The strategy is simple but disciplined: run awareness ads behind posts that are already winning, then use retargeting, lookalike audiences, and city-specific campaigns to turn attention into real outcomes like ticket sales, merch sales, fan growth, and direct-to-fan revenue. He also explains why shares and comments matter more than vanity metrics, how he thinks about customer acquisition cost, and why great music marketing isn’t about buying visibility. It’s about scaling demand that already exists. If you’re an independent artist, manager, or music entrepreneur trying to understand how Meta ads, fan conversion, touring strategy, merch marketing, and artist growth actually work, this is a strong one. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4gh5xJy3JaJikr9JEEIZAC?si=tQwOj5sGRFKts7KWvPw3Bw Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

LaRussell didn’t partner with Roc Nation because he needed a machine. He partnered because he built one first. In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, LaRussell and his manager Tietta Mitchell break down why the Roc Nation deal made strategic sense for an already thriving independent artist business. They talk about globalizing what they’ve built, expanding into radio, publicity, DSP relationships, and late-night TV, and why the right label partnership should add value without taking control. The conversation gets into the real mechanics of a modern record deal: a non-exclusive, short-term, project-based structure, freedom to keep releasing music independently, and the importance of negotiating label deliverables, not just artist obligations. They also speak on contract language, ownership, autonomy, direct lawyer-to-lawyer communication, and what JAŸ-Z’s influence actually meant in the bigger picture. If you’re an artist, manager, executive, or music entrepreneur trying to understand how independence, leverage, artist development, publishing, and strategic partnerships really work in today’s music business, this episode is for you. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4gh5xJy3JaJikr9JEEIZAC?si=tQwOj5sGRFKts7KWvPw3Bw Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

LaRussell is the rare independent artist who didn’t partner with Roc Nation because he needed a label. He partnered because he built enough leverage to make the label behave like a partner. In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, LaRussell and his manager Tietta Mitchell break down the real strategy behind signing with Roc Nation (and what artists and managers get wrong when they hear the word “signed”). We talk record deal negotiation, non-exclusive licensing deals, and how to demand label deliverables instead of vague promises. They explain how alignment with the right people, clear success metrics (radio, press, DSP relationships, late night, sustained fan growth), and protecting autonomy can turn a major partnership into a growth lever, not a loss of independence. Then we get into the operating system: how LaRussell’s team runs independent artist infrastructure (touring, merch, releases, content), why his marketing focuses on awareness ads over streams, how retargeting and funnels actually work for artists, the difference between clipping vs seeding, and why reinvesting into a contractor-based operation is the real “major label machine” built in-house. If you’re an artist, manager, A&R, or music entrepreneur trying to understand how independent artists make money, how modern label partnerships should work, and how to scale a music career without losing control, this one’s a blueprint. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it.KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET Chapters: 00:00 Roc Nation Partnership (Independent Artist Scale)01:21 Artist Management Alignment (Meeting the Team)03:07 Record Deal Negotiation (Artist Proposes Terms)04:38 Licensing Deal Explained (Short-Term Structure)07:01 Non-Exclusive Record Deal (Keep Dropping Music)13:40 When a Label Deal Makes Sense (Partnership vs Dependency)15:44 Labels Don’t Develop Artists (Modern Artist Development)18:16 Contract Process & Entertainment Lawyer (Paperwork Fast)20:54 JAŸ-Z / Roc Nation Resources (Access Without Giving Up Control)27:18 Defining “Independent Artist” (Leverage & Optionality)30:16 DSP Relationships & Global Representation (Spotify/Apple/Press)33:55 Music Business Success Metrics (Radio, PR, Growth)41:55 Clipping vs Seeding (Content Distribution Strategy)58:28 Paid Ads for Artists (Awareness Ads That Work)01:00:31 Awareness vs Streams (Music Marketing Funnel)01:06:06 Retargeting & Lookalikes (Meta Ads / Business Manager)01:13:33 Artist Manager Role Evolution (From Helper to Operator)01:22:22 Delegation & Scaling (Team Systems)01:25:46 Team Structure Breakdown (Contractors, Ops, Live Days)01:34:16 Reinvesting Into Infrastructure (Scaling the Business)01:53:34 Revenue vs Profit (Music Business Money Talk)02:03:04 Catalog vs Single Push (Release Strategy)02:13:28 Offer-Based Booking (Touring + Monetization)

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, we get into the unglamorous side of the music business that every independent artist eventually faces: release week feels stressful because you’re the label. JMSN explains what it really means to self-fund your art, paying upfront for the rollout, the assets, and the overhead before you’ve made anything back. He breaks down the classic independent cash flow loop: release the project, tour to extract value from the album cycle, save what you can, and reinvest to finance the next record, while still paying for real life. Then we talk music marketing and why JMSN has a real disdain for constant digital ads and billboard-style promotion. His long-game mindset is simple: invest in the product, protect the catalog, and let great work compound because the music is “out forever.” There’s nuance, though. We separate album advertising from tour promotion, where ads can actually make sense because selling tickets is time-sensitive. We also get into promoter strategy, measuring ad baselines, building an email list, and why IRL postering can beat lazy online spend. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5v5XObpCdwwXn5N1OD1cFQ?si=iKzKWbABSoCiaw9hZxeuvg Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook Keywords: music business, independent artist, self-funding, touring strategy, tour marketing, music marketing, Meta ads, promotion strategy, release rollout, artist management, direct-to-fan, email list, catalog strategy

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, we talk about a music marketing truth most artists learn too late: a great music video isn’t “extra content,” it’s a long-term marketing asset. JMSN explains why he’d rather put his budget into visuals than into digital ads, paid social, or “content seeding” that disappears in a day. His thinking is simple: a strong video becomes an evergreen commercial for the song and the artist brand, something that can keep working for years as your catalog grows. We also break down how “Soft Spot” shifted the conversation around whether videos still matter, why iconic visuals can still turn a casual listener into a fan, and what it looks like to operate like a creative director: storyboarding, “editing in your head,” and choosing speed and control by directing and editing the work himself. The bigger takeaway for artists and managers is practical: spend where the audience can see it, and let one great idea beat a big budget. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5v5XObpCdwwXn5N1OD1cFQ?si=iKzKWbABSoCiaw9hZxeuvg Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook Keywords: music video marketing, music marketing, artist branding, independent artist, artist management, release strategy, content strategy, creative direction, video production, touring and merch, music business

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, we talk about the part of the music business that’s driving artists crazy: the endless “how to blow up” social media advice that sounds confident and works for almost nobody. JMSN explains why he pulled back from social platforms when it started feeling awful and how the unlock was getting less precious about it all. Instead of trying to look cool or chase engagement, he treats platforms like TikTok as low-stakes distribution: post the clips, post the memes, keep the reps going, and don’t let likes define the work. Because the goal isn’t to worship the algorithm. It’s to build a real fanbase and create repeatable momentum. We also get into how streaming behaviour has changed across platforms, why views/streams don’t tell the full story anymore (even though they can still validate what’s working), and how to lean into traction using tools like Instagram Trial Reels to reach non-followers, while keeping Instagram more curated, like an artist homepage. And we bring it back to the stuff that still matters: early community support, Toronto roots, and the real-world moments that often start the entire chain reaction. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5v5XObpCdwwXn5N1OD1cFQ?si=iKzKWbABSoCiaw9hZxeuvg Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook Keywords: music marketing, social media strategy for artists, TikTok for musicians, Instagram Reels strategy, YouTube growth, streaming strategy, artist development, artist management, fanbase building, momentum, independent artist, music industry

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, JMSN breaks down the real economics of the music industry: a record deal isn’t automatically “support.” It’s a trade of ownership and creative control for convenience. He explains why he’s stayed truly independent, keeping 100% of his master recordings and music publishing, even as major labels, “indie labels,” and distribution deals come with big advances and major-level resources. His deal math is simple: if a label is offering you a serious check, it usually means they believe you can generate far more on your own. So the real question becomes: what are you giving up for that advance? We also talk about the reality of A&R bandwidth, why “label help” often lacks real thought and care, and how major label release volume makes it hard for artists to ever feel prioritized. JMSN shares how momentum (including “Soft Spot”) can trigger urgency tactics from the industry and why patience and long-term thinking matter when you’re choosing partners. The takeaway for artists, managers, and aspiring music executives: the best support isn’t always a label. Sometimes it’s building the right artist management team, protecting the upside, and letting the right decisions reveal themselves over time. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5v5XObpCdwwXn5N1OD1cFQ?si=iKzKWbABSoCiaw9hZxeuvg Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook Keywords: music business, artist management, record deal, major label, independent artist, distribution, publishing royalties, masters ownership, leverage, A&R, artist development, music marketing.

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, I sit down with JMSN, artist, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and one of the best case studies for what real independent artist success looks like when you stop waiting for the industry to “pick you.” We talk about why he stays fiercely DIY (not just “indie”) from owning your masters and building leverage without relying on a major label or a hype-driven record deal. JMSN breaks down the part most artists and managers don’t like posting about: being independent means you’re basically the label—funding the art, building the systems, and learning how to turn momentum into a repeatable release strategy. We also get into modern music marketing that doesn’t feel like selling your soul: why a great music video can be the best long-term “ad,” how content becomes distribution (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube), and why streams and metrics don’t always tell the full story anymore, especially when the real goal is fanbase growth and turning streams into fans. Plus: touring as the engine, merch and direct-to-fan thinking, and how the right artist management support can replace the kind of “label help” that rarely comes with real care. If you’re an artist, manager, or aspiring music exec trying to build a career outside industry norms, press play. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it.KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET

In this Manager’s Playbook clip, J. Erving unpacks a “superpower” that’s quietly responsible for most long careers in the music business: surrounding yourself with the right people, reading the room, and staying calm under pressure. He connects it to boxing, where the real skill isn’t just throwing punches, it’s staying composed enough to see what’s happening, position yourself, and set up the next move. He shares a story about getting caught in the final seconds of sparring after letting his guard down, and how that lesson translates directly to leadership: you don’t coast because you think you’ve already won, you finish the round. From there, we talk about the music industry’s “what have you done for me lately?” reality, especially after closing a management chapter with Troy Carter. J explains why music managers are entrepreneurs, no one is coming to hand you the next opportunity. You have to build it, create it, and keep moving. He also speaks on staying connected to younger leaders through real, non-transactional relationships, and why rebuilding Human Re Sources required becoming a student again, learning from the independent era, the community, and the people closest to where culture is shifting next. If you’re an independent artist, music manager, A&R, or aspiring music executive, this clip is a sharp reminder: composure, positioning, and team-building are career skills, not personality traits. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0PE3sW1MLfGpxE7cb3iMeK?si=eo75Qd0AQbSANSXHzE2uDw Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this Manager’s Playbook clip, J. Erving III breaks down what changes when you go from managing outside the label system to operating inside it, and why most “label frustration” is really a culture and operations disconnect. He explains that the biggest difference isn’t budget, it’s company culture: how teams work, how urgency shows up, and why an independent-minded operation can’t afford to “clock out” the way traditional systems sometimes do. J also shares how access to ops tools, finance, data, research, and better label intel can dramatically improve decision-making, while still protecting a culture that moves like an indie inside a corporate partnership. We get into what real autonomy looks like with the right partners (SONY/The Orchard), how Human Re Sources wasn’t built to be acquired (but the acquisition moved fast), and why music distribution is more saturated than ever, making manager quality and execution the real separator. Finally, he calls out manager red flags (excuses, blame, lack of accountability), reflects on lessons from the Freeway era, and lands on a business rule that applies to music too: bet on teams over ideas (including perspective from working alongside operators like Troy Carter). If you’re an independent artist, a music manager, or an aspiring music exec trying to build systems, scale teams, and stop waiting on partners to “save” the plan, this clip is for you. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0PE3sW1MLfGpxE7cb3iMeK?si=eo75Qd0AQbSANSXHzE2uDw Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this Manager’s Playbook clip, J. Erving breaks down a truth the music business loves to forget: artist trust is built in the off-season. Not when the venue is sold out. Not when the streams spike. Real artist management is dinners, conversations, check-ins, and showing up early, like being present when there are 57 people in the room, because you can’t “build the relationship” once it’s an arena. Care isn’t branding. It’s behaviour. J also explains how great teams use live shows as A&R data, watching crowd reactions, testing records in real time, and turning those moments into release strategy (including a story that led to re-releasing Jessie Reyez’s “Imported” with a new feature). From there, we get into digital indicators that matter before the numbers are huge, like TikTok/Reels “creates”, and how moving quickly on those signals can drive content strategy, music marketing, and streaming growth. RAYE’s “Escapism” comes up as a case study in timing, preparation, and execution. Finally, J talks leadership: building a culture-first team (predominantly people of colour, primarily women), holding the team accountable for the opportunity, and trusting younger ears to champion new music, because mentorship and fresh perspective keep A&R sharp. If you’re an independent artist, music manager, or aspiring exec, this is a masterclass in care, systems and execution. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0PE3sW1MLfGpxE7cb3iMeK?si=eo75Qd0AQbSANSXHzE2uDw Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this Manager’s Playbook clip, J. Erving breaks down how top music executives, A&Rs, and elite artist managers actually identify greatness and it’s not just “talent.” We talk artist development through an athlete lens: discipline, work ethic, reps, and dedication to craft are what separate artists with potential from artists with longevity. Because “goosebumps” from a record is real… but it’s not enough. The real question is: who’s the person behind the music, and do they have the character and vision to execute for years? J uses RAYE as a case study for an artist-led career, an independent artist staying “captain of the ship,” while a distribution partner supports where it’s needed. We also get into bespoke label services, why you can’t cheat the work, and how long-term partnerships in the music business survive through humility, accountability, and “strong opinions loosely held.” If you’re an independent artist, an aspiring music manager, or a future music executive, this clip is a masterclass in what the industry is really rewarding right now. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0PE3sW1MLfGpxE7cb3iMeK?si=eo75Qd0AQbSANSXHzE2uDw Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, I’m joined by J. Erving III, CEO & Founder of Human Re Sources (a SONY Music/The Orchard partner), to talk about what it really takes to build an artist-led career in today’s music business. We get into artist development through the lens of elite sports: the “goosebumps” moment matters, but discipline, work ethic, and execution are what separate great artists from talented ones. J breaks down how they support independent artists with music distribution and label services without hijacking the vision, plus why RAYE is the perfect example of an artist staying “captain of the ship,” from creative control to how early TikTok/Reels indicators helped spark momentum around “Escapism.” We also talk team-building, music industry leadership, culture, and what he learned alongside operators like Troy Carter, including why in both business and music, you should always bet on teams over ideas. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it.KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET

If you’re a songwriter, producer, or manager, this is the publishing conversation that saves people from “congrats on the deal” regret. In this clip, Jacob Paul breaks down what a co-publishing (co-pub) deal really is, because a lot of creators sign one thinking they’re buying support, when they’re actually giving up catalog ownership. In a typical co-pub, the publisher collects your publishing royalties and takes a piece of the copyright, often half of the publisher’s share (commonly translating to ~25% of the total copyright), and in some deals the publisher takes the entire publisher’s share. Translation: you’re not just paying a fee. You’re trading future leverage. The hard truth is that early-career co-pubs can be selling low, unless the publisher genuinely delivers: real creative doors, real placements, real career acceleration, and an advance that matches the ownership you’re giving up. Jacob also explains why many independents prefer a publishing administration (admin) deal: you keep 100% ownership, the admin handles song registrations, splits, metadata, and global royalty collection, and you pay an admin fee for a set term, without getting locked into a permanent rights grab. If you care about music business fundamentals, publishing deals, and protecting your catalog like an asset, this is required listening. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5z09vVzFlYNzibGHcwW32U?si=2FWliP1CTUue2D8JCDt60Q Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

If you’re an independent artist, producer, or songwriter, there’s a good chance you’re doing the loud part right (streams, content, growth) while missing the quiet part that builds real stability: music publishing royalties. In this clip, Jacob breaks down the two buckets creators overlook the most, mechanical royalties and international publishing royalties, and why “I’ll set it up later” is one of the most expensive sentences in the music business. Publishing is a system: song registrations, splits, metadata, and global collection. When it’s built correctly, your songwriting catalog can compound into a real residual business, an asset you can leverage, sell, or pass down. We also talk directly to producers: if you contributed to the composition (not just the master recording), you should be negotiating for publishing splits and registering them consistently. Because unclaimed royalties don’t wait forever, after a window, they can become unallocated and end up in the black box, redistributed based on market share. The scale of the problem is massive, and the fix is boring, but profitable. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5z09vVzFlYNzibGHcwW32U?si=2FWliP1CTUue2D8JCDt60Q Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

You can be “up” on Spotify and still collect $0 in publishing royalties. That’s the quiet trap: publishing isn’t paid by default. Master recording money tends to flow through labels and distributors. But music publishing lives in the backend, song registrations, splits, metadata, and global royalty collection, and if you don’t proactively set it up across territories, the system won’t warn you. You’ll just stay unpaid. In this clip, Jacob Paul breaks down why “I joined ASCAP/BMI” is a great first step but not the finish line. Performing rights organizations typically focus on performance royalties and mostly collect directly in one territory, while international publishing collection often relies on reciprocal agreements that can add middlemen, slow reporting, reduce transparency, and leave real money behind, especially when mechanical royalties and worldwide streaming are involved. That’s why global publishing administrators exist: to register songs broadly, match splits, and help creators collect publishing income more efficiently worldwide. We also touch on KOSIGN and why flexible publishing administration matters for independent artists, producers, songwriters, and managers who want systems without getting boxed into old-school deals. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5z09vVzFlYNzibGHcwW32U?si=2FWliP1CTUue2D8JCDt60Q Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

You can have songs moving on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, TikTok, live shows, even vinyl and still miss the money that literally belongs to you on the songwriting side. In this clip, Jacob breaks down Music Publishing 101 in plain English: every release has two copyrights and two royalty streams, the master recording (typically flowing through a label or distributor) and the publishing/composition (songwriting) side. Here’s the catch: publishing royalties aren’t automatic payouts. If your song registrations, splits, and metadata aren’t set up correctly, the system doesn’t warn you, you just stay unpaid. We also clear up a major misconception in the music business: signing up with a performing rights organization (ASCAP, BMI, etc.) is a great first step, but it’s not the whole publishing picture, especially when it comes to mechanical royalties and global/international royalty collection. If you’re an independent artist, producer, songwriter, or manager trying to build real systems behind the growth, this is the clip you send your team. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it.KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5z09vVzFlYNzibGHcwW32U?si=2FWliP1CTUue2D8JCDt60Q Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

You can build a monster Spotify audience and still collect $0 in music publishing royalties. No warning. No system message that says, “Hey, you’re leaving money behind.” That’s because publishing isn’t an automatic payout. In the music industry, master recording royalties tend to flow through distribution, but songwriter royalties only show up when the right song registrations, splits, and publishing administration systems are in place. On this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, I’m joined by Jacob Paul (Kobalt & KOSIGN) for a straight-up Music Publishing 101 conversation for independent artists, producers, songwriters, and the managers trying to build real teams, real systems, and real financial stability. We break down master vs publishing (two copyrights, two paycheques), how performance royalties and mechanical royalties actually work in the streaming era, and why “I registered with a performing rights organization” is a starting line, not the finish line, especially when your audience goes global and international royalties enter the chat. We also talk about the “black box;”how unclaimed royalties can become unallocated publishing royalties if metadata is wrong or registrations are late, and why moving fast matters if you want your catalog to compound like an asset instead of leaking quietly for years. If you care about artist development, music business strategy, royalty collection, publishing deals, co-publishing vs administration deals, and building an independent career that actually pays, this is the episode. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it.KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET

