The Manager's Playbook

The Manager’s Playbook 009: Gordan Dillard - Doja Cat, Amir Obe, Good Day Management, In Addition, Motown, Maverick Urban, SALXCO, A&R, Artist Management, Work Ethic

Sep 10, 2024

Gordan Dillard, the powerhouse manager behind artists like Doja Cat, shares his remarkable journey in the music industry. He delves into his rise from an intern at Motown to becoming a vice president. Gordan discusses the importance of teamwork, work ethic, and authenticity, revealing how intuition fuels decision-making amidst challenges. With insights on pioneering management practices and the sacrifices required for success, he highlights the pivotal role of mentorship and support in navigating the ever-evolving music landscape.

01:33:30

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Episode guests

Gordan Dillard

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Successful artists distinguish themselves through determination, work ethic, and engaging meaningfully with their fans in a competitive landscape.

A strong support system, built on collaboration and shared vision, is essential for artists to navigate the complexities of the music industry.

Managers play a crucial role in guiding artists through challenges and must embrace adaptability, integrity, and strategic decision-making for long-term success.

Deep dives

What Makes a Superstar Artist

To become a superstar artist, determination, consistency, creativity, and a clear vision are essential qualities that differentiate artists from their peers. While talent remains vital, it is no longer sufficient on its own; artists must actively engage with their fans and navigate a competitive landscape. Successful artists demonstrate an obsession with their craft, making sacrifices that sometimes affect personal relationships, to ensure they continue to grow and evolve professionally. By having a dedicated team to support their vision and by maintaining high creative standards, these artists can stand out amidst a saturated industry.

Intro

2min

The Path to Music Stardom

5min

From Arts to Entrepreneurship: Shaping Work Ethic and Teamwork

3min

Navigating the Music Industry: From Intern to Executive

21min

Intuition and Authenticity in Music

18min

Navigating Independence in Music Management

10min

Navigating Artist Management and Industry Challenges

21min

Empowering Artists Through Effective Management Support

3min

The Lonely Pursuit of Success

7min

10.

Mentorship and Music Memories

4min

In this episode of The Manager's Playbook, we sit down with Gordan Dillard, the powerhouse manager behind superstar artists like Doja Cat. Gordan shares his incredible journey through the ups and downs of the music industry and the invaluable lessons he’s learned along the way.

From interning at Motown to working at BET, Maverick Urban, and Capitol Music Group, to co-founding Good Day Management and In Addition, Gordan offers insight into the worlds of A&R and artist management. Throughout the episode, he highlights the importance of teamwork, work ethic, and having a clear vision, while sharing behind-the-scenes stories that shaped his career.

Ladies and gentleman, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Without further ado, Gordan Dillard.

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