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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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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
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=1KnMQX9ITwmvI2xDUpNQgwWatch 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=1KnMQX9ITwmvI2xDUpNQgwWatch 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=1KnMQX9ITwmvI2xDUpNQgwWatch 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=1KnMQX9ITwmvI2xDUpNQgwWatch 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/@managersplaybookNew 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_G6pgWatch 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_G6pgWatch 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_G6pgWatch 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_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
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