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.
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
