The Manager's Playbook

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-marketWatch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠New 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=vO7b2aHjRomFvbCIxoEO5QWatch 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=vO7b2aHjRomFvbCIxoEO5QWatch 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=vO7b2aHjRomFvbCIxoEO5QWatch 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=vO7b2aHjRomFvbCIxoEO5QWatch 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 fansManagers building teams, systems, and long-term strategiesSongwriters navigating royalties, attribution, and derivativesMusic executives adapting to AI, data, and personalizationAnyone serious about building a sustainable career in musicThis 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/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠New 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=9HhtH7SYQ6aurU1fq3tF8gWatch 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=9HhtH7SYQ6aurU1fq3tF8gWatch 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=9HhtH7SYQ6aurU1fq3tF8gWatch 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/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠New 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 goalsWhether 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=IGzhU94zT2ydsy63TGkhuwWatch 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=IGzhU94zT2ydsy63TGkhuwWatch 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=IGzhU94zT2ydsy63TGkhuwWatch 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 growthThis 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=IGzhU94zT2ydsy63TGkhuwWatch 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 ecosystemsAzad 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/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠New 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-bFJ3jE1dYkQWatch 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-bFJ3jE1dYkQWatch 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-bFJ3jE1dYkQWatch 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-bFJ3jE1dYkQWatch 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 fromIf 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/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET