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Hosted by Mauricio Ruiz, a music industry executive of 15 years, The Manager's Playbook is your essential podcast for insights into the music industry. Whether you're an artist, aspiring manager, music industry professional, or just passionate about the behind-the-scenes of the music business, this podcast is for you. Mauricio brings you in-depth interviews with top artist managers, entertainment lawyers, and other industry execs. Each episode is packed with valuable tips, real-world experiences, and expert advice to help you navigate the complexities of the music business.
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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_G6pgWatch 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/@managersplaybookNew 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_oBBTtqYM8R0hZZ3JgWatch 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_oBBTtqYM8R0hZZ3JgWatch 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_oBBTtqYM8R0hZZ3JgWatch 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_oBBTtqYM8R0hZZ3JgWatch 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/@managersplaybookNew 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 artistBuilding momentum without industry connectionsTurning limitations into leverageWhy consistency matters more than viralityThe power of mindset and self-beliefWhether 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-gWatch 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 tourBalancing family, fulfillment, and musicThe mental and financial cost of touringHow streaming and ownership changed the gameThe new definition of success for artistsFor 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-gWatch 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 artistThe importance of keeping expenses lowSmart budgeting and royalty splitsThe mindset shift from “artist” to “entrepreneur”Why ownership and control create long-term successWhether 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-gWatch 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 successHow to stay consistent in music and content creationThe truth about record deals and streamingBuilding a loyal audience through value and repetitionRedefining success and personal growth in musicFor 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-gWatch 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 playlistsWhether 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/@managersplaybookNew 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-eGyS8QWatch 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-eGyS8QWatch 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-eGyS8QWatch 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-eGyS8QWatch 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/@managersplaybookNew 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_mhSZau35nFFLCu1wWatch 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_mhSZau35nFFLCu1wWatch 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_mhSZau35nFFLCu1wWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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