
The Manager's Playbook
Hosted by Mauricio Ruiz, a music industry executive of 15 years, The Manager's Playbook is your essential podcast for insights into the music industry. Whether you're an artist, aspiring manager, music industry professional, or just passionate about the behind-the-scenes of the music business, this podcast is for you. Mauricio brings you in-depth interviews with top artist managers, entertainment lawyers, and other industry execs. Each episode is packed with valuable tips, real-world experiences, and expert advice to help you navigate the complexities of the music business.
Latest episodes

Apr 16, 2025 • 1h 52min
The Manager’s Playbook 021: Promogod – Music Marketing, Monetization, Funnels, Fanbase Growth, PR, Organic vs Paid Ads & Artist Business Strategy
In Episode 021, Promogod joins The Manager’s Playbook to deliver a masterclass in modern music marketing. With over 230K Instagram followers and a track record of helping 20,000+ artists, Promo breaks down how to move from making music to building a real business. We get into the power of funnels, the role of fan data, how to retarget the right audience, and why content (not just songs) drives success.He shares strategies around micro-influencer seeding, playlist growth, D2C monetization, paid ads, and why Forever Fan and EVEN are game-changers for independent artists. Whether you're just starting or scaling, this episode is a blueprint for building long-term momentum in today’s industry.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Apr 1, 2025 • 1h 40min
The Manager’s Playbook 020: Lex Borrero Pt. 2 – The Art of Management, Loyalty, Authenticity, Sacrifice, Brand Discipline & Industry Pressure
What does Lex Borrero mean by "Managers Should Get 50%"? THE RETURN OF controversial manager Lex Borrero on The Manager's Playbook Podcast! We diveseven deeper into what it really takes to manage talent in today’s music industry. From building long-term careers to navigating brand identity and personal sacrifice, Lex offers a raw and honest look at the pressures, loyalty, and discipline required to lead at the highest level.We explore what it means to stay authentic in an industry that constantly changes, how to develop artists without losing yourself, and why management is more than a job—it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re an artist, manager, or creative entrepreneur, this episode is filled with sharp insights and hard-earned wisdom from one of the industry’s sharpest minds.

Mar 18, 2025 • 2h 11min
The Manager’s Playbook 019: Chris Anokute – Katy Perry, Iggy Azalea, Bebe Rexha, Muni Long, Rihanna, Album Creation, A&R, Gatekeepers, Market Share, Pay-to-Play, Fake Streams, Industry Secrets
In this engaging discussion, Chris Anokute, an artist development specialist with 18 years of experience, shares his insights from working with music icons like Katy Perry and Iggy Azalea. He dives into the reality of artist development, revealing the hidden tactics of pay-to-play and streaming manipulation. Chris unpacks the paths to success for breakout artists, discusses the complexities of music deal negotiations, and emphasizes the importance of mutual options in contracts. This candid conversation also highlights how authenticity and strategic engagement can empower today's artists.

Mar 4, 2025 • 2h 15min
The Manager’s Playbook 018: Rachelle Jean-Louis – Behind Victoria Monét’s Success, Artist Development, Breaking Barriers & The Business of Artist Management
From Underdog to Superstar: The Unfiltered Truth About Artist Management with Rachelle Jean-LouisWhat does it really take to break an artist into the mainstream? Rachelle Jean-Louis, manager of Victoria Monét, reveals the grit, strategy, and relentless hustle behind one of music’s most inspiring come-ups.From navigating industry gatekeepers to fighting for well-earned recognition, Rachelle takes us inside the high-stakes world of artist management—where every decision can make or break a career. She shares the setbacks, sacrifices, and defining moments that shaped Victoria’s journey, leading to Grammy nominations, the ‘Jaguar’ era, and the cultural phenomenon of ‘On My Mama.’This is more than just a conversation—it’s an inside look at the unglamorous grind behind success. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to build an artist’s legacy, hit play now.

Mar 1, 2025 • 6min
Inside the Playbook: Chip Sutherland on The One Person EVERY Recording Artist Needs
Chip Sutherland, Co-Author of ‘All You Need To Know About The Music Business’ Canadian Edition, Top Music Lawyer and Artist Manager to Feist (yes, he’s both a lawyer & manager) gives his take on today's business and the one person every recording artist needs.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/2nzVDnlBIGJF98N3hctHsuWatch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Feb 28, 2025 • 8min
Inside the Playbook: Chip Sutherland on an Artist's First Step - Manager or Lawyer?
Chip Sutherland, Co-Author of ‘All You Need To Know About The Music Business’ Canadian Edition, Top Music Lawyer and Artist Manager to Feist (yes, he’s both a lawyer & manager) gives his take on today's business and how it's INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT to explore the crucial roles of a recording artist manager and a music lawyer in navigating the music industry successfully. Listen to the full episode here -Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/2nzVDnlBIGJF98N3hctHsuWatch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Feb 27, 2025 • 10min
Inside the Playbook: Chip Sutherland on All You Need To Know About The Music Business
Chip Sutherland, Co-Author of ‘All You Need To Know About The Music Business’ Canadian Edition, Top Music Lawyer and Artist Manager to Feist (yes, he’s both a lawyer & manager) gives his take on today's business.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/2nzVDnlBIGJF98N3hctHsuWatch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Feb 26, 2025 • 10min
Inside the Playbook: Che Kothari on How he became Machel Montano’s Manager
Listen to the full episode here -Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/4ngLJkKqbpyfki3LwJwXERWatch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Feb 25, 2025 • 10min
Inside the Playbook: Che Kothari on How To FIX Your Spiritual Burnout
Struggling with spiritual burnout in the fast-paced music industry? Che Kothari, manager to King of Soca Machel Montao discusses effective strategies to help us discover practical tips to reignite your passion and well-being. This guide offers actionable steps to balance your energy, establish healthy routines, and reconnect with your inner purpose. Learn how to navigate the demands of the industry while nurturing your spirit, ensuring sustainable success and fulfillment. Transform your approach to work and life with these essential strategies for overcoming burnout and achieving holistic growth.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/4ngLJkKqbpyfki3LwJwXERWatch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Feb 24, 2025 • 13min
Inside the Playbook: Che Kothari on How To Identify a GREAT Artist!
Listen to the full episode here -Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/4ngLJkKqbpyfki3LwJwXERWatch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.