In episode 39 of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Milana Lewis, co-founder and CEO of STEM, to unpack the realities of today’s music business.
Milana explains why royalty accounting is still one of the industry’s biggest problems, why so many artists don’t know what they own or when they’ll get paid, and how that lack of clarity gets exploited in bad deals. She also breaks down the difference between independence and autonomy, the role of distribution vs. delivery, and what artists really need to cut through the noise.
The conversation also dives into STEM’s new partnership with Concord, the evolution of Tone, and how technology, storytelling, and team-building are reshaping the future of music.
If you’re an artist, manager, or anyone building a career in the music business, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the chaos.
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