The Manager's Playbook

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Russ gets real about what it takes to build a $100M career as a fully independent artist.From owning 100% of his masters to mastering the mental game, Russ shares how he built a massive global audience without a label, why visuals are key to longevity, and how staying grounded has been his greatest strategy.We dive into the business side of being an artist: revenue, fan engagement, team dynamics, and the value of never selling out. Whether you’re an artist, manager, or builder in the creator economy, this episode is packed with practical gems and hard-won wisdom.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Watch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Jessie Reyez joins Byron Wilson and myself to trace the rise of a movement, how the Remix Project in Toronto became a launchpad for global talent and real career growth.From a last-minute application to life-changing studio sessions, we dive into the power of mentorship, community, and creative momentum. The conversation spotlights key moments—like early collaborations with King Louie and Chance the Rapper, that helped expand reach and reshape futures.More than a music story, this is a testament to what happens when talent meets opportunity and why investing in people always pays off.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2hAbFlAG4IT6uL0MTaZEQR?si=4a40xtKHSEKbCJWS_JwG0wWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this clip, Jessie Reyez joins Mauricio Ruiz and Byron Wilson to break down the power of leverage, the value of numbers, and why no artist wins alone.They explore how building community and owning your data gives artists real negotiating power, especially when stepping into label conversations. Jessie shares her experience sitting across from Sir Lucian Grainge and how clarity and confidence helped her take control of the moment.From team trust to long-game strategy, this conversation is packed with honest insights and hard-earned lessons for artists, managers, and anyone building something that lasts.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2hAbFlAG4IT6uL0MTaZEQR?si=4a40xtKHSEKbCJWS_JwG0wWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Zach Katz shares the story behind one of the boldest moves in his career: leaving his role as President of BMG North America to co-found Raised in Space with Scooter Braun.Why walk away from the top? To reimagine what the music industry could be.Zach opens up about the emotional and strategic thinking behind his pivot, and the lessons learned from trading stability for innovation in service of artists. It’s a rare look at leadership, risk, and long-term vision.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/1RUxN34JoqHYCsUZTldXRW?si=cnwTek1cRB2pQc1_20KSbgWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Music and entertainment exec, Zach Katz, lays out the 5 essential roles every artist must fill: manager, lawyer, label, publisher, and agent. But the real lesson?It’s not just about having a team. It’s about having the right team. Katz explains why each role must be filled with people who bring full commitment, not just credentials. No box-checking. No shortcuts. Just aligned, purpose-driven collaboration.A must-listen for artists, managers, and anyone serious about long-term growth in music.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/1RUxN34JoqHYCsUZTldXRW?si=cnwTek1cRB2pQc1_20KSbgWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Zach Katz, music exec and co-founder of Fixated, breaks down a game-changing approach to creator marketing.It’s called the clipper strategy: a network of young, incentivized content creators driving virality across TikTok, Shorts, and Instagram. Zach shares how his team tapped into Discord and Twitter communities to spark real-time momentum for artists, bypassing traditional marketing models.This is about more than just trends. It’s about building with the internet’s most powerful subcultures before the industry catches on.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/1RUxN34JoqHYCsUZTldXRW?si=cnwTek1cRB2pQc1_20KSbgWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Former BMG US President and Fixated co-founder Zach Katz shares why creators like The Sketch Real aren’t just chasing virality. They’re building businesses.We unpack:How to support creators with real operational infrastructureThe power of long-form content in a short-form worldMoving beyond brand deals to DTC, community, and recurring revenueDesigning systems that serve creators today, not five years agoThis episode is a blueprint for anyone serious about the creator economy. It’s not about hype. It’s about strategy, structure, and sustainable success.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/1RUxN34JoqHYCsUZTldXRW?si=cnwTek1cRB2pQc1_20KSbgWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Zach Katz, former President of BMG US and co-founder of Beluga Heights, joins the show to unpack the evolution of creators, the future of music-business infrastructure, and why digital talent isn’t just content, it’s culture.Zach dives into why creators are no longer just influencers but CEOs of their own ecosystems, and how the industry must evolve to support them with real structure. From his time at FaZe to his current work with Fixated, a creator-first fund, Zach breaks down what it takes to lead with intention and build trust in 2025.We also explore the power of livestream platforms, why Kai Cenat is the new Fallon, and the lessons music execs can learn from digital-first strategy.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Watch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

We revisit the origin story of Jessie Reyez’s breakout hit “Figures” from a chance car ride in Sweden to a full-blown industry bidding war.It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how one song sparked a movement, shifting careers and commanding attention across major labels. We explore the key moments that shaped the journey: gut decisions, hard conversations, and the conviction it takes to bet on yourself.This clip also unpacks the artist-manager relationship and the non-negotiables that shaped Jessie’s path: authenticity, respect, and control. A powerful story about creative instinct, industry leverage, and building with integrity.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2hAbFlAG4IT6uL0MTaZEQR?si=4a40xtKHSEKbCJWS_JwG0wWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Jessie Reyez and Byron Wilson take you deep into the real-life dynamics of the music industry, from conflict resolution to creative breakthroughs.We explore how mastering communication, sometimes just picking up the phone, can break down barriers. The conversation highlights the power of sequencing, the evolution of song ideas, and what really happens behind the studio doors when flexibility meets pressure.But it’s not just about the work. We dig into the psychology of success: fear, self-doubt, and what it means to push past internal limits. The importance of community, rest, and finding clarity,especially during moments like the COVID-19 pause, round out this candid, high-impact session.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2hAbFlAG4IT6uL0MTaZEQR?si=4a40xtKHSEKbCJWS_JwG0wWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook