The Manager's Playbook

The role of a business manager has never been more important for artists.In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Dan Gonzalez breaks down how the job has evolved from simple bill payments and taxes to becoming the backbone of an artist’s entire financial structure. With music distribution decentralized and artists taking on more responsibilities than ever, the right business manager can mean the difference between growth and chaos.We cover the key differences between business managers and artist managers, why back office functionality matters, and how artists can set up financial structures to support long-term success. Dan also dives into boutique vs. corporate business management, tax strategies, the use of trusts and holding companies, and what to consider when taking an advance.Whether you’re an artist building from scratch or managing a global career, this conversation offers practical insights into protecting money, scaling income, and planning for the future.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2lmWwVgXp1Fpnx2uBKMxne?si=_7xXZfGVQWeT2xgOEtRM2gWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Dan Gonzalez, a seasoned business manager in the music industry, shares his insights on the financial aspects of an artist's career. He explains how business managers serve as the CFOs of the music world, emphasizing the importance of smart financial strategies in avoiding bankruptcy. The conversation dives into the complexities of music catalogs as investments and the pivotal role of family offices in wealth management. Additionally, Dan addresses the impact of AI on business processes, highlighting how artists can structure their finances effectively for long-term success.

Hit-Boy has leveled up, not just as a producer, but as a person.In this conversation, he talks about upgrading his lifestyle and workspace to unlock peak creativity, balancing fatherhood with a relentless creative output, and quietly building an empire that spans music, film scores, video games, and major brand partnerships.We dive into the freedom and challenges of independence, the role of momentum in sustaining creativity, and why having the right environment, and the right people, is non-negotiable. Hit-Boy also shares his perspective on social media, algorithms, and why authenticity will always cut through.It’s a blueprint for building a self-contained creative ecosystem, overcoming industry constraints, and making work that lasts.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/3vgeQK1y8h1fuPAsFwOgc7?si=s6-n7HMKS4qc5ZsA1QN2uAWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Ownership isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the difference between building a career you control and one that controls you.In this clip, Hit-Boy, his manager Nima Nasseri, and I break down the mechanics of the modern music business through the lens of artists like Russ, who’ve built massive success independently. From the shift in revenue models and the evolving role of labels, to the rise of distribution companies and the power of catalogs, we explore how today’s artists can create real value on their own terms.We also dig into the importance of a strong managerial ecosystem, the realities of streaming-era revenue, and how to position yourself for long-term wins in a constantly changing industry.For artists, managers, and entrepreneurs, this is a roadmap for playing the game without giving up the keys.Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/3vgeQK1y8h1fuPAsFwOgc7?si=s6-n7HMKS4qc5ZsA1QN2uAWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Hit-Boy spent 18 years locked in one of the toughest publishing deals in the music business, a contract built on outdated MDRC terms that kept him working without a clear finish line.In this conversation, he takes us from his early days on Section 8 housing and landing a $50,000 advance, to producing career-defining hits like N*** in Paris. He breaks down the mental toll of a bad deal, the industry lessons he picked up along the way, and the moment Jay-Z and Desiree Perez stepped in to help him win back his freedom.We dig into the importance of character, work ethic, and genuine partnerships, plus how staying a student of the game has shaped his career. For artists and producers navigating the industry, this is a blueprint for surviving, and thriving, on your own terms.Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/3vgeQK1y8h1fuPAsFwOgc7?si=s6-n7HMKS4qc5ZsA1QN2uAWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Grammy-winning producer Hit-Boy is building more than music; he’s building worlds.In this conversation, he talks about his shift from making beats to creating immersive film experiences, the hard lessons of becoming a visual artist, and how constant growth fuels his work. He opens up about collaborations with top artists, his commitment to independence, and why family remains at the center of everything he does.Hit-Boy also shares how therapy has helped him set personal and professional boundaries, and why AI is becoming a tool in his creative arsenal. It’s a masterclass in evolving without losing your core.Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/3vgeQK1y8h1fuPAsFwOgc7?si=s6-n7HMKS4qc5ZsA1QN2uAWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Grammy-winning producer Hit-Boy opens up about escaping an 18-year publishing deal, one of the most restrictive contracts in music, and the lessons learned along the way. He shares the mental toll of being trapped in outdated MDRC terms, how Jay-Z and Roc Nation helped him break free, and the creative freedom that’s fueled his most prolific run yet.Alongside his manager, Nima Nasseri, Hit-Boy reveals how they’ve built a self-contained creative ecosystem spanning music, film, brand partnerships, and multiple Grammy-winning projects. They talk ownership, autonomy, the role of AI and social media in today’s music industry, and how to balance relentless output with family and mental health.This is a blueprint for building a career on your own terms.Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET

Chris Taylor takes us inside Metric’s improbable rise, from repeated label rejections to breaking through as one of Canada’s most influential indie bands. In the early 2000s, after failed demo deals with Warner Brothers, Island Records, and Virgin, the band was at a crossroads. Refusing to let their story end there, Taylor founded Last Gang Records to give Metric their long-overdue shot.We also explore the shifting music landscape of the time, from the disruptive force of digital piracy to the emergence of indie labels and bands that redefined the industry. A conversation about resilience, vision, and what happens when you bet on the right talent.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2m8tNzMZHx1LpZtC0i9eNh?si=5XO54H5nQmiRzPOCW06jZwWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Chris Taylor’s path has been anything but linear: lawyer, label founder, and music executive with a global footprint.In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, he shares how he scaled a thriving legal practice while launching Last Gang Records, balancing the demands of both worlds, and navigating the breakthrough moments that shaped his career. From the strategies he used to build and fund his firm, to the lessons learned from working with diverse legal talent, to the ripple effect of representing Drake on the Canadian music scene, Chris pulls back the curtain on the business moves that matter.We also dive into his leap to Entertainment One (eOne), the negotiations that brought him there, and the leadership lessons he absorbed from founder Darren Troop; insights on patience, discipline, and vision that apply far beyond music.It’s a candid look at the intersection of law, music, and business growth, told by someone who’s mastered all three.Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2m8tNzMZHx1LpZtC0i9eNh?si=5XO54H5nQmiRzPOCW06jZwWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Chris Taylor remembers the moment Nelly Furtado’s music landed in his hands, and the chain reaction it set off.From self-made tracks and photo booth snapshots to sparking one of 1999’s biggest record deals, Chris takes us inside the bidding war that had David Geffen, Madonna, and the industry’s heavyweights at the table. The result? A Dreamworks deal that helped open the door for Canadian artists on a global stage.We talk spotting hits before they happen, building the right relationships, and how the tools for finding talent have evolved over the years.This isn’t just a story about signing a star; it’s a masterclass in recognizing potential and acting before anyone else sees it.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2m8tNzMZHx1LpZtC0i9eNh?si=5XO54H5nQmiRzPOCW06jZwWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook