Inside the Playbook: Nick Ruffalo on The Real Reason Fans Aren't Connecting With Your Music

What separates artists who get skipped from those who build legacy?

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Nick Ruffalo, SVP of Digital at Big Loud Rock and founder of Unleashed, to unpack what it really takes to build an artist brand that connects.

They dive into why great music isn’t enough anymore, how the 80/20 rule still shapes careers, and why understanding your archetype might be the unlock your brand has been missing. From the creator to the rebel to the best friend, Nick explains how artists can build clarity, audience, and authenticity in a noisy landscape.

This isn’t about surface-level content tips. It’s about the mindset, strategy, and discipline behind modern artist development. If you’re serious about building something that lasts, this episode is for you.

A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/064FyRu3z56AGb77HHmfCT?si=Vi-QAD-9T16OP5-xDDVl6A

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook