
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

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

Feb 23, 2025 • 7min
Inside the Playbook: Matthew Burnett and Jordan Evans on How Daniel Caesar EXPLODED WITHOUT a Major Record Label
In this Clip with Daniel Caesar's team of Matthew Burnett, Jordan Evans and more discover how Daniel Caesar rose to fame as an independent artist, achieving music success without signing to a record label. This video dives into his journey as a self-made artist, navigating the music industry as a TRUE DIY musician! From viral success and hit songs to building a loyal fan base, learn about Daniel Caesar's breakthrough and the strategies behind his music achievements his team created to win BIG! As an unsigned artist, Daniel Caesar's independent success is a testament to the power of talent and perseverance. Explore how he gained music recognition and grew his career without a label, becoming a prominent indie artist. This story highlights the rise of a self-made musician, showcasing the impact of independent growth and no-label success. Get inspired by his music journey, marketing strategies, and the importance of artist independence in the modern music industry.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/4B3L4MrDrl3wcCqWD6dBYCWatch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Feb 22, 2025 • 13min
Inside the Playbook: Matthew Burnett and Jordan Evans on Why they REFUSED 'Manager' Title's
Matthew Burnett and Jordan Evans, the powerhouse producers behind Daniel Caesar's success, took on all the management duties for the rising star. Despite their extensive involvement, they hesitated to embrace the title of managers. This reluctance stemmed from their primary identity as producers and their dedication to maintaining artistic integrity without being boxed into a conventional managerial role. Their journey illustrates the nuanced dynamics of navigating the music industry while staying true to their creative roots.Throughout their tenure with Daniel Caesar, Burnett and Evans skillfully balanced the challenges of independence and leveraged grant funding to propel his career forward. They deftly handled major record label bidding wars and guided the team through the intense streaming wars between Apple Music and Spotify. Despite Caesar's impressive achievements, including the 'Freudian' Tour, he never went viral for his music alone, highlighting the importance of strategic management. Burnett and Evans' story underscores the complexities of artist management in the modern music landscape, where creativity and business acumen must harmonize.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/4B3L4MrDrl3wcCqWD6dBYCWatch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Feb 21, 2025 • 18min
Inside the Playbook: Matthew Burnett and Jordan Evans on The UNTOLD Story of Daniel Caesars 'BEST PART'
In this clip of The Manager's Playbook podcast, host Mauricio Ruiz sits down with renowned producers and artist managers Matthew Burnett and Jordan Evans. Together, they delve into the making of Daniel Caesar's hit record "Best Part" featuring H.E.R., sharing insights from conception to creation. They also discuss the collaborative dynamics of co-managing, insights into their partnership with Golden Child Recordings and the structure of the deal of "Best Part" with RCA, and the marketing and promotion strategies that drove the record's success.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/4B3L4MrDrl3wcCqWD6dBYCWatch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Feb 20, 2025 • 10min
Inside the Playbook: Matthew Burnett and Jordan Evans on The UNTOLD Story of Daniel Caesar
In this clip of The Manager's Playbook podcast, host Mauricio Ruiz sits down with renowned producers and artist managers Matthew Burnett and Jordan Evans. Together, they delve into the making of Daniel Caesar's hit record "Best Part" featuring H.E.R., sharing insights from conception to creation. They also discuss the collaborative dynamics of co-managing, insights into their partnership with Golden Child Recordings and the structure of the deal of "Best Part" with RCA, and the marketing and promotion strategies that drove the record's success.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/4B3L4MrDrl3wcCqWD6dBYCWatch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Feb 19, 2025 • 19min
Inside the Playbook: Lex Borrero on Why Uplifting Latin Culture Matters
In this clip The Manager's Playbook Podcast, Mauricio Ruiz is joined by Lex Borrero, Artist Manager for TAINY and Co-Founder of NEON16 & NTERTAIN. Together, they dive into what makes a great artist manager in 2024, discussing the evolving industry landscape and the the debate between commissions and partnerships.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/4VtA2DkxKqgqwuEL3iDO9RWatch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Feb 18, 2025 • 12min
Inside the Playbook: Lex Borrero on the BEST ADVICE FOR ASPIRING ARTIST MANAGERS
In this episode of The Manager's Playbook Podcast, Mauricio Ruiz is joined by Lex Borrero, Artist Manager for TAINY and Co-Founder of NEON16 & NTERTAIN. Together, they dive into what makes a great artist manager in 2024, discussing the evolving industry landscape and the the debate between commissions and partnerships.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/4VtA2DkxKqgqwuEL3iDO9RWatch the Episodes On Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook