Jared Cotter is the manager behind one of the biggest independent success stories of the decade.
In this episode, we talk about how Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” made history, spending 19 weeks at #1 and tying the record set by Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road”. But unlike most chart-toppers, this run happened completely independent, through Empire and his record label, American Dogwood.
Jared shares what it’s really like to manage a superstar in real time: the chaos, the delegation, the importance of building the right team, and how to keep artists balanced when the pressure is nonstop. We also dive into the nuances of publishing deals, the unexpected opening in country music, and the launch of his 3AM Records label, a venture spotlighting global voices that deserve more recognition.
This is more than a story about a hit song. It’s about leadership, trust, and what independence at scale really looks like in today’s music industry.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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The Manager's Playbook