Inside the Playbook: Nic D on Building a Profitable Music Career Without a Manager

What does financial independence really look like for an artist with no label, no manager, and no team?

In this clip, Nic D breaks down the real numbers behind being an independent artist, from how much he spends on production to how he tracks every dollar to stay profitable. He shares why keeping costs low, owning your masters, and thinking like a business are the keys to longevity in music.

We dig into how he uses simple systems (like Excel sheets and DistroKid) to run his operation, what artists get wrong about “investing in themselves,” and why self-management has given him more control, not more chaos.

It’s an honest look at money, mindset, and ownership, and why mastering all three matters more than any industry co-sign.

Topics include:

• How to build profit as an independent artist

• The importance of keeping expenses low

• Smart budgeting and royalty splits

• The mindset shift from “artist” to “entrepreneur”

• Why ownership and control create long-term success

Whether you’re an artist, manager, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation breaks down the real cost of building something sustainable in music.

Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/10DPIZCQj0y3LYNTYgo3Yy?si=etxiAgH1TJOVZRCaJjeQ-g

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