The Manager's Playbook - TopPodcast.com

Latest Episodes:

Inside the Playbook: Jacob Paul on How Global Music Publishing Royalties Work Feb 28, 2026

Show notes

You can be “up” on Spotify and still collect $0 in publishing royalties.

That’s the quiet trap: publishing isn’t paid by default. Master recording money tends to flow through labels and distributors. But music publishing lives in the backend, song registrations, splits, metadata, and global royalty collection, and if you don’t proactively set it up across territories, the system won’t warn you. You’ll just stay unpaid.

In this clip, Jacob Paul breaks down why “I joined ASCAP/BMI” is a great first step but not the finish line. Performing rights organizations typically focus on performance royalties and mostly collect directly in one territory, while international publishing collection often relies on reciprocal agreements that can add middlemen, slow reporting, reduce transparency, and leave real money behind, especially when mechanical royalties and worldwide streaming are involved.

That’s why global publishing administrators exist: to register songs broadly, match splits, and help creators collect publishing income more efficiently worldwide. We also touch on KOSIGN and why flexible publishing administration matters for independent artists, producers, songwriters, and managers who want systems without getting boxed into old-school deals.

Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it. KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5z09vVzFlYNzibGHcwW32U?si=2FWliP1CTUue2D8JCDt60Q

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Inside the Playbook: Jacob Paul on Music Publishing 101 Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

You can have songs moving on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, TikTok, live shows, even vinyl and still miss the money that literally belongs to you on the songwriting side.

In this clip, Jacob breaks down Music Publishing 101 in plain English: every release has two copyrights and two royalty streams, the master recording (typically flowing through a label or distributor) and the publishing/composition (songwriting) side. Here’s the catch: publishing royalties aren’t automatic payouts. If your song registrations, splits, and metadata aren’t set up correctly, the system doesn’t warn you, you just stay unpaid.

We also clear up a major misconception in the music business: signing up with a performing rights organization (ASCAP, BMI, etc.) is a great first step, but it’s not the whole publishing picture, especially when it comes to mechanical royalties and global/international royalty collection. If you’re an independent artist, producer, songwriter, or manager trying to build real systems behind the growth, this is the clip you send your team.

Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it.KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5z09vVzFlYNzibGHcwW32U?si=2FWliP1CTUue2D8JCDt60Q

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

The Manager’s Playbook 056: Jacob Paul - Music Publishing 101, Master vs Publishing, Mechanical Royalties, Global Royalties, Black Box Royalties & Catalog Ownership Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

You can build a monster Spotify audience and still collect $0 in music publishing royalties. No warning. No system message that says, “Hey, you’re leaving money behind.” That’s because publishing isn’t an automatic payout. In the music industry, master recording royalties tend to flow through distribution, but songwriter royalties only show up when the right song registrations, splits, and publishing administration systems are in place.

On this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, I’m joined by Jacob Paul (Kobalt & KOSIGN) for a straight-up Music Publishing 101 conversation for independent artists, producers, songwriters, and the managers trying to build real teams, real systems, and real financial stability. We break down master vs publishing (two copyrights, two paycheques), how performance royalties and mechanical royalties actually work in the streaming era, and why “I registered with a performing rights organization” is a starting line, not the finish line, especially when your audience goes global and international royalties enter the chat.

We also talk about the “black box;”how unclaimed royalties can become unallocated publishing royalties if metadata is wrong or registrations are late, and why moving fast matters if you want your catalog to compound like an asset instead of leaking quietly for years. If you care about artist development, music business strategy, royalty collection, publishing deals, co-publishing vs administration deals, and building an independent career that actually pays, this is the episode.

Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

If you’re earning publishing income, make sure you’re collecting all of it.KOSIGN, powered by Kobalt, offers direct global publishing collections and real-time royalty transparency in a flexible, artist-friendly format. It’s highly selective, but free to apply here: https://bit.ly/4b438pj

Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET

Inside the Playbook: Paris Cole on Artist Management for New Artists Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

In this clip, Paris Cole and I break down the real mechanics of artist development and what it takes to break an artist in today’s music business, especially when you’re building without massive budgets, teams, or infrastructure.

Paris explains why there’s no single blueprint for releasing music. A smart rollout goes beyond the songs into release strategy, sequencing, visual identity, artwork, storytelling, content planning, fan engagement, music videos, pop-ups, and live reps. Some artists build the world first, others drop music and work backward, but either way, the strategy has to match the artist’s sound and identity.

We also talk about the intangible part of A&R and management: taste. Paris describes spotting great artists as an intuitive, “spirit-led” process and why she avoids building on music she has to question. From there, we get into sustainability: choosing passion over clout, protecting your creative edge, and how she’s supported herself through consulting, styling, directing, and creative agency work, including social impact projects.

Paris shares how she was pulled back into management during COVID after Kiah Victoria insisted on playing her album, leading to an independent release during distributor turnover and corporate changes. Finally, we cover the underdog reality: the long “in-between” years before the public sees the winning season, and why some artists still need real infrastructure like studio lockouts and live musicians, not just a laptop.

Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Topics: Artist Development • Artist Management • Release Strategy • Rollout Planning • Independent Artist Strategy • A&R Taste • Creative Direction • Fan Engagement • Music Videos • Live Shows • Touring Reps • Distribution vs Labels • Studio Lockouts • Long-Game Careers

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/27QXHfulyQlwBpZBLbzVAW?si=K28OvfA_RbqVA6Wvdq7uPQ

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Inside the Playbook: Paris Cole on How to Build a Real Fanbase as an Artist Feb 22, 2026

Show notes

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Paris Cole and I break down what separates artists who build a real brand identity from artists who only get exposure.

Paris explains that it often comes down to vision, and when an artist doesn’t have it yet, that’s where the right manager, creative director, and artist development team step in to help shape and execute it. We talk about why chasing numbers can leave you “seen but not known,” and how true brand alignment creates impact that lasts beyond a moment.

We also get into the current music industry reality: labels and distributors are more risk-averse than ever, often prioritizing analytics, viral traction, and TikTok momentum, sometimes at the expense of great music and storytelling (especially in lanes like conscious rap). From there, the conversation turns practical: how independent artists build careers through strategy, narrative, live reps, ticket sales, merch, and consistent performance, even without an agent or major label push.

Finally, Paris talks about the importance of authentic fan connection, letting people in through real touch points like IG Live, pop-ups, opening slots, and community-driven moments, instead of chasing perfection.

Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Topics: Artist Development • Brand Vision • Creative Direction • Artist Management • Independent Artist Strategy • Streams vs Fans • Touring & Ticket Sales • Merch Revenue • Music Discovery • Radio Promotion • College Circuit • Fan Engagement

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/27QXHfulyQlwBