The Manager's Playbook

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook , Russ delivers a hard truth: success isn’t about big budgets or major connections. It’s about clarity, consistency, and calling yourself out. He shares why even $100K won’t help if the music’s not ready, how building a home studio is a non-negotiable move, and why self-delusion is the silent killer of most careers. If you’re serious about leveling up, this i...

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook , Russ gets real about what it takes to build a $100M career as a fully independent artist. From owning 100% of his masters to mastering the mental game, Russ shares how he built a massive global audience without a label, why visuals are key to longevity, and how staying grounded has been his greatest strategy. We dive into the business side of being an ar...

Jessie Reyez joins Byron Wilson and myself to trace the rise of a movement, how the Remix Project in Toronto became a launchpad for global talent and real career growth. From a last-minute application to life-changing studio sessions, we dive into the power of mentorship, community, and creative momentum. The conversation spotlights key moments—like early collaborations with King Louie and Chance...

In this clip, Jessie Reyez joins Mauricio Ruiz and Byron Wilson to break down the power of leverage, the value of numbers, and why no artist wins alone. They explore how building community and owning your data gives artists real negotiating power, especially when stepping into label conversations. Jessie shares her experience sitting across from Sir Lucian Grainge and how clarity and confidence he...

Zach Katz shares the story behind one of the boldest moves in his career: leaving his role as President of BMG North America to co-found Raised in Space with Scooter Braun. Why walk away from the top? To reimagine what the music industry could be. Zach opens up about the emotional and strategic thinking behind his pivot, and the lessons learned from trading stability for innovation in service of a...

Music and entertainment exec, Zach Katz, lays out the 5 essential roles every artist must fill: manager, lawyer, label, publisher, and agent. But the real lesson? It’s not just about having a team. It’s about having the right team. Katz explains why each role must be filled with people who bring full commitment, not just credentials. No box-checking. No shortcuts. Just aligned, purpose-driven coll...

Zach Katz, music exec and co-founder of Fixated, breaks down a game-changing approach to creator marketing. It’s called the clipper strategy : a network of young, incentivized content creators driving virality across TikTok, Shorts, and Instagram. Zach shares how his team tapped into Discord and Twitter communities to spark real-time momentum for artists, bypassing traditional marketing models. Th...

Former BMG US President and Fixated co-founder Zach Katz shares why creators like The Sketch Real aren’t just chasing virality. They’re building businesses. We unpack: How to support creators with real operational infrastructure The power of long-form content in a short-form world Moving beyond brand deals to DTC, community, and recurring revenue Designing systems that serve creators today , not f...

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook , Zach Katz, former President of BMG US and co-founder of Beluga Heights, joins the show to unpack the evolution of creators, the future of music-business infrastructure, and why digital talent isn’t just content, it’s culture. Zach dives into why creators are no longer just influencers but CEOs of their own ecosystems, and how the industry must evolve to...

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...