The Manager's Playbook

We revisit the origin story of Jessie Reyez’s breakout hit “Figures” from a chance car ride in Sweden to a full-blown industry bidding war. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how one song sparked a movement, shifting careers and commanding attention across major labels. We explore the key moments that shaped the journey: gut decisions, hard conversations, and the conviction it takes to bet on yourse...

Jessie Reyez and Byron Wilson take you deep into the real-life dynamics of the music industry, from conflict resolution to creative breakthroughs. We explore how mastering communication, sometimes just picking up the phone, can break down barriers. The conversation highlights the power of sequencing, the evolution of song ideas, and what really happens behind the studio doors when flexibility meet...

In this clip, Director X unpacks the creative mindset behind some of the most iconic music moments of the last decade, from Hotline Bling to Life is Good . Through real stories involving Drake, Jay-Z, and Justin Bieber, we explore why holding onto your best ideas can cost you, and why “Don’t get too precious” might be the advice that changes your approach to creativity for good. This is more than...

In this episode, Nick Raphael gets real about one of the biggest misconceptions in the music industry: talent alone doesn’t break artists. Effort does . We explore why consistent output, audience building, and a clear narrative are just as important as the music itself. From early-stage grind to honest assessments of follower counts and streams, Nick lays out what readiness really looks like. With...

Before the billion-dollar empire, Jay-Z was just an overlooked artist with a brilliant album, and no U.S. label willing to take the risk. In this episode, Nick Raphael, former President of Capitol Records UK, shares the inside story of how he and Christian Tattersfield signed Jay-Z in 1996 from a small office in London. It’s a raw look at what it means to trust your instinct and bet big when every...

In this episode, Nick Raphael, former President of Capitol Records UK, pulls back the curtain on what actually makes or breaks an artist’s career. It’s not just about talent. It’s about having the right manager, the right strategy, and the ability to build meaningful connections. Nick unpacks why likability often beats raw skill, how inexperience at the management level can derail momentum, and wh...

In this episode, Nick Raphael, former President of Capitol Records UK, uncovers a core truth of the music business: a hit record means nothing without the right artist. We dive into why some tracks never break through, even when they’re brilliant, and why fan connection, team alignment, and timing can turn a decent song into a global moment. Nick shares the story behind Empire State of Mind , expl...

In this episode, legendary filmmaker Director X breaks down how to cut through the noise in a content-heavy world, and why the best visuals aren’t always the most expensive. From using real locations and dynamic transitions to anchoring every shot in emotional truth, X reveals how resourceful creativity wins. But beyond technique, this episode is a deeper dive into the mindset behind iconic visual...

In this episode, legendary music video director Director X breaks down the role of music videos in 2024, and why they still matter in a world dominated by streamers and short-form content. From drawing out deeply personal performances from artists like Usher and Zayn to recounting the untold stories behind shelved big-budget productions, X shares what really happens behind the lens. He also reflec...

Ruiz and Byron take you on a journey through the discovery and management of the phenomenal Jessie Reyez. It all began in 2013 with a serendipitous Facebook connection that led to an unexpected musical spark. They share the thrilling tension of first hearing Jessie's raw talent, her voice so unique, Ruiz, then manager of Jessie and now host of The Manager’s Playbook Podcast, initially hesitate...

In this no-fluff episode of The Manager’s Playbook , Byron Wilson breaks down what most labels won’t say out loud: the real grind behind building a music career. From signing deals to hitting the road, we explore why autonomy is everything, how touring and merch often pay more than streaming, and why going viral isn’t random—it’s strategy meeting preparation. You’ll hear how opening slots can beco...

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook , Mauricio Ruiz and Byron Wilson reflect on the unexpected journey that led them to discover and develop Jessie Reyez, one of the most distinctive voices in music today. It began in 2013 with a Facebook connection that sparked something rare. From first hearing her voice and sensing both excitement and hesitation, to witnessing the viral impact of “Figures...