In this clip, Paris Cole and I break down the real mechanics of artist development and what it takes to break an artist in today’s music business, especially when you’re building without massive budgets, teams, or infrastructure. Paris explains why there’s no single blueprint for releasing music. A smart rollout goes beyond the songs into release strategy, sequencing, visual identity, artwork, storytelling, content planning, fan engagement, music videos, pop-ups, and live reps. Some artists build the world first, others drop music and work backward, but either way, the strategy has to match the artist’s sound and identity. We also talk about the intangible part of A&R and management: taste. Paris describes spotting great artists as an intuitive, “spirit-led” process and why she avoids building on music she has to question. From there, we get into sustainability: choosing passion over clout, protecting your creative edge, and how she’s supported herself through consulting, styling, directing, and creative agency work, including social impact projects. Paris shares how she was pulled back into management during COVID after Kiah Victoria insisted on playing her album, leading to an independent release during distributor turnover and corporate changes. Finally, we cover the underdog reality: the long “in-between” years before the public sees the winning season, and why some artists still need real infrastructure like studio lockouts and live musicians, not just a laptop. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Topics: Artist Development • Artist Management • Release Strategy • Rollout Planning • Independent Artist Strategy • A&R Taste • Creative Direction • Fan Engagement • Music Videos • Live Shows • Touring Reps • Distribution vs Labels • Studio Lockouts • Long-Game Careers Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/27QXHfulyQlwBpZBLbzVAW?si=K28OvfA_RbqVA6Wvdq7uPQ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Paris Cole and I break down what separates artists who build a real brand identity from artists who only get exposure. Paris explains that it often comes down to vision, and when an artist doesn’t have it yet, that’s where the right manager, creative director, and artist development team step in to help shape and execute it. We talk about why chasing numbers can leave you “seen but not known,” and how true brand alignment creates impact that lasts beyond a moment. We also get into the current music industry reality: labels and distributors are more risk-averse than ever, often prioritizing analytics, viral traction, and TikTok momentum, sometimes at the expense of great music and storytelling (especially in lanes like conscious rap). From there, the conversation turns practical: how independent artists build careers through strategy, narrative, live reps, ticket sales, merch, and consistent performance, even without an agent or major label push. Finally, Paris talks about the importance of authentic fan connection, letting people in through real touch points like IG Live, pop-ups, opening slots, and community-driven moments, instead of chasing perfection. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Topics: Artist Development • Brand Vision • Creative Direction • Artist Management • Independent Artist Strategy • Streams vs Fans • Touring & Ticket Sales • Merch Revenue • Music Discovery • Radio Promotion • College Circuit • Fan Engagement Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/27QXHfulyQlwBpZBLbzVAW?si=K28OvfA_RbqVA6Wvdq7uPQ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Paris Cole breaks down artist development through branding, styling, and creative direction and why audiences can instantly tell when an artist is “trying too hard.” Paris explains that swag has to feel natural, and the best image-building happens through the build: inch-by-inch growth where the artist evolves in public and fans evolve with them. Using Ari Lennox and Lucky Daye as examples, she shows how intentional minimalism, timing, and consistency create trust and trust is what turns casual listeners into a real core fanbase. We also get into the business reality: styling is a luxury service, and throwing money at glam before the music has traction often backfires. Paris shares the practical playbook for developing strong visuals on limited budgets (thrifting, consignment, tailoring, and building relationships with designers) because in the music business, taste beats budget. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Topics: Artist Development • Artist Branding • Visual Identity • Styling as Strategy • Creative Direction • Fanbase Building • Label Systems • Budgeting • Independent Artist Growth Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/27QXHfulyQlwBpZBLbzVAW?si=K28OvfA_RbqVA6Wvdq7uPQ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Paris Cole is a true music industry multi-hyphenate, artist manager, creative director, and stylist, and in this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, she breaks down what it actually takes to develop artists from the ground up. Paris takes us from her roots in Washington, DC, nightlife, community building, radio, and learning the culture hands-on, to helping shape the early worlds around Ari Lennox and Lucky Daye. We talk about the unsexy parts of artist development that matter most: building identity in public, earning trust with fans, moving “inch by inch,” and why forcing aesthetics too early can kill authenticity. She shares the behind-the-scenes realities of working within label systems (Dreamville/Interscope, RCA/Keep Cool), building brand consistency through visuals and styling, and managing two breakouts at once without the infrastructure people assume you have. We also get real about the business: management is a long game, money is often delayed until touring, merch, and brand deals scale, and today’s industry is increasingly driven by analytics, risk aversion, and fragmented discovery. Paris opens up about burnout, boundaries, and how she sustained herself through styling, consulting, and a corporate chapter as Associate Creative Director at SoundCloud, before being pulled back into management by the work she truly loves: building artists with purpose. If you’re an independent artist, an aspiring manager, or anyone trying to understand the real mechanics of the music business, this episode is a playbook. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET Topics covered: Artist Management • Artist Development • Branding & Visual Identity • Styling as Strategy • Release Strategy & Rollouts • Label Politics • Touring & Ticket Sales • Fanbase Growth • Radio & College Circuit • Streams vs Real Demand • Burnout & Boundaries • Music Tech & SoundCloud • Independent Artist Strategy

Touring isn’t just stage time. It’s a business model. In this clip, SonReal breaks down how live shows became one of the most important parts of his career, not only as performance craft, but as a real driver of revenue. We talk about why the stage is where an artist’s brand becomes undeniable (range, presence, genre flexibility), and the lessons he took from early major tours, including direct support runs with Mac Miller and John Bellion - especially around elite show standards, set sequencing, and reworking songs for a live audience. Then we get into the part artists and managers often ignore: touring economics. Scaling production to match your actual audience size, building a memorable show without overspending, and using projections based on ticket counts to forecast merch and VIP revenue. SonReal walks through how merch-per-head and a well-built VIP package can turn a tour into profit, without compromising the fan experience. If you’re an independent artist, music manager, or anyone trying to understand touring strategy, live show production, merch strategy, VIP monetization, and sustainable artist careers, this clip is a blueprint. Listen to the full episode of The Manager’s Playbook with SonReal for the complete conversation. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7D9QxalKTWiMrnDzZlvVll?si=pCqo0yiSSHKucJylYubzCQ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

The biggest advantage an independent artist has right now is simple: there are no rules. In this clip, SonReal breaks down what happens when you stop waiting on label timelines and start operating like an owner. We talk direct-to-fan monetization, exclusive releases, and why indie artists can create leverage by designing their own release strategy, like dropping a mixtape exclusively on Even, or letting fans hear an album early through vinyl-first and platform access. He also introduces Sun Squad, his subscription community on Grouped, built to “super serve” fans with weekly unreleased music, giveaways, vlogs, and planned livestreams, proof that fan engagement and community building can be a real music business model, not just a buzzword. We zoom out on why this might be the best era ever for artists: the tools are democratized and the revenue streams are diversified; streaming income, subscriptions, platform exclusives, owning your masters, SoundExchange royalties (SiriusXM/Pandora), sync licensing, and long-term catalog monetization. SonReal also touches on music publishing strategy, including self-admin publishing and registrations, plus how he studies algorithms and iterates on content formats to drive discovery. If you’re an independent artist, music manager, artist manager, or aspiring music executive looking to understand the modern music industry business model, this clip is a blueprint. Listen to the full episode of The Manager’s Playbook with SonReal for the complete conversation. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7D9QxalKTWiMrnDzZlvVll?si=pCqo0yiSSHKucJylYubzCQ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

The “mysterious artist” era worked when the music business was built around blockbuster music videos and gatekeepers. Today it’s algorithmic, short-form, and driven by consistent distribution. In this clip, SonReal breaks down why being “mysterious and aloof” can actually hurt independent artists now, especially if you’re running a two-week release strategy. We get into the real economics of modern music marketing: you can’t shoot $30K-$40K music videos for every release, so you either build a content system or you disappear. SonReal explains how he scales by batching content across multiple songs with longtime collaborators, then going full DIY when needed, buying a camera, directing visualizers, and shooting content with his manager. We also unpack how the short-form era works differently: you double down after something connects (like performance marketing), and when a post goes viral, it becomes distribution that can lift the entire catalog floor and drive streaming growth. If you’re an independent artist, music manager, A&R, or anyone focused on artist development, content strategy for musicians, streaming revenue, and social media distribution, this is a blueprint for how music travels now. Listen to the full episode of The Manager’s Playbook with SonReal for the complete breakdown. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7D9QxalKTWiMrnDzZlvVll?si=pCqo0yiSSHKucJylYubzCQ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Most independent artists don’t struggle because they can’t make music fast.They struggle because they can’t make the pace financially sustainable. In this clip, SonReal breaks down a modern independent artist strategy: releasing a new song every two weeks to build catalog, increase streaming revenue, and create consistent discovery through content. But the real lesson is the business model behind it; how he keeps costs down by learning music production, structuring smarter producer deals (including points on the master), and turning ownership into predictable monthly income. If you’re an independent artist, music manager, or aspiring music executive trying to understand release strategy, owning your masters, artist development, music marketing, and streaming growth, this is a blueprint worth studying. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7D9QxalKTWiMrnDzZlvVll?si=pCqo0yiSSHKucJylYubzCQ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

There’s a whole middle class in the music industry. Artists who aren’t household names, aren’t living off viral moments, and aren’t waiting on label permission, yet they’re making real money, building real fanbases, and running sustainable careers. In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, I sit down with SonReal (Aaron Hoffman), a Canadian rapper, songwriter, and independent artist who’s been earning a living from music since 2013. We break down what “going independent” actually requires in today’s algorithmic music business: owning your masters, building catalog, creating a consistent release strategy, developing a repeatable content system for TikTok/Reels/Shorts, and understanding touring economics so you don’t lose money on the road. SonReal shares why he’s releasing a new song every two weeks, how ownership changes the math on streaming revenue, and how independent artists can build leverage with consistency, direct-to-fan community, and smart operations, without relying on fame. If you’re an independent artist, music manager, aspiring A&R, music executive, or anyone trying to understand artist development, music marketing, streaming growth, fan engagement, music revenue streams, and touring profitability, this is a masterclass. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET

TikTok can give you momentum. The real question is whether you can turn that momentum into a career with identity. In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Sickick breaks down his evolution from dark hip-hop roots into the EDM/dance music lane and how short-form content and remix culture translated into real-world leverage: festivals, touring, and audience growth. But the deeper lesson is artist development and positioning. He explains how he’s merging darker emotion with uptempo energy to build a sound that keeps longtime fans while pulling in new listeners. We also get into the operator side of creativity: maintaining 250+ song blueprints, using systems to scale output, and building a collaboration-first studio culture where the rule is simple, leave the ego at the door. If you’re an EDM artist, producer, DJ, independent artist, or aspiring music exec trying to learn collaboration strategy, music production workflow, catalog building, release planning, networking, and long-term career strategy, this clip is a blueprint for evolving without losing yourself or your audience. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/31jUvexHtM7benfTU1Ye4D?si=rZug-kGjQiqYRXsOUyQX0A Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In the music business, careers don’t usually break because of bad songs. They break because team dynamics fail. In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Sickick breaks down what healthy artist management actually looks like and why the most dangerous moment in any career is when it becomes artist vs management instead of one aligned team. The conversation centres on trust as the real currency of artist development, why ego and “I told you so” energy quietly kill momentum, and how good managers know when to be supportive and when to push. Sickick also explains the importance of having the right structure around an artist: a manager focused on long-term strategy, a tour manager handling day-to-day operations, and a business manager keeping the financial side organized. For independent artists, producers, DJs, and aspiring music executives, this clip is a reminder that management isn’t about control, it’s about communication, alignment, and building systems that protect creativity while scaling the business. If you’re serious about growth in the music industry, this is the foundation most people skip and later regret. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/31jUvexHtM7benfTU1Ye4D?si=rZug-kGjQiqYRXsOUyQX0A Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

