Podcast
The Manager's Playbook
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.
- Episodes
- 395
- Releases
- Weekly
- Typical length
- 1 hr 43 min
- On air since
- 2024
- Latest episode
- 15 hours ago
Episodes
395 episodes, newest first
-
13 min
Inside the Playbook: Gustavo Lopez on Why Corporate America Still Playing Catch-Up With Latin Music Bonus
Show notes
Latin music is selling out stadiums and reaching audiences around the world. So why is corporate America still struggling to recognize its full potential?
In this conversation on The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with veteran music executive Gustavo Lopez to discuss the growing influence of Latin music, the language barriers that still exist in the industry, and what it takes to turn regional success into global recognition.
From Pitbull breaking into the mainstream to JOP building Fuerza Regida into a stadium-selling powerhouse, Gustavo explains why great music can cross borders without sacrificing its identity.
We also get into artist development, work ethic, brand partnerships, and why the biggest opportunity for Latin artists may be getting the rest of the industry to understand just how successful they already are.
A conversation worth hearing for artists, managers, and music executives looking to understand where the business is headed.
A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap.
Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: https://themanagersplaybook.com/home
Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/
Want the full conversation? TMP Patreon members get early episodes, exclusive clips, and two live Q&As with guests every month. Join at https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheManagersPlaybook
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET
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1 hr 45 min
The Manager’s Playbook: Gustavo Lopez - Fuerza Regida, Latin Music's Global Rise, Street Mob Records, Reggaeton & Artist Development (EP 90)
Episode 90
Show notes
Fuerza Regida is selling out stadiums, Latin music is dominating global charts, and independent labels are building some of the biggest businesses in music. So why is the industry still playing catch-up?
In Episode 90 of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Gustavo Lopez, the veteran music executive who helped bring reggaeton to the mainstream through Machete Music and worked with artists like Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, and Wisin & Yandel.
Now serving as president of Street Mob Records, Gustavo shares an inside look at JOP's vision for Fuerza Regida, the rise of música mexicana, and how independent artists are turning cultural influence into lasting businesses.
We get into the realities of artist development, A&R, record label deals, advances and recoupment, building strong management teams, and why Latin music's commercial power is still underestimated by much of the industry.
A conversation for artists, managers, and aspiring music executives looking to understand where the music business is headed.
A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap.
Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: https://themanagersplaybook.com/home
Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/
Want the full conversation? TMP Patreon members get early episodes, exclusive clips, and two live Q&As with guests every month. Join at https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheManagersPlaybook
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET
-
23 min
Inside the Playbook: Edgar Cutino on How Vine Created the Modern Creator Economy Bonus
Show notes
Before influencer marketing became a billion-dollar industry, Edgar Cutino was already building a business around viral creators.
In this clip from The Manager's Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Edgar Cutino, manager of Fridayy, to unpack how he went from discovering Lil Terio on Vine to building a creator network reaching over 100 million people.
Edgar shares how he turned viral content into merchandise sales, negotiated brand deals before influencer marketing was an established business, and built a multicultural marketing agency from the ground up.
We also get into his transition from talent management to television, including how cold-emailing production companies led to him executive producing a TruTV comedy series for three seasons.
A conversation about recognizing opportunities early, monetizing social media influence, building businesses around talent, and understanding when it's time to evolve.
A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap.
Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: https://themanagersplaybook.com/home
Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/
Want the full conversation? TMP Patreon members get early episodes, exclusive clips, and two live Q&As with guests every month. Join at https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheManagersPlaybook
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET
-
23 min
Inside the Playbook: Edgar Cutino on The Secret Strategy Behind Fridayy’s Rise Bonus
Show notes
How did Fridayy go from sending Instagram DMs to landing on DJ Khaled's "GOD DID" alongside Jay-Z?
In this clip from The Manager's Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Fridayy's manager, Edgar Cutino, to unpack the story behind one of music's biggest breakout moments.
Edgar shares how he discovered Fridayy on Instagram, secured an early publishing deal, and helped turn his vocal samples into a movement with Timbaland before landing the career-changing feature on "GOD DID."