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook , we sit down with legendary music executive Nick Raphael, whose journey spans signing Jay Z, launching Sam Smith, and leading Capitol UK before founding his own indie powerhouse. Nick opens up about navigating a health crisis in 2013 and returning stronger with global hits. He shares how streaming transformed music distribution and why today’s artists nee...

Go behind the scenes of high-stakes music management with Cory Litwin - the powerhouse manager behind Murda Beatz and other top producers. In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook , Cory breaks down how to land major record placements, negotiate complex contracts, and secure fair splits in songwriting and publishing. From protecting your clients to building industry-shifting relationships, this c...

Ever wondered how Drake’s “Nice for What” came to life? In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook , Corey Litwin takes us behind the scenes of the legendary night it all came together - from losing to Drake in 2K to Murda Beatz crafting the beat in real time, and a casual convo that led to sampling Lauryn Hill’s “Ex-Factor.” One penthouse. One spark. 45 minutes later - a chart-topping anthem was b...

How do you go from throwing parties to managing major artists? Cory Litwin has the blueprint. In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook , Cory shares his journey from club promotions to working with Murda Beatz, Roy Woods, Jessie Reyez. And even closing deals with legends like Snoop Dogg. From bold networking moves to brand-building (yes, even custom grills), Cory drops real-world gems on what it...

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook , Former SVP of Interscope Records, Nick Groff, unpacks the modern manager’s role, especially in today’s independent landscape. From handling distribution and tour logistics to navigating brand strategy, social media, and global team building, Nick breaks down the expanded responsibilities and rising pressures facing artist managers today. We also dig into...

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook , Former SVP of Interscope Records, Nick Groff, breaks down what every artist and manager should understand before signing a major label deal. From creative control to recoupment terms, he unpacks the details that can make or break a career and the common points of tension between artists and labels. We dive into smart negotiation, building the right team,...

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook , Nick Groff shares his unfiltered journey from unpaid intern to shaping major releases at Interscope Records. He breaks down the real moves that opened doors: building trust, creating value before having a title, and learning to recognize hits before anyone else. It’s a raw, behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to break into the music industry...

On this episode of The Manager’s Playbook , former Interscope SVP Nick Groff pulls back the curtain on the evolving role of A&R at the major-label level. With a career that includes work with Billie Eilish, Avicii, Jacob Collier, and MGK, Nick shares what it really takes to spot talent, develop artists, and balance passion with data in today’s fast-moving industry. Listen to the full episode h...

Kardinal Offishall joins Ruiz on The Manager’s Playbook to share his evolution from chart-topping artist to global music executive. In this episode, Kardinal walks us through his journey from Universal Canada to becoming Global A&R Director at Def Jam. He opens up about the value of a global perspective, the role of travel in shaping his career, and how building international relationships has...

Kardinal Offishall joins Ruiz on The Manager’s Playbook to explore the powerful intersection of creativity and commerce in the music industry. In this episode, Kardinal breaks down the delicate balance between artistic expression and business strategy, likening artists to magicians and executives to scientists. He shares personal insights on authenticity, navigating industry pressures, and buildin...

On this episode of The Manager’s Playbook , Kardinal Offishall shares what it really takes to spot future stars before the world catches on. From discovering talents like Sean Paul, Estelle, Alex Da Kid, and even Rihanna, Kardinal reflects on the instincts, risks, and relationships that shaped his journey as a visionary A&R executive. This conversation dives into the art of identifying potenti...

Kardinal Offishall joins Ruiz on The Manager’s Playbook to unpack the real challenges artists and managers face behind the scenes of the music industry. From favouritism and blackballing to the fine print of label deals, Kardinal breaks it all down with hard truths and real-world examples. He dives into the difference between sales and streaming, the role of leverage in negotiations, and why under...

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook , we’re joined by Nick Groff, a veteran A&R with 16 years at Interscope and a roster that includes Billie Eilish, Jacob Collier, Machine Gun Kelly, and Avicii. Nick pulls back the curtain on what A&R really looks like at the major-label level, from discovering and developing talent to navigating data, pressure, and the realities of today’s music in...