TikTok can give you attention fast. It can also box you in even faster. In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Sickick breaks down the real arc behind the “TikTok DJ” label, how remix momentum and algorithm-driven growth created reach, but also created a creative ceiling. Behind the scenes, he was dealing with anxiety, agoraphobia, and the kind of identity collapse most artists don’t talk about once the numbers start climbing. He explains how music became more than a career, it became survival. Three and a half minutes of relief at a time in the studio, turning into a body of work that connected globally and opened doors to major label conversations, artist development opportunities, and high-level collaborations (including sessions tied to Madonna and Post Malone) while still protecting independence, ownership, and creative control. This is a case study in modern music business reality: audience growth, content strategy, streaming momentum, and the transition from DJ persona to original artist, all while learning how to keep the art honest and the business smart. If you’re an independent artist, producer, DJ, manager, or aspiring music executive trying to understand artist branding, career strategy, content systems, and long-term positioning, this clip is the reminder: attention is rented, but authorship is earned. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/31jUvexHtM7benfTU1Ye4D?si=rZug-kGjQiqYRXsOUyQX0A Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In the music industry, careers don’t usually fall apart because of bad music. They fall apart because of bad management, broken systems, and artists not understanding their own business. In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Sickick breaks down a chapter that forced him to level up fast: a management situation where money conversations turned into tension, basic operational tasks weren’t handled properly, and the consequences became real, touring complications and U.S. entry issues tied to visa and immigration mismanagement. This isn’t “industry drama.” It’s a case study in artist management red flags, music business literacy, and why independent artists can’t afford to outsource understanding. Sickick explains how the fallout pushed him to learn the business side of music quickly, team structure, accountability, and the systems an artist needs to protect momentum, revenue, and long-term career strategy. If you’re an independent artist, producer, manager, or aspiring music executive, this clip is the reminder: if you don’t know your business, you’ll eventually pay to learn it. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/31jUvexHtM7benfTU1Ye4D?si=rZug-kGjQiqYRXsOUyQX0A Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In the music industry, talent is never the only factor. Management is, systems are, ownership is and the ability to understand your own business before someone else understands it for you. In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Sickick sits down for a real conversation on artist management, team building, and what happens when money enters the room and relationships start changing. We talk music business red flags, why trust is the biggest de-stressor for artists, and how misalignment between artist and manager can quietly sabotage a career. Then we zoom out into the bigger play: how Sickick rebuilt, protected his artist brand, stayed intentional about music rights, and navigated the industry with leverage through master ownership, distribution deals, and strategic partnerships. He breaks down how content strategy for musicians and social media momentum can create real-world opportunities, like high-level collaborations and major artist moments, including a studio session with Madonna, plus work connected to Post Malone and Doja Cat. If you’re an independent artist, producer, DJ, or aspiring music executive trying to figure out how to grow your audience, increase streaming numbers, build a real management team, and stop running your career on vibes, this episode is the blueprint. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET

PR doesn’t work when the artist is missing from the plan. In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Didier Morais breaks down how music PR actually functions when it’s done right: artist involvement, strong publicist–manager alignment, intentional media strategy, and storytelling that builds long-term career momentum. We get into how independent artists can start doing real PR before they can afford a publicist, how to pitch journalists and media outlets without sounding like a copy/paste email, and why relationship-building matters more than chasing placements in today’s music industry. We also touch on red carpet strategy and media positioning (it’s choreography, not chaos), plus how smart teams decide when to be selective so PR supports artist branding, audience growth, and streaming momentum, not just “being busy.” If you’re an independent artist, artist manager, aspiring publicist, or future music exec trying to understand media relations, rollout strategy, and modern music marketing, this clip is the playbook. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/00plMHeDM5JcAJkZv9UpLo?si=LbtAneI0QxOfiADies0SEw Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

PR isn’t press runs. It’s strategy, protection, and narrative control. In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Didier Morais breaks down what most artists and managers misunderstand about music PR: a publicist isn’t just booking interviews or chasing write-ups. Real public relations is a mix of proactive PR strategy, crisis communications, reputation management, and long-term artist branding. We talk about the difference between reactive PR (scrambling when something happens) and proactive PR (building a roadmap before the moment hits), and why the best PR work is rooted in humanizing the artist, not feeding the headline cycle. Using the Meek Mill incarceration moment as a case study, we unpack how smart PR can shift public perception into something bigger, including criminal justice reform, credibility, and cultural impact, while still protecting the brand. We also touch on mental health in the entertainment industry, and why communication remains the most valuable skill for artists, managers, publicists, and anyone building in the music business. If you’re an independent artist, artist manager, publicist, or aspiring music executive, this is a clear look at how narratives move in modern media, and what it takes to lead when the pressure hits. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/00plMHeDM5JcAJkZv9UpLo?si=LbtAneI0QxOfiADies0SEw Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Didier Morais, founder of Vital Versatility PR, breaks down the part of the music business that decides who lasts: mindset, leadership, and staying calm under pressure. We talk through the transition from journalism to music PR, what it feels like to rebuild from scratch, and why the best publicists, managers, and executives don’t obsess over outcomes, they obsess over process, preparation, and control of the controllables. This is a conversation about mental toughness, compartmentalization, and the reality of operating in high-stakes environments where plans change fast and people depend on you to stay steady. We also break down team building, transparent communication, and the skill that separates great operators from average ones: reading the room (psychology, tone, and body language). If you’re an aspiring publicist, artist manager, independent operator, or music entrepreneur, this clip is a reminder that strategy isn’t just marketing, it’s how you lead when pressure shows up. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/00plMHeDM5JcAJkZv9UpLo?si=LbtAneI0QxOfiADies0SEw Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Didier Morais, found of Vital Versatility PR, breaks down the part of the music business most artists skip: storytelling and adaptability. Because in today’s industry, music alone doesn’t separate you. Narrative does. And real music PR isn’t just press hits, it’s strategy, positioning, and audience expansion across traditional media, new media, and the platforms where fans actually live. You’ll hear why managers and publicists need to listen deeper to find the real story, how lifestyle and identity can become fuel for artist branding and fan growth, and why the best PR teams know how to pivot when plans fall apart. We get into real examples, including how Mickey Guyton’s love for basketball turned into a major cultural moment that drove one of her highest streaming days and what that teaches independent artists about building momentum beyond music outlets. We also touch on adapting in real time (yes, including a last-minute press conference pivot to a Wawa parking lot) and what it actually means to be “ready” for PR. If you’re an independent artist, manager, or aspiring music executive trying to build systems, grow streams, and develop a real content and PR strategy across Instagram, TikTok, podcasts, and digital media, this clip is the playbook. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/00plMHeDM5JcAJkZv9UpLo?si=LbtAneI0QxOfiADies0SEw Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, I sit down with Didier Morais, PR strategist, former journalist, and founder of Vital Versatility, to break down what real public relations looks like in today’s music industry. Didier has worked at the highest levels of music, media, and culture, navigating crisis moments, red carpets, press conferences, and long-term brand strategy for artists, executives, and entrepreneurs. But this conversation isn’t about chasing headlines. It’s about building careers. We unpack how PR has evolved in the streaming era, why storytelling is the real currency of artist growth, and what independent artists and managers need to understand before they ever hire a publicist. From reshaping narratives around artists like past client Meek Mill, to executing last-minute press conferences in unexpected places, managing high-pressure media environments, Didier shares what it takes to stay adaptable, calm, and strategic when the stakes are high. We talk about PR as both offense and defense, why empathy and emotional intelligence are leadership skills, and how artists can create leverage through clarity, communication, and narrative, not noise. If you’re trying to understand the intersection of music business, artist development, media, and strategy, this conversation will shift how you think about PR entirely. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET

Steve Rifkind breaks down the real story of Akon’s breakout, and it’s a masterclass in how hits actually happen before the industry “agrees” they should. In this clip, Steve explains how “Locked Up” started moving in unexpected markets like Albuquerque and Utah, even while parts of the label ecosystem weren’t fully bought in yet. Instead of waiting on a perfect rollout, he leaned into what still works: market-by-market promotion, radio relationships, street-level execution, and building proof fast. He also talks about the friction that comes with momentum, how a campaign can get disrupted by culture (including an unauthorized mashup shifting attention), and how persistence, positioning, and hands-on promotion helped turn Akon’s early traction into global lift, setting up the run that included records like “Lonely.” If you’re an independent artist, artist manager, A&R, or aspiring music executive, this is a practical lesson in music marketing strategy, artist development, radio promotion, and building real demand that translates into long-term growth. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/30zqrBREeAf2j61iIJzPm2?si=U3aK6O-OTsmO0uTCHmR09w Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Steve Rifkind breaks down the behind-the-scenes reality of Wu-Tang Clan’s record deal negotiations, the kind of label-room pressure that shapes careers, catalogs, and legacies. In this clip, Steve walks through how a deal can come down to a $20,000 gap, how business affairs and label politics can stall momentum, and why the smartest move isn’t always “artist vs label,” but true team alignment that protects leverage. He also explains the bigger strategic picture: how Wu-Tang approached solo album deals while preserving the power of the group economics, and why deal structure, deliverables, and touring strategy mattered as much as the music itself. If you’re an independent artist, artist manager, A&R, or aspiring music executive, this is a rare mix of wild story and real playbook: negotiation, leverage, leadership, and the systems behind building something that lasts. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/30zqrBREeAf2j61iIJzPm2?si=U3aK6O-OTsmO0uTCHmR09w Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Steve Rifkind breaks down one of the most important “from nothing to systems” stories in the music business. With just $5,000 to his name, he invests in a simple booklet and turns it into real leverage, building what would become the early blueprint for street teams, grassroots music marketing, and market-by-market promotion. In this clip, Steve walks through how that hustle helped move early hip-hop acts like Disco 3 (later the Fat Boys), how radio promotion and specialized DJ shows shaped discovery, and how relationships and execution turned into $500,000 in business. From there, it’s the mindset shift every artist, manager, and entrepreneur needs to understand: going from service work to ownership, building a real record label strategy, learning record deal negotiation, and understanding old-school distribution metrics like “shipping.” If you’re an independent artist, artist manager, or aspiring music executive, this is a masterclass in music marketing strategy, networking, systems, and turning momentum into real revenue. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/30zqrBREeAf2j61iIJzPm2?si=U3aK6O-OTsmO0uTCHmR09w Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip, Steve Rifkind breaks down the year he spent managing New Edition, and why it became his real-world education in the music industry. From meeting key players like Lady B, Hiriam Hicks, and Russell Simmons, to learning how artist management, A&R instincts, and music industry networking actually work in practice, Steve walks through the moments that shaped his approach to building careers. He also shares the behind-the-scenes story of packaging a bold rap cartoon concept into a real business opportunity, how creative development turns into deal-making, why partnerships shift, and what it takes to push an idea far enough to land a $250,000 record deal with Capitol Records. If you’re an independent artist, artist manager, or aspiring music executive, this is a masterclass in artist development, record deals, label politics, negotiation, and career strategy, told with the kind of honesty you only get from someone who lived it. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/30zqrBREeAf2j61iIJzPm2?si=U3aK6O-OTsmO0uTCHmR09w Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Steve Rifkind helped build the modern music business playbook, and he’s one of the people who created and popularized “street teams” before anyone had a marketing department to hand it to. In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Steve Rifkind (founder of Loud Records and SRC Records) breaks down how culture turns into commerce: A&R instincts, artist development, record label strategy, grassroots marketing, touring impact, radio promotion, and the real math behind traditional record deals. From Wu-Tang Clan, Mobb Deep, and Big Pun to the early breakout of Akon and lessons from New Edition, Steve shares the behind-the-scenes stories, hard calls, and systems that actually break artists. If you’re an independent artist, artist manager, or aspiring music executive, this is a masterclass in fanbase growth, music marketing strategy, and career longevity, from the streets to the boardroom. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Topics covered: street teams, radio promotion, touring vs streaming, record deals & leverage, label politics, building systems, loyalty & relationships, breaking artists market-by-market Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET

The music didn’t get worse. The way it travels changed. In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mike Biggane and I unpack why hits feel smaller in the streaming era; not because of talent, but because algorithms now control scale. Platforms reward consistency and predictability, which quietly reshaped how big songs can actually get. We talk about why artist development is making a comeback, why it’s happening through management companies instead of labels, and why content and storytelling are no longer optional if you want music to move. Not as gimmicks, but as context. The conversation also dives into the pressure of fast release cycles, the myth of the 28-day window, and how UGC and fan participation changed marketing forever. Using lessons from building New Music Friday, we reframe success away from moments and toward systems, engagement, and qualitative signals that compound over time. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1DDs8ss1IMx7YU5OV2QtXa?si=vO7b2aHjRomFvbCIxoEO5Q Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Most conversations about streaming focus on artists or platforms.This one starts where the pressure shows up first: songwriters, publishers, and the economics underneath the music. In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mike Biggane and I unpack how the streaming era, personalization, and AI quietly reshaped the value chain of the music industry and why the next phase won’t be driven by louder releases, but smarter systems. We talk about how Spotify’s personalized listening changed discovery and royalties, why traditional publishing models struggled to keep pace, and how AI is being positioned as a connective layer between artists and fans as we head toward 2026. Mike also references Lucian Grainge’s memo on AI as a signal of how seriously the industry is recalibrating. The conversation moves into TikTok’s role in music distribution, the rise of derivative works (remixes, edits, alternate versions), and what moments like The Weeknd’s “Die For You” resurgence reveal about how songs actually travel today. This isn’t speculation. It’s a snapshot of systems already in motion. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1DDs8ss1IMx7YU5OV2QtXa?si=vO7b2aHjRomFvbCIxoEO5Q Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

The music industry didn’t pivot because of trends. It pivoted because the returns disappeared. In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mike Biggane unpacks why major record labels quietly changed their entire approach once it became clear that new music investments, viral signings, and influencer-driven marketing weren’t delivering sustainable results anymore. Referencing the Goldman Sachs “Music in the Air” report, the conversation breaks down why the industry started shifting away from high-risk, moment-based marketing and toward superfans, direct-to-consumer revenue, and long-term fan monetization. When spending millions on viral moments stopped making sense, the focus moved to ownership, engagement, and repeat value. We also explore how Spotify’s personalization and algorithm-driven discovery reshaped listening behaviour, how TikTok accelerated fragmentation through user-generated content, and why merchandise, touring, and DTC products became more attractive than traditional streaming-first strategies. At the core of it all is a tension the industry still hasn’t fully solved: human curation versus algorithms. Why data alone can’t spot culture early, why taste still matters, and why so many legacy music marketing workflows quietly collapsed. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1DDs8ss1IMx7YU5OV2QtXa?si=vO7b2aHjRomFvbCIxoEO5Q Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Before playlists became leverage, before algorithms dictated discovery, before release strategy turned into guesswork, there was New Music Friday. In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mike Biggane, creator of New Music Friday and former Global Head of Curation at Spotify, breaks down how one early idea helped reshape music discovery and quietly changed the entire music industry. Mike walks through Spotify’s formative years, when human curation and algorithmic programming were still in tension, and how acquisitions like The Echo Nest accelerated the shift toward personalization at scale. He explains how streaming platforms altered market dynamics, why traditional programming models broke, and how labels, A&R teams, and DSPs were forced to adapt in real time. We also touch on how TikTok and user-generated content further fragmented listening behaviour, why release cycles lost their power, and how corporate pressures inside streaming platforms influenced music programming decisions. This isn’t nostalgia. It’s a snapshot of how the modern music business was actually built and why it works the way it does today. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1DDs8ss1IMx7YU5OV2QtXa?si=vO7b2aHjRomFvbCIxoEO5Q Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

