The Manager's Playbook

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...

The Manager’s Playbook sits down with Shara Senderoff, tech entrepreneur, investor, and Forbes '30 Under 30,' to break down what it really takes to start a fund and dive into angel investing. From identifying the right opportunities to building a strong investor mindset, Shara shares her journey and the lessons she's learned while backing some of the most innovative talent in tech and...

The Manager’s Playbook dives into the incredible story of how Shara Senderoff, a visionary tech entrepreneur and Forbes '30 Under 30' honoree, sold a pitch to Steven Spielberg at just 20 years old. Shara shares how she crafted a compelling story, pitched it to one of Hollywood’s biggest names, and navigated the competitive world of film and entertainment. A must-listen for aspiring creativ...

The Manager’s Playbook features visionary tech entrepreneur and Forbes '30 Under 30' alum Shara Senderoff, as she shares the mindset that’s powered her success across music, film, and tech. From working with industry heavyweights to building game-changing ventures, Shara breaks down the approach that drives results and how you can apply it to your own career journey. Listen to the full epi...

The Manager’s Playbook sits down with music-tech entrepreneur Shara Senderoff as she shares five must-read books for anyone looking to create real change in their business and personal life. Whether you're breaking into the music industry or leveling up your career, these picks offer essential insights for growth, leadership, and long-term success. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify- ht...

The Manager’s Playbook cuts through the noise around streaming with Dame Ritter, who breaks down the real financial upside for artists who know how to leverage the numbers. From selling catalogs to attracting investors, Ritter explains how strong streaming performance can create major opportunities. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/6oorP5Yl1QWHGS14IEq2dj?...

The Manager’s Playbook takes you inside the world of launching and growing an indie label in today’s music industry. Dame Ritter shares how to structure the business, juggle multiple roles, and build momentum through content and sweat equity, without relying on a major budget. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/6oorP5Yl1QWHGS14IEq2dj?si=rGfp63rPSoiAnRzSTbbT...

The Manager’s Playbook brings real-world wisdom from Dame Ritter, founder of the Music Entrepreneur Club, on navigating the complex relationships in the music industry. From building strong artist teams to mastering the challenges of management, Ritter talks about why understanding the fundamentals, adapting quickly, and valuing experience over traditional education are key to success in today’s f...

Dame Ritter, co-founder of Funk Volume, dives into the realities of succeeding as an independent artist or manager in today’s music industry. Ritter reveals how he helped build a cult following around Hopsin, the power of community in Funk Volume’s rise, and why content, storytelling, and consistency are key to thriving in today’s digital landscape. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify- https...

The Manager’s Playbook tackles two essential topics in today’s music industry: mental health and work ethic. Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk, co-founders of The Core Entertainment, open up about the importance of supporting artists’ well-being and the relentless drive it takes to succeed. A must-listen for anyone navigating the highs and lows of the business. Listen to the full episode here - Spotif...

The Manager’s Playbook goes behind the scenes with Chief Zaruk & Simon Tikhman, co-founders of The Core Entertainment, as they share Chief's early days working with Nickelback, Hinder, and producer Joey Moi. Hear how those relationships led to The Core managing one of the biggest rock bands in the world—and what it takes to build trust, loyalty, and long-term success in the music business. Lis...

Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk, co-founders of The Core Entertainment, break down the evolution of artist development in the digital age. The internet may have changed the game, but cutting through the noise still takes serious work ethic. Join Tikhman and Zaruk as they share what it really takes to build lasting careers in today’s music industry and why hustle still matters more than ever. Listen...

Chief Zaruk and Simon Tikhman, Co-Founders of The Core Entertainment, explore how country music is shaping culture, from lifestyle and fashion to entertainment and beyond. Discover why this genre isn’t just music, but a powerful force influencing how we live, think, and connect today. Listen to the full episode here - Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/6iI0OYixHL4Juuxo9RhR8c?si=3KqhoXgqTj-f...

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook , Dame Ritter, co-founder of the influential Funk Volume label joins the show to share hard-earned lessons from building one of the most iconic independent brands of the 2010s alongside Hopsin. Dame breaks down the power of artist-manager loyalty, the real work behind brand building, and why ownership is critical in today’s music business. He reflects on F...

In Episode 021, Promogod joins The Manager’s Playbook to deliver a masterclass in modern music marketing. With over 230K Instagram followers and a track record of helping 20,000+ artists, Promo breaks down how to move from making music to building a real business. We get into the power of funnels, the role of fan data, how to retarget the right audience, and why content (not just songs) drives suc...

What does Lex Borrero mean by "Managers Should Get 50%"? THE RETURN OF controversial manager Lex Borrero on The Manager's Playbook Podcast! We dive even deeper into what it really takes to manage talent in today’s music industry. From building long-term careers to navigating brand identity and personal sacrifice, Lex offers a raw and honest look at the pressures, loyalty, and discipl...

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook , we sit down with Chris Anokute , the industry veteran behind the success of Katy Perry, Iggy Azalea, Bebe Rexha, and Muni Long . As a former major label A&R and artist developer, Chris pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to break an artist— from album creation to the hidden power plays that shape careers . We dive into the realities of art...