We get into the negotiations behind Fridayy's feature credit, his eventual signing to Def Jam, Grammy nominations, and the realities of navigating success when everything happens at once.
A conversation about artist development, music publishing, leverage, and the persistence it takes to turn raw talent into a lasting career.
A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap.
Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: https://themanagersplaybook.com/home
Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/
Want the full conversation? TMP Patreon members get early episodes, exclusive clips, and two live Q&As with guests every month. Join at https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheManagersPlaybook
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET
-
19 min
Inside the Playbook: Edgar Cutino on Why Your Manager Should Be 'Difficult' Bonus
Show notes
Are record labels holding artists back from success?
In this clip from The Manager's Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Fridayy's manager, Edgar Cutino, for an unfiltered conversation about music industry politics, artist management, and the challenges of working with major record labels.
Edgar breaks down why independent artists should trust their instincts, how managers can hold labels accountable, and why being labeled "difficult to work with" often comes from asking the right questions.
We get into artist development, label politics, building the right team, creative freedom, and why traditional industry playbooks don't always work in today's music business.
A valuable conversation for independent artists, aspiring music managers, and executives looking to better understand how the music industry really works.
A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap.
Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: https://themanagersplaybook.com/home
Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/
Want the full conversation? TMP Patreon members get early episodes, exclusive clips, and two live Q&As with guests every month. Join at https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheManagersPlaybook
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET
-
1 hr 48 min
The Manager’s Playbook: Edgar Cutino - Fridayy, Music Industry Politics, DJ Khaled, Artist Development & Management (EP 89)
Episode 89
Show notes
In this episode of The Manager's Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Edgar Cutino, manager of Fridayy, for an unfiltered conversation about music industry politics, artist management, and what it really takes to break an artist.
From managing viral sensation Lil TerRio and building a career in television to discovering Fridayy and helping secure his breakout feature on DJ Khaled's "GOD DID", Edgar shares the lessons, relationships, and strategies that shaped his journey in the music business.
We dive into record label politics, artist development, negotiating deals, building successful teams, and why managers who demand accountability are often labeled difficult to work with. Edgar also breaks down the importance of leverage, protecting your artist, and navigating the challenges of major labels.
A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap.
Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: https://themanagersplaybook.com/home
Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/
Want the full conversation? TMP Patreon members get early episodes, exclusive clips, and two live Q&As with guests every month. Join at https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheManagersPlaybook
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET
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10 min
Inside the Playbook: Alex Lunt on Why Country Artists Have a Better Path to Success Bonus
Show notes
What makes country music one of the strongest genres for developing artists and building long-term careers?
In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Alex Lunt, founder of Type A Management and manager of Dasha, to explore what the country music industry gets right about artist development.
Alex breaks down Nashville’s songwriting community, the importance of live performances, touring opportunities, CMA Fest, and how country radio continues to influence artist growth and ticket sales.
We also get into the relationships that make the country music ecosystem unique, the role of media in breaking new artists, and why managing burnout and mental health is just as important as building momentum.
A valuable conversation for independent artists, music managers, and aspiring executives looking to understand what it takes to build a sustainable music career.
A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap.
Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: https://themanagersplaybook.com/home
Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/
Want the full conversation? TMP Patreon members get early episodes, exclusive clips, and two live Q&As with guests every month. Join at https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheManagersPlaybook
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET
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9 min
Inside the Playbook: Alex Lunt on The Social Media Strategy that Works for Independent Artists Bonus
Show notes
How do you know which content will actually help break a song before spending money on it?
In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Alex Lunt, founder of Type A Management and manager of Dasha, to break down the music marketing strategies behind building momentum in today's industry.
Alex shares how artists and managers can use Instagram Trial Reels, TikTok, content testing, and paid ads to identify what works before investing in a release campaign. He explains why testing different creative ideas matters and how to put marketing dollars behind content that's already performing.
We also get into the pressure of managing a viral hit, navigating major label decisions, and making the most of an opportunity when everything starts moving quickly.
A valuable conversation for independent artists, music managers, and aspiring executives looking to build smarter release strategies.
A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap.
Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: https://themanagersplaybook.com/home
Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/
Want the full conversation? TMP Patreon members get early episodes, exclusive clips, and two live Q&As with guests every month. Join at https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheManagersPlaybook
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET
-
25 min
Inside the Playbook: Alex Lunt on When Is The Right Time To Sign Bonus
Show notes
What does it really take to break a hit song in today's music industry?
In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Alex Lunt, founder of Type A Management and manager of Dasha, to discuss how streaming momentum attracts major labels and what it takes to turn an independent breakout into a global hit.
Alex shares the story behind Dasha’s “Austin,” the decision to partner with Warner Records, and why a great song and smart management still matter more than a massive marketing budget.
We also get into country music gatekeeping, radio politics, TikTok marketing, major label deals, and the pressure of building an artist’s career when everything starts moving at once.
A valuable conversation for independent artists, music managers, and aspiring executives trying to understand how records actually break.
A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap.
Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: https://themanagersplaybook.com/home
Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/
Want the full conversation? TMP Patreon members get early episodes, exclusive clips, and two live Q&As with guests every month. Join at https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheManagersPlaybook
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET
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1 hr 31 min
The Manager’s Playbook: Alex Lunt - Dasha, Viral Hits, Major Label Deals, Country Music & Artist Management (EP 88)
Episode 88
Show notes
In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Alex Lunt, founder of Type A Management, to break down what really happens after a song explodes.
Alex shares the story behind managing Dasha through the breakout of “Austin,” from viral TikTok momentum and line-dance culture to major label interest, global strategy, and the pressure of turning a hit song into a sustainable career.
We get into artist management, independent artist leverage, major label deals, country music’s global moment, music marketing, social content testing, radio, burnout, and the real decisions managers have to make when success starts moving faster than the team around it.
A must-listen for artists, managers, aspiring music executives, and anyone trying to understand the music business behind a viral hit.
A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap.
Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: https://themanagersplaybook.com/home
Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/
Want the full conversation? TMP Patreon members get early episodes, exclusive clips, and two live Q&As with guests every month. Join at https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheManagersPlaybook
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET
-
21 min
Inside the Playbook: JBeau Lewis on The Real Strategy Behind Booking Your First Tour Bonus
Show notes
When should an artist start touring? And when is the biggest check actually the wrong move?
UTA partner and music agent JBeau Lewis, who works with Bad Bunny and Karol G, joins Mauricio Ruiz on The Manager’s Playbook to break down what goes into building a successful touring career.
From planning your first shows and turning listeners into paying fans to choosing the right venues, promoters, and ticket prices, JBeau shares why touring strategy needs to start earlier than most artists think.
They also get into the decisions nobody sees: when to turn down a major offer, why great agents prioritize long-term careers over quick money, and how trust, teamwork, and keeping your ego in check make all the difference.
A conversation about artist development, touring, music management, and building a career that lasts, for independent artists, managers, booking agents, and the next generation of music executives.
A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap.
Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: https://themanagersplaybook.com/home
Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/
Want the full conversation? TMP Patreon members get early episodes, exclusive clips, and two live Q&As with guests every month. Join at https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheManagersPlaybook
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET
-
19 min
Inside the Playbook: JBeau Lewis on The Strategy Behind Bad Bunny's Global Success Bonus
Show notes
What makes a top agent want to bet on an artist?
UTA partner and music agent JBeau Lewis breaks down what he looks for before signing an artist, how TikTok and YouTube have changed discovery, and why talent is only one part of the equation.
JBeau also shares how UTA began working with Bad Bunny, why the team saw the global potential of Latin music early, and what it takes to build a full-service team around an artist at that level.
From artist development and management to knowing when to say no, this is a look at how great agents think and what artists, managers, and aspiring music executives should understand about building careers that last.
A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap.
Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: https://themanagersplaybook.com/home
Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/
Want the full conversation? TMP Patreon members get early episodes, exclusive clips, and two live Q&As with guests every month. Join at https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheManagersPlaybook
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET
-
14 min
Inside the Playbook: JBeau Lewis on How Bad Bunny and Karol G Took Over The World In 2026 Bonus
Show notes
What happens when the biggest moments of an artist’s career happen back-to-back?
UTA partner and music agent JBeau Lewis takes us inside Bad Bunny’s Grammy-to-Super Bowl week and Karol G’s road to headlining Coachella.
JBeau breaks down the logistics of preparing a Super Bowl halftime show in the middle of a stadium tour, what an agent actually does during a moment that big, and how Karol G’s team built a touring strategy around Coachella.
A look at the planning, pressure, and decisions behind the moments everybody else gets to watch.
For artists, managers, agents, and anyone trying to understand how the live music business really works.
A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap.
Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: https://themanagersplaybook.com/home
Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/
Want the full conversation? TMP Patreon members get early episodes, exclusive clips, and two live Q&As with guests every month. Join at https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheManagersPlaybook
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET
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1 hr 25 min
The Manager’s Playbook: JBeau Lewis - Bad Bunny, Karol G, UTA, Super Bowl, Coachella, Touring & Music Business (EP 87)
Episode 87
Show notes
What does it actually take to build a global superstar?
UTA partner and music agent JBeau Lewis joins The Manager’s Playbook to break down the strategy, teamwork, and behind-the-scenes decisions powering some of music’s biggest careers.
From Bad Bunny’s historic Grammy-to-Super Bowl week to Karol G headlining Coachella, JBeau shares what these massive moments look like from inside the team and why modern artist representation requires much more than booking shows.
He and Mauricio dig into JBeau’s journey from medical school to CAA and eventually UTA, how he evaluates artists and teams, why strategy can matter more than the biggest check, the evolution of Latin music into a global force, and what independent artists, managers, agents, and aspiring music executives can learn from careers operating at the highest level.
This is a conversation about artist management, touring strategy, team building, the music business, and how global superstars are actually built.
A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap.
Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: https://themanagersplaybook.com/home
Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/
Want the full conversation? TMP Patreon members get early episodes, exclusive clips, and two live Q&As with guests every month. Join at https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheManagersPlaybook
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET
-
17 min
Inside the Playbook: Nick Ruffalo on The Secret to Scaling Your Fanbase in 2026 Bonus
Show notes
ManyChat is making direct-to-fan marketing feel a lot more personal.
In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Nick Ruffalo breaks down how artists and managers can use Instagram DM automation, voice memo-style messages, Lightreel research, and CRM strategy to build stronger fan relationships.
Nick gets into comment-to-DM flows, tour link automation, smart delays, viral edit research, Shopify buyer data, phone numbers vs emails, and why a smaller list of high-intent fans is more valuable than a huge list that never converts.
A practical conversation for artists, managers, and music marketers trying to turn followers into real fans and build systems that actually move with the artist.
A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap.
Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: https://themanagersplaybook.com/home
Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/
Want the full conversation? TMP Patreon members get early episodes, exclusive clips, and two live Q&As with guests every month. Join at https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheManagersPlaybook
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET
-
23 min
Inside the Playbook: Nick Ruffalo on How To Scale Your Music on Spotify Bonus
Show notes
Spotify data can tell you when to spend and when to wait.
In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Nick Ruffalo breaks down how artists and managers should think about music marketing budgets, release strategy, and scaling songs with real audience signals.
Instead of throwing money at every record, Nick explains why the shape of growth matters more than the size of the budget. He gets into Spotify for Artists metrics, streams per listener, source of streams, algorithmic playlists, catalog songs, and how to know when a song is worth pushing harder.
A practical conversation for artists, managers, and music marketers trying to use data without letting it kill the creative instinct.
A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap.
Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: https://themanagersplaybook.com/home
Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/
Want the full conversation? TMP Patreon members get early episodes, exclusive clips, and two live Q&As with guests every month. Join at https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheManagersPlaybook
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET
-
16 min
Inside the Playbook: Nick Ruffalo on How to Test Your Music Before Release Bonus
Show notes
Fan pages changed music marketing.
In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Nick Ruffalo breaks down how fan pages, edit pages, and A/B testing can help artists build demand before a song is even released.
Nick explains how to test content like a marketer without losing the creative instinct: change one variable at a time, study what moves, and use the data to understand what fans actually care about.
We get into viral music content, pre-release strategy, teasing songs early, TikTok and Meta retargeting, and why engaged fans are always more valuable than empty views.
A sharp, practical clip for artists, managers, and music marketers trying to stop guessing and start building real momentum.
A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap.
Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: https://themanagersplaybook.com/home
Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/
Want the full conversation? TMP Patreon members get early episodes, exclusive clips, and two live Q&As with guests every month. Join at https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheManagersPlaybook
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET
-
1 hr 58 min
The Manager’s Playbook: Nick Ruffalo II - Artist Marketing, Fan Pages, ManyChat, Audience Strategy & Music Business (EP 86)
Episode 86
Show notes
Most artists don’t have a content problem. They have a fan-building problem.
In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits back down with Nick Ruffalo, SVP of Audience Engagement at Big Loud, to break down the biggest mistake artists and teams are making in modern music marketing.
Nick dives into fan pages, ManyChat automation, Instagram group chats, Spotify for Artists data, retargeting ads, content testing, audience strategy, and why views alone don’t equal real fans.
This conversation is a practical playbook for artists, managers, marketers, and music executives trying to understand how to build demand, capture attention, and turn casual listeners into a real fanbase.
Whether you’re developing an artist, planning a release, building a content strategy, or trying to understand what actually moves the needle in today’s music business, this episode is packed with insights you can apply immediately.
A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap.
Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: https://themanagersplaybook.com/home
Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/
Want the full conversation? TMP Patreon members get early episodes, exclusive clips, and two live Q&As with guests every month. Join at https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheManagersPlaybook
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET
-
15 min
Inside the Playbook: Asa Asika on The Reality of Breaking Records in the TikTok Era Bonus
Show notes
In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Asa Asika, longtime manager of Davido and co-founder of The Plug, talks about protecting the art before chasing the business.
Asa breaks down why music has to stay rooted in creativity, instinct, and purpose, even as the industry shifts toward independence, platform-driven discovery, and new ways of building global careers.
He also shares key moments from Davido’s journey, including taking risks with early DJ support, launching the “Who Is Davido?” documentary, and turning a birthday post into a major brand partnership.
A sharp conversation on creativity, independence, artist strategy, brand building, and using star power for something bigger than music.
A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap.
Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: https://themanagersplaybook.com/home
Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/
Want the full conversation? TMP Patreon members get early episodes, exclusive clips, and two live Q&As with guests every month. Join at https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheManagersPlaybook
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET
-
16 min
Inside the Playbook: Asa Asika on How To Get Brands To Pay Your Artist Bonus
Show notes
In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Asa Asika, longtime manager of Davido and co-founder of The Plug, breaks down how brand deals, DJs, promoters, and local culture all connect when you’re building a global artist.
Asa talks through Davido’s partnerships with brands like Martell, Puma, PlayStation, and major African phone companies, while explaining why artists have to be careful not to turn their platforms into nonstop ads.
He also gets into the shift in Lagos nightlife, why the industry needs to stop calling every African sound “Afrobeats,” and how trusted DJs, street teams, and local promoters help move records and sell tickets around the world.
A real look at brand strategy, touring, Afrobeats, Nigerian music, and how culture actually travels.
A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap.
Book a 1-on-1 meeting with the guests you’ve been watching. See who's available on The Manager's Marketplace: https://themanagersplaybook.com/home
Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/
Want the full conversation? TMP Patreon members get early episodes, exclusive clips, and two live Q&As with guests every month. Join at https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheManagersPlaybook
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET
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