The music industry didn’t slowly evolve. It structurally changed.And most people are still trying to operate inside a version of the business that no longer exists. In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, I sit down with Mike Biggane, creator of New Music Friday, former Global Head of Curation at Spotify, and former EVP of Music Strategy at Universal Music Group, for a grounded, honest conversation about where the music business really is right now. Mike was in the rooms where modern music discovery was built. From shaping playlist culture and algorithmic curation to navigating the shift toward personalization, he explains why traditional artist development, marketing strategies, and release cycles stopped working the way they used to. We talk about how Spotify algorithms, TikTok and user-generated content, and AI-driven music tools rewired how artists grow audiences, how labels allocate marketing spend, and why playlisting alone no longer builds sustainable careers. We unpack why the album model broke, why new music doesn’t monetize the same, and why labels quietly pulled back on development. Looking ahead to 2026, Mike shares why derivatives, remixes, superfans, and artist-centric thinking will define the next phase of the music industry and why songwriters may be positioned to benefit more than they have in years. This episode is for: Independent artists trying to grow streams and real fans Managers building teams, systems, and long-term strategies Songwriters navigating royalties, attribution, and derivatives Music executives adapting to AI, data, and personalization Anyone serious about building a sustainable career in music This isn’t about chasing virality.It’s about understanding how the music business actually works now and building with intention inside the new reality. Simply put a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Nima Nasseri and Mauricio Ruiz unpack one of the most overlooked drivers of success in the music industry: visualization, mindset, and mental discipline. This isn’t about motivation. It’s about alignment. Nima explains why artists, managers, and creators who build lasting careers start with the internal work first. Before the streams, before the content strategy, before the opportunities, there’s clarity of vision. What you see, feel, and believe directly shapes how you move through your career. The conversation touches on how elite performers and athletes use visualization, why mental health and gratitude are essential for creative longevity, and how building the right team culture compounds success over time. Nima also shares practical insight into daily routines, habit tracking, and goal setting, offering a grounded framework artists can actually apply. If you’re an independent artist, manager, or creative navigating today’s fast-moving music business, this clip is a reminder that sustainable growth starts from the inside out. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/29UCcW0A5LeIquPLsdf2FB?si=9HhtH7SYQ6aurU1fq3tF8g Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Nima Nasseri breaks down what it really takes for artists to succeed in today’s digital-first music industry. Nima explains why talent alone isn’t enough anymore and why artists have to rethink how they show up, market themselves, and build momentum. Success today comes from mindset, consistency, and understanding how content and platforms actually work. The conversation touches on TikTok strategy, social media algorithms, and why reframing yourself as a creator and marketer isn’t selling out, it’s adapting. Nima also speaks candidly about authenticity, mental health, burnout, and how to stay consistent without losing yourself in the process. Whether you’re an independent artist, artist manager, or someone trying to build a long-term career in the music business, this clip offers a grounded look at what growth really requires in the current landscape. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/29UCcW0A5LeIquPLsdf2FB?si=9HhtH7SYQ6aurU1fq3tF8g Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Nima Nasseri breaks down one of the biggest misconceptions in the modern music industry: virality. This isn’t about chasing trends or hoping the algorithm saves you. It’s about why consistency, authenticity, and understanding content systems are what actually create momentum for artists and creators today. Nima shares the real-life story of Norris Williams, a 72-year-old dog trainer who had been living on a train for years and how applying the same principles artists need to grow online turned social media into something far more powerful than views. What came out of it wasn’t hype, but community, opportunity, and a new business. The conversation also touches on how platform algorithms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube all move differently, and why artists who fail to adapt their strategy end up stuck. In today’s music business, knowing how these systems work isn’t optional, it’s part of the job. If you’re an independent artist, creator, or manager trying to understand how discovery really works in a post-gatekeeper industry, this clip offers a clear reframe worth sitting with. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/29UCcW0A5LeIquPLsdf2FB?si=9HhtH7SYQ6aurU1fq3tF8g Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, I sit down with Nima Nasseri, artist manager for Hit-Boy, former VP of A&R Strategy at Universal Music Group, and one of the clearest thinkers in the modern music business. This conversation is about the shift most artists and managers are still resisting. We’re no longer in a talent-first industry. We’re in a content-led, motion-driven business where consistency, systems, and storytelling matter more than waiting to be discovered. Nima breaks down how TikTok, short-form content, and algorithms have quietly replaced traditional A&R and why artists who don’t adapt are falling behind, regardless of how good the music is. We talk through real strategy: how to stay consistent without burning out,how to think about content as a system instead of a chore,how artists actually convert attention into fans and streams,and why mindset, visualization, and mental health are no longer optional if you want longevity.Nima also shares the story of using content to help Norris Williams, a 72-year-old man experiencing homelessness, rebuild his life, a powerful reminder that these platforms aren’t just tools for marketing, but for real human impact. Whether you’re an independent artist, artist manager, producer, or music executive, this episode will challenge how you think about growth, discovery, and what it really takes to build a sustainable career in today’s music industry. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, host Mauricio Ruiz and Azad Naficy break down one of the biggest questions in the music industry today: Does every artist need a major label or can you build a successful career independently? Azad offers a refreshingly honest look at the advantages and limitations of major label partnerships, from global reach and international infrastructure to the realities of misaligned deals and lost creative direction. He also explains why some artists thrive in the independent sector, especially when they build a strong, bespoke team that actually understands their vision. This conversation dives deep into:• how to evaluate a record deal and what a label can really offer• why artist development is still the foundation of every long career• the qualities that make a great A&R• challenges artists face when signing too early• what independence looks like when done intentionally• how to build a team that supports your long-term goals Whether you're considering a label deal, building an independent operation, or trying to understand how to scale your music career the right way, this clip delivers practical guidance you won’t hear in most industry rooms. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5OEmeP3qCOLotxuji6se0j?si=IGzhU94zT2ydsy63TGkhuw Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz and Azad Naficy explore one of the most transformative shifts happening in the music business today: the explosive rise of ambient, instrumental, and neoclassical music and why it’s creating new financial opportunities for artists who approach it with intention. Azad breaks down how changing conversations around mental health, peace of mind, and emotional well-being have opened the door for a new wave of artists who aren’t chasing virality, but instead building real, sustainable streaming revenue through catalog depth and consistency.Ruiz highlights how Peace of Mind Studio has built an ecosystem where artists are already earning six-figure incomes, powered by high-quality production, smart catalog strategy, and genre innovation. They also dive into the business mechanics behind this success:• better deal structures,• thoughtful recoupment models,• smart financial literacy,• and the intentional development that leads to long-term sustainability. From innovative partnership models to building a multimillion-dollar operation without sacrificing artistic integrity, this conversation is a roadmap for anyone looking to understand the future of independent artist monetization, instrumental music growth, and the systems required to build a stable, fulfilling career in today’s industry. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5OEmeP3qCOLotxuji6se0j?si=IGzhU94zT2ydsy63TGkhuw Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz and Azad Naficy break down the real mechanics of touring in the modern music business. Not the highlight reel, the reality. Azad opens up about the challenges artists face when they jump into touring too early, the financial and physical toll of the road, and why developing a strong live performance strategy is essential for long-term success. They explore how great artists build unforgettable shows through fan engagement, experience design, and intentional stage development, and why choosing the right venues, pacing your growth, and investing in your live show matters more than chasing big stages prematurely. Azad also speaks on the importance of tour economics, mastering different revenue streams, and why longevity often comes from patience, restraint, and incremental growth. Whether you’re an independent artist, manager, or anyone navigating the touring ecosystem, this conversation offers practical insights on sustainable touring, fan-building strategy, and making smart business decisions that support your career instead of draining it. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5OEmeP3qCOLotxuji6se0j?si=IGzhU94zT2ydsy63TGkhuw Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this episode clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with artist, executive, and Avant Garden co-founder Azad Naficy to unpack one of the most important truths in the modern music business: The people who make the most money in music aren’t the artists, they’re the ones who own the copyright. Azad breaks down how record labels build wealth through ownership and equity, why understanding your masters, publishing, and copyright is essential, and what artists should look for before signing any record deal. He also shares how early collaborators like Brittany Crawford and Brando shaped his approach to artist development and why great management is always centered on people, not numbers. Whether you’re an independent artist, aspiring music executive, manager, or someone trying to understand how real careers are built, this conversation offers clarity on: • The real economics of the music industry• How labels profit from ownership and catalog• What makes effective artist development• The mindset shift from artist to executive• How to build the right team for long-term growth This is a candid, strategic breakdown of how the business actually works and why artists need to understand it before they give anything away. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5OEmeP3qCOLotxuji6se0j?si=IGzhU94zT2ydsy63TGkhuw Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Azad Naficy has lived every corner of the music business - artist, manager, A&R, label co-founder, and the architect behind Peace of Mind Studio and Avant Garden Records. In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Azad breaks down what most artists, managers, and entrepreneurs wish they learned years earlier: how the modern music industry actually works. From artist development and music marketing to major label deals, streaming strategy, touring economics, brand building, merchandising, A&R, and catalog development, Azad shares the frameworks that helped him build sustainable careers and long-term creative infrastructure. We unpack how he went from burnout to building a multi-million-dollar creative ecosystem, why not every artist should be independent, what makes great artist management, how to structure real partnerships, and the mindset required to build a career that lasts longer than a viral moment. If you’re an independent artist, music manager, A&R, label operator, or someone serious about building a real music career, this is a masterclass in strategy, clarity, and long-term vision. In this episode we dive into:• Artist development and building real infrastructure• What makes a major label deal actually worth it• Ownership, equity, and the business behind the music• Why merch and branding must be authentic• The truth about touring and why it’s not always profitable• Playlist strategy, editorial pitching, and streaming growth• Managing burnout while scaling creative output• Building Peace of Mind Studio and redefining jazz, ambient & neoclassical markets• Financial literacy, recoupment, and long-term artist success• The future of independent labels and creative ecosystems Azad doesn’t talk theory. He talks execution. And this conversation is loaded with the kind of insights that reshape careers. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Grammy-winning songwriter Theron Thomas breaks down one of the most misunderstood topics in the music industry, the myth of “selling your soul,” and why people reach for conspiracy theories when they don’t understand the real work behind success. Theron speaks candidly about his journey in music, the challenges he’s faced, the deals he’s navigated, and the moments that forced him to grow. He talks about maintaining integrity in an industry that tests it constantly, and why gratitude, accountability, and work ethic matter more than anything people think is happening behind the scenes. Ruiz and Theron dive into the truth about music business relationships, publishing deals, career setbacks, artist development, and the pressure that comes with real success. They also unpack the emotional and psychological side of building a long-term career, the part that never gets seen, but determines everything. This conversation is a grounded, honest look at what it really takes to succeed as an artist, songwriter, producer, manager, or executive. No shortcuts. No secrets. Just the truth:Winners aren’t selling their souls. They’re working harder, staying disciplined, and learning from every mistake. If you’re navigating the creative world or building a career in music, this is one you’ll feel in your chest. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ep3gakdSoW33fD99LShrd?si=OUWDoPF-R0-bFJ3jE1dYkQ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Grammy-winning songwriter Theron Thomas breaks down the real stories and strategy behind some of the biggest hit records of the last decade. From writing for Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, Enrique Iglesias, and Akon, Theron shares how hit songs really come together, the collaboration, the competition, the timing, and the cultural instincts that make a record explode. Theron and Ruiz dive into the creative process behind songs like We Can’t Stop, Pour It Up, and 23, revealing the decisions, pressure, and moments of clarity that separate a good record from a global one. They talk about the role of songwriters, producers, and artist identity, and how understanding culture is just as important as understanding melody. The conversation also explores the competitive nature of the music industry, the emotional and strategic work that goes into staying relevant, and why timing can make or break a career. Theron explains how certain ideas arrive at the perfect cultural moment, and why even the best-written songs can fail without the right release strategy. If you’re a songwriter, producer, artist, manager, or music executive, this clip is a masterclass in hitmaking, artist development, music business strategy, and creative leadership, straight from one of the greatest pens of our era. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ep3gakdSoW33fD99LShrd?si=OUWDoPF-R0-bFJ3jE1dYkQ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Theron Thomas opens up about the part of the music industry that rarely makes headlines: the grind, the pressure, and the personal history that shapes real artists and leaders. Theron talks about growing up in poverty, navigating adversity, and how the responsibility of providing for family became the foundation of his success in the world of songwriting, artist development, and the music business. He shares how staying grounded, staying coachable, and staying focused kept him from slipping into the negativity that comes with both online criticism and industry politics. This conversation touches on everything from the emotional weight of family, to surviving the early stages of a music career, to understanding authenticity, identity, and leadership in creative spaces. Theron also reflects on how life in Atlanta vs. Los Angeles shaped his growth, not just as a hit songwriter, but as a human being. At its core, this episode is about resilience, responsibility, and the mindset required to build a long-term career in a business that is anything but predictable. It’s a reminder, especially for artists, managers, producers and creatives, that: Winners don’t hate.They stay accountable.They keep building. If you work in music or are building a creative career from the ground up, this is one you’ll feel in your chest. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ep3gakdSoW33fD99LShrd?si=OUWDoPF-R0-bFJ3jE1dYkQ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this episode clip, Grammy-winning songwriter Theron Thomas dives into one of the biggest truths in today’s music industry: the entire business is built on the backs of songwriters, yet they’re still the last ones to get paid. Theron breaks down the real economics behind the hits that turned artists like Rihanna, Jay-Z, and Kanye West into global moguls, and why the people who wrote those records are still fighting for fair publishing, royalties, and ownership. We get into the science of hit songwriting, the math and structure behind songs that travel, and the mindset required to create consistently at a high level. Theron also speaks on the fear of success he sees in so many new artists, and why some creatives get uncomfortable when their work actually starts to break. Ruiz and Theron discuss the imbalance between master points and publishing, the ethics of artist–songwriter relationships, and why the industry has conditioned creators to accept less than they deserve. This is an honest look at the challenges songwriters face, from exploitation to lack of leverage, and why systemic change is long overdue. If you’re an artist, songwriter, manager, producer, or music executive, this is essential listening, a candid breakdown of the industry from one of the most important pens of our era. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ep3gakdSoW33fD99LShrd?si=OUWDoPF-R0-bFJ3jE1dYkQ Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Most people talk about hit songs.Theron Thomas writes the ones that define entire eras. In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, I sit down with one of the most influential songwriters in modern music, Theron Thomas, the 2nd recipient ever to win GRAMMY Songwriter of the Year and the pen behind hits for Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Lizzo, Usher, Nicki Minaj, Justin Timberlake, and so many more. This isn’t a highlight reel.This is the part of the music industry the public rarely hears: the truth from the person who actually writes the songs the whole business is built on. Theron breaks down the real economics of songwriting, how hit records follow patterns, why so-called “bad music” still wins, how marketing shapes culture, and why topliners remain the most undervalued creators in the entire system. We explore the realities of publishing, royalties, producer vs. songwriter splits, the myth of “genre limitations,” the role of artist development, and the emotional and cultural weight that comes with writing for the world’s biggest artists. This conversation is a masterclass in: • how to think about hitmaking• how to build a sustainable career in music• how to stay grounded as a creative• and why artists, managers, and executives must rethink how they treat the people who create the product everyone profits from If you’re an artist, songwriter, producer, A&R, manager, or anyone building a real career in music, this episode offers clarity, strategy, and perspective you won’t hear anywhere else. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET

In this conversation, Machel Montano opens up about what truly goes into crafting a great live performance, not just the music, but the presence, discipline, and attention needed to make a crowd feel something real. He talks about reading the room, trusting spontaneity, and treating every show like a conversation with the audience. Che Kothari adds the structure behind it all, the systems, rehearsal habits, and performance strategy that give Machel room to improvise while keeping the experience world-class. What emerges is a rare look at how instinct and planning work together in the Caribbean music ecosystem.Machel’s approach isn’t just about entertaining. It’s about honoring responsibility, representing culture, and sustaining excellence over decades. If you’re an artist, manager, or anyone building a live show, this clip gives you a clearer lens on what performance mastery actually looks like. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0LMnduBDxM02PuYb6tW2xN?si=1KnMQX9ITwmvI2xDUpNQgw Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this conversation, we dig into one of the most important parts of an artist’s journey: learning how to invest in yourself long before the world believes in you. Machel Montano and Che Kothari break down what that looked like inside the Caribbean music ecosystem, the risks, the reinvestment, the discipline, and the vision it takes to build something that lasts. They talk about the lessons they learned from mentors, the business principles that shaped their partnership, and how technology and strategy became tools for scaling Machel’s career far beyond Carnival seasons and Soca stages. What stands out most is the balance: ambition and grounding, creativity and structure, culture and long-term planning. It’s a rare look at how great artists and great managers think when they’re building for longevity, not just moments. If you’re an artist, manager, entrepreneur, or anyone navigating the music business, this clip is full of principles you’ll want to revisit more than once. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0LMnduBDxM02PuYb6tW2xN?si=1KnMQX9ITwmvI2xDUpNQgw Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this conversation, we dive into one of the most demanding parts of the Caribbean music ecosystem: the race to create a Road March hit for Carnival. Machel Montano and Che Kothari walk through the pressure artists face every season, from recording music in October to delivering multiple festival-ready hits by February. It’s a nonstop grind. Endless studio sessions, back-to-back fetes, live shows across Trinidad & Tobago, and the constant push to create songs that can dominate the road, the airwaves, and the culture. Machel breaks down how tempo, energy, and intention shape every track, while Che talks about the strategy behind building an album that can survive Carnival’s high-pressure environment. But they also go deeper, into the emotional, spiritual, and mental balance required to sustain success in a genre that resets every year. Road March isn’t just a competition; it’s cultural responsibility, creative discipline, and artist management at the highest level. If you’re an artist, manager, or anyone curious about how Soca and Carnival culture really operate behind the scenes, this clip is a powerful look at the process. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0LMnduBDxM02PuYb6tW2xN?si=1KnMQX9ITwmvI2xDUpNQgw Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this conversation, we unpack one of the biggest turning points in Machel Montano’s career, choosing the right partner to help him grow, evolve, and carry the weight of being the King of Soca. Machel reflects on the early years of being managed by his parents, navigating major-label expectations, and the moment he realized he needed someone who understood both the music and the mission. That person ended up being Che Kothari, someone who didn’t come from the traditional music-business pipeline, but shared his values, cultural grounding, and long-term vision. Together, they rebuilt his entire approach: artist development, creative strategy, spiritual alignment, and a global blueprint rooted in Trinidad & Tobago and Caribbean music culture. This clip is a look inside how great artist–manager partnerships are formed, not from contracts or résumés, but from alignment, trust, and a shared purpose. If you’re an artist, manager, or anyone building a creative career, this one hits home. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0LMnduBDxM02PuYb6tW2xN?si=1KnMQX9ITwmvI2xDUpNQgw Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

For over 40 years, Machel Montano has been the heartbeat of Soca and one of the most influential voices in Caribbean music. But behind the longevity, the reinvention, and the cultural leadership is a deeper story, one of discipline, purpose, spiritual growth, and the right partner beside him. In this episode, I sit down with Machel Montano and his manager and long-time collaborator Che Kothari to explore how a young artist from Trinidad & Tobago became the King of Soca, and how the two of them rebuilt the entire foundation of his career for long-term sustainability. Machel opens up about being managed by his parents, navigating the pressure of yearly Carnival cycles, discovering meditation and spirituality, and learning how to carry a culture without losing himself. Che offers the strategic perspective; how he helped reorganize Machel’s operation, align the team, modernize the systems, and bring global structure to a Caribbean legacy. This is a rare, honest look into what it truly takes to build a lasting career in Soca, Trinidad & Tobago culture, and the Caribbean music industry.If you’re an artist, manager, creator, or someone who cares about leadership and legacy, this conversation is essential. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET

Snow Tha Product has been building on YouTube long before most artists realized how powerful the platform could be. In this clip, she breaks down what it’s really like to juggle multiple channels, understand social media trends, and keep showing up for an audience that’s been with her since the CD-on-the-street days. We talk about the evolution from hand-to-hand hustle to navigating YouTube, Shorts, TikTok, and every algorithm that’s come and gone. Snow shares how she stays consistent, how she collaborates across platforms, and why authenticity still beats every growth hack the industry tries to push. She also opens up about the pressure to scale, the burnout that comes with being “always on,” and the oversaturation artists feel when content creation becomes part of the job description. Through all of it, she comes back to the same truth: real engagement with real fans is what keeps everything moving. Whether you’re an artist trying to grow online, a manager building digital strategy, or someone figuring out how to stand out in a crowded landscape, this conversation gives you the honest, real-world version of what it takes. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1gw1OsTkuYHPVcSzys3BXp?si=w-5Rhmy-TnS4LtPoo_G6pg Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip, Snow Tha Product opens up about what it really takes to stay ahead in the music industry, and why being early isn’t always as glamorous as it looks from the outside. We get into the pressure artists feel to constantly innovate, the expectations managers are juggling behind the scenes, and the sheer amount of work required to make content feel fun, spontaneous, and authentic. Snow breaks down the chaos of directing her own videos, organizing “party-style” shoots, and managing the creative process while still sticking to a budget. She talks about her background in music video production, the tension between artistic vision and financial reality, and how unpredictable online success truly is, even when the idea feels like a sure win. But the heart of the conversation is about fans: what real engagement looks like, how to build connection without relying on corporate “super fan” monetization strategies, and why authenticity still outperforms every marketing funnel the industry is trying to push. If you’re an artist, manager, or creative trying to build something meaningful in a noisy, algorithm-driven world, this clip gives you a grounded look at the realities, the pressures, and the decisions that actually move careers forward. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1gw1OsTkuYHPVcSzys3BXp?si=w-5Rhmy-TnS4LtPoo_G6pg Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Snow Tha Product has one of the most unique creative processes in the game, and in this episode she walks us through all of it, from building songs completely from scratch to blending genres in ways that only she can pull off. What’s wild is how often her rough previews go viral before she’s even decided the record is finished. That says a lot about her instinct and the connection she has with her audience. We talk about the tension every artist feels between creative freedom and industry expectations, and how Snow has learned to protect her curiosity despite the pressure to fit a formula. She opens up about using music as an emotional outlet, the role of social and political issues in her writing, and why staying true to herself is the only non-negotiable in her process. What I love most is how she includes her fans in everything; the rollouts, the testing, the experiments, the fun. Her community isn’t an audience; they’re part of the engine. And that’s exactly why the music hits the way it does. If you’re an artist, manager, or anyone trying to understand how creativity, authenticity, and strategy can actually coexist in today’s music industry, this conversation is a masterclass. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1gw1OsTkuYHPVcSzys3BXp?si=w-5Rhmy-TnS4LtPoo_G6pg Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Snow Tha Product has lived through parts of the music industry most artists never talk about publicly. In this episode, she opens up about what it felt like to be shelved by a major label, to have music you can’t release, and to navigate a system that didn’t understand who she was or how to move her forward. Instead of hiding the struggle, Snow chose transparency. She let her fans into the reality of what she was going through, and that honesty ended up changing her career. She breaks down the pressure to “look successful,” the internal battles that come with stalled momentum, and the moment she realized she needed to rebuild her career on her own terms. We dive into the practical lessons too; why release timelines matter in record deals, how artists can leverage platforms like YouTube to stay active, and the importance of developing new skills when the industry isn’t moving. Snow shares her perspective on managers, independence, and why she eventually decided to build her own ecosystem from the ground up. This conversation is equal parts vulnerable and tactical. It’s a look at the music business from someone who’s lived its harshest realities and still came out with clarity, ownership, and a renewed sense of purpose. If you’re navigating your own path, artist, manager, creative, or executive, this episode will give you a blueprint grounded in honesty, resilience, and real-world experience. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1gw1OsTkuYHPVcSzys3BXp?si=w-5Rhmy-TnS4LtPoo_G6pg Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Snow Tha Product is one of the clearest examples of what real independence looks like in today’s music industry, not the aesthetic, but the infrastructure. In this conversation, Snow opens up about the reality of being a fully independent artist: building her career without a label, operating her business with family, creating her own systems, and turning her fanbase into a real community that sustains her life and art. We get into her early struggles, the misunderstandings that shaped her journey, what it means to be ahead of your time, and why autonomy became the only path that made sense. Snow breaks down her label experience, how she built a direct-to-fan ecosystem, the emotional and mental weight of independence, and the power of showing up authentically in a world that often rewards the opposite. From bilingual creativity and touring realities to the merch engine, content workflow, and personal discipline behind it all, this episode is a blueprint for any artist or creative building a career on their own terms. If you care about music, culture, leadership, or entrepreneurship, Snow’s story is a masterclass in authenticity, resilience, and long-game thinking. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET

Victoria Monét didn’t just have a viral moment, she built one. In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Austin Dunn breaks down how Victoria’s journey from songwriter to star was powered by smart storytelling, community-driven marketing, and a deep understanding of what fans actually connect with. He shares how leveraging her work with Ariana Grande, using faceless pages, and focusing on low-cost but high-impact content helped build a movement around her music. From the viral Sol Blume performance to the now-iconic “Sum Cut” Challenge, this is a masterclass in how to grow a fanbase through authenticity, strategy, and consistency. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/30xK6cQ7CM379uuTuvK6T8?si=WHE9_oBBTtqYM8R0hZZ3Jg Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

The way artists connect with fans is evolving, and Austin Dunn has been studying the shift in real time. In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Austin breaks down the new rules of content in the music business: why vertical video wins, how authentic storytelling builds audience trust, and what it really means to stay “cool” online. Using examples from artists like Jessie Reyez and Sasha Keable, he shares the creative and strategic playbook behind content that actually connects, not just performs. For any artist or manager trying to stay relevant in 2025 and beyond, this conversation is a masterclass in how to make your message move. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/30xK6cQ7CM379uuTuvK6T8?si=WHE9_oBBTtqYM8R0hZZ3Jg Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

The rules of digital marketing in music have changed, and Austin Dunn has lived every version of them. In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Austin breaks down how music marketing has evolved from the height of COVID to where it’s heading by 2026. From the rise and fall of influencer campaigns to the dominance of TikTok and user-generated content, this is a real look at how attention actually moves online. He also gets into why authenticity still wins, why major label strategies are struggling, and how repetition, not virality, builds real momentum. If you’re serious about understanding how to grow in today’s digital landscape, this episode is your blueprint. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/30xK6cQ7CM379uuTuvK6T8?si=WHE9_oBBTtqYM8R0hZZ3Jg Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Before algorithms ran the music business, Austin Dunn was already building his own. In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Austin breaks down the SoundCloud era, from bot networks and repost hacks to turning underground records into viral movements. He shares how those same tactics helped launch artists like 6ix9ine and Trippie Redd, and how a kid studying accounting turned his early experiments into a full-blown career in digital marketing. If you’re an artist, manager, or strategist looking to understand how songs really break online, this conversation is your blueprint. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/30xK6cQ7CM379uuTuvK6T8?si=WHE9_oBBTtqYM8R0hZZ3Jg Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Most artists are chasing the algorithm.Austin Dunn built systems that outsmart it. In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook Podcast, I sit down with Austin Dunn, digital strategist, cultural curator, and founder of @rnbmusic, one of the most influential community pages in music. Before most labels understood content seeding, Austin was already engineering digital ecosystems, helping artists like Victoria Monét, 6ix9ine, and Teddy Swims break through the noise by focusing on storytelling over virality. We talk about the early SoundCloud era, the rise of meme pages, and how community-driven platforms quietly became the new gatekeepers of culture. Austin shares his journey from building @rnbmusic to running global digital campaigns, and why the future of artist growth depends on narrative, not algorithms. This episode is for anyone working in the modern music business, artists, managers, marketers, or executives, who wants to understand how culture actually moves online. Because the truth is:You don’t need to go viral.You need a story worth following. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET

What if the key to building a real music career wasn’t luck, playlists, or connections, but how you show up online? In this clip, Nic D breaks down how he turned content into a career. No label. No team. No shortcuts. Just strategy, discipline, and storytelling. From recording songs in a minivan during the pandemic to going viral on TikTok, Nic shares how creativity, consistency, and what he calls “delusional self-belief” built the foundation for 1.5 billion streams. This conversation is for any artist trying to build an audience from scratch and every manager learning how to guide them. Topics include: How to approach content as an artist Building momentum without industry connections Turning limitations into leverage Why consistency matters more than virality The power of mindset and self-belief Whether you’re an independent artist, music exec, or creative entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical insights and frameworks for growth. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/10DPIZCQj0y3LYNTYgo3Yy?si=etxiAgH1TJOVZRCaJjeQ-g Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

What if walking away from touring wasn’t a step back, but the smartest move an artist could make? In this conversation, Nic D opens up about why he turned down major touring opportunities to focus on family, balance, and ownership. Despite the potential for fame and fast money, he chose freedom over burnout, and built one of the most successful independent artist careers in the process. We dive into the financial reality behind touring, the myth of “you have to be everywhere,” and how streaming revenue and smart systems gave him more control than any tour could. Nic also shares how private strategy sessions and creative consistency helped him build community without sacrificing his peace. This isn’t about rejecting success. It’s about redefining it. Topics include: Why Nic D chooses not to tour Balancing family, fulfillment, and music The mental and financial cost of touring How streaming and ownership changed the game The new definition of success for artists For every artist, manager, or creative chasing longevity, this one’s a reminder that the real win is balance. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/10DPIZCQj0y3LYNTYgo3Yy?si=etxiAgH1TJOVZRCaJjeQ-g Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

What does financial independence really look like for an artist with no label, no manager, and no team? In this clip, Nic D breaks down the real numbers behind being an independent artist, from how much he spends on production to how he tracks every dollar to stay profitable. He shares why keeping costs low, owning your masters, and thinking like a business are the keys to longevity in music. We dig into how he uses simple systems (like Excel sheets and DistroKid) to run his operation, what artists get wrong about “investing in themselves,” and why self-management has given him more control, not more chaos. It’s an honest look at money, mindset, and ownership, and why mastering all three matters more than any industry co-sign. Topics include: How to build profit as an independent artist The importance of keeping expenses low Smart budgeting and royalty splits The mindset shift from “artist” to “entrepreneur” Why ownership and control create long-term success Whether you’re an artist, manager, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation breaks down the real cost of building something sustainable in music. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/10DPIZCQj0y3LYNTYgo3Yy?si=etxiAgH1TJOVZRCaJjeQ-g Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

What if success in music had less to do with talent, and everything to do with mindset? In this conversation, Nic D breaks down the discipline, self-awareness, and consistency that helped him build a thriving career with no label, no manager, and no shortcuts. He shares what artists get wrong about deals and streaming, how to stay consistent when motivation fades, and why you can’t build momentum without mastering yourself first. We also dive into the power of practicality, the importance of audience connection, and how redefining success on your own terms can be the difference between burnout and longevity. Topics include: The mindset that drives sustainable success How to stay consistent in music and content creation The truth about record deals and streaming Building a loyal audience through value and repetition Redefining success and personal growth in music For artists, managers, and creatives who care more about building careers than chasing moments, this one’s for you. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/10DPIZCQj0y3LYNTYgo3Yy?si=etxiAgH1TJOVZRCaJjeQ-g Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

What if you built a billion-stream music career, without a label, manager, or industry connections? That’s exactly what Nic D did. From Culpeper, Virginia, he turned $250-per-song releases and short-form content into a thriving independent business, all while staying self-managed and completely in control. In this episode, Nic breaks down his entire system, from how he budgets every release to how he uses content as his live show. He shares how discipline, data, and mindset turned his catalog into consistent streaming income and freedom on his own terms. We talk about:- Building a profitable indie music model from scratch- How to release a song with $250 and break even from streams- Turning short-form content into real audience growth- Mindset, self-mastery, and creative consistency- Building community instead of chasing playlists Whether you’re an independent artist, music manager, or entrepreneur, this conversation breaks down what it really takes to win without the machine. This isn’t luck. It’s leverage.It’s the new blueprint for independence. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET

Nick Jarjour shares the inside story behind Hipgnosis Songs Fund, the company that redefined how the world values music. From his work alongside Merck Mercuriadis to building one of the most innovative catalog funds in history, Nick reveals how Hipgnosis raised the music multiple, shifted the economics of creativity, and gave songwriters the recognition they’ve long deserved. He also reflects on the creation of the Grammy Songwriter of the Year Award, the fight for fair compensation, and the deeper purpose behind being a true artist advocate. This episode is a masterclass in vision, business, and belief. A reminder that protecting the people who create culture is how you build legacy. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4cCKBEnwxpbiKPW2MPFJtn?si=-kw056BBQnKZwSC-eGyS8Q Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Nick Jarjour shares the story of Starrah, one of the most transformative songwriters in modern music. From crafting Rihanna’s “Needed Me” to shaping global hits for Camila Cabello and Maroon 5, Starrah’s journey is a masterclass in authenticity, creativity, and vision. In this conversation, Nick explores how she redefined the relationship between artist and songwriter, why context is king, and how mental health and emotional intelligence shape long-term success. He also unpacks the idea of Return on Emotion (ROE), a reminder that the most meaningful rewards in music aren’t always financial. This episode dives deep into the intersection of culture, creativity, and strategy, and what it really takes to build a legacy that lasts. A conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4cCKBEnwxpbiKPW2MPFJtn?si=-kw056BBQnKZwSC-eGyS8Q Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Nick Jarjour takes us inside the real world of music management. In this conversation, Nick breaks down what it truly means to manage artists and songwriters at the highest level: protecting their vision, aligning with their values, and helping them navigate the demands of the modern industry. He shares insights on why the best songwriters think like artists, how to build sustainable careers rooted in morals and principles, and what it takes to lead with integrity in an environment built on constant change. This episode is a masterclass in creative leadership, a must-listen for anyone serious about building a lasting career in music. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4cCKBEnwxpbiKPW2MPFJtn?si=-kw056BBQnKZwSC-eGyS8Q Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Nick Jarjour opens up about the making of In Whose Name, a powerful and deeply human documentary on Ye that explores the intersection of mental health, creativity, and control. In this conversation, Nick reflects on the challenges of protecting artistic truth while navigating the emotional and ethical weight of telling someone else’s story. It’s a rare look into what it means to balance creative freedom, responsibility, and integrity in modern culture. If you care about storytelling, leadership, and the realities of the creative industry, this one will stay with you. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4cCKBEnwxpbiKPW2MPFJtn?si=-kw056BBQnKZwSC-eGyS8Q Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Nick Jarjour has built his career around one mission: protecting the storytellers. From managing Starrah, the songwriter behind Rihanna’s “Needed Me,” to executive producing In Whose Name, one of the highest-grossing documentaries in recent years, Nick has always stood at the intersection of creativity, leadership, and responsibility. In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Nick opens up about his journey from a young songwriter to becoming one of the most respected executives in the business. He shares what it means to lead with empathy, how mental health fuels creativity, and why protecting artists, writers, and filmmakers isn’t just good leadership. It’s good business. We dive into his work with Hipgnosis Songs Fund and his mission to revalue songwriters, his philosophy around morals, values, and principles (MVP), and his perspective on the future of music through AI, blockchain, and innovation. This is a conversation about purpose, partnership, and the power of standing for the people who make culture possible. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET

What does it really take to build lasting partnerships between artists, brands, and technology? In this clip, Isabel Quinteros, SVP at Jen Music AI and former Global Music Partnerships lead at TikTok, reflects on her career journey from PR to tech, sharing lessons from campaigns with J. Cole, and Beyoncé’s Super Bowl performance. She also breaks down how to balance brand expectations with artist needs, and why the best collaborations leave everyone walking away with value. We dive into case studies like Jessie Reyez’s Jameson partnership and The Weeknd’s VR concert with TikTok, plus explore how AI is shaping the next era of music and brand integration. This is practical advice and real-world strategy for artists, managers, and brands preparing for the future of music. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7pcslHOcyo1H9LFh6WMWF8?si=XVoXX_mhSZau35nFFLCu1w Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

AI is reshaping how music is created and consumed, raising new opportunities and new risks. In this clip, Isabel Quinteros, SVP at Jen Music AI and former Global Music Partnerships lead at TikTok, joins us to discuss how AI can amplify creativity while forcing the industry to confront difficult questions about monetization, ethics, and the role of human artistry. We dive into the harsh realities of streaming payouts, the viral rise of an AI-assisted rock band, and the possibility of AI replacing artists. Isabel also shares why the human connection in music still matters, and how the industry must adapt to protect it. A conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7pcslHOcyo1H9LFh6WMWF8?si=XVoXX_mhSZau35nFFLCu1w Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

AI is changing how music is created, discovered, and experienced. In this clip, Isabel Quinteros, SVP at Jen Music AI and former Global Music Partnerships lead at TikTok, breaks down how her team is building the future of personalized music. From their patented Style Filter technology to subscription models, marketplaces, and API integrations, we explore the new tools shaping the industry. We also dive into how kids are already engaging with AI music through gaming platforms like Roblox, the rise of digital social experiences, and what niche communities mean for the future of music discoverability. This is a glimpse into where music creation is headed and why the rules are being rewritten in real time. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7pcslHOcyo1H9LFh6WMWF8?si=XVoXX_mhSZau35nFFLCu1w Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook