The Manager's Playbook

The Manager’s Playbook goes behind the scenes with Chief Zaruk & Simon Tikhman, co-founders of The Core Entertainment, as they share Chief's early days working with Nickelback, Hinder, and producer Joey Moi. Hear how those relationships led to The Core managing one of the biggest rock bands in the world—and what it takes to build trust, loyalty, and long-term success in the music business.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/6iI0OYixHL4Juuxo9RhR8c?si=3KqhoXgqTj-flDBwTzIwRwWatch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk, co-founders of The Core Entertainment, break down the evolution of artist development in the digital age. The internet may have changed the game, but cutting through the noise still takes serious work ethic. Join Tikhman and Zaruk as they share what it really takes to build lasting careers in today’s music industry and why hustle still matters more than ever.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/6iI0OYixHL4Juuxo9RhR8c?si=3KqhoXgqTj-flDBwTzIwRwWatch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Chief Zaruk and Simon Tikhman, Co-Founders of The Core Entertainment, explore how country music is shaping culture, from lifestyle and fashion to entertainment and beyond. Discover why this genre isn’t just music, but a powerful force influencing how we live, think, and connect today.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/6iI0OYixHL4Juuxo9RhR8c?si=3KqhoXgqTj-flDBwTzIwRwWatch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

In this episode ofThe Manager’s Playbook, Dame Ritter, co-founder of the influential Funk Volume label joins the show to share hard-earned lessons from building one of the most iconic independent brands of the 2010s alongside Hopsin.Dame breaks down the power of artist-manager loyalty, the real work behind brand building, and why ownership is critical in today’s music business. He reflects on Funk Volume’s rise, leveraging early platforms like Facebook, navigating the challenges of independent labels, and why reinvesting into your business is essential for long-term success.We also dive into the realities of streaming revenue, the pros and cons of licensing deals, and how Dame transitioned into the TV and film world through his work with Bigg Jah.

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.

What does Lex Borrero mean by "Managers Should Get 50%"? THE RETURN OF controversial manager Lex Borrero on The Manager's Playbook Podcast! We dive even 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.

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.

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.

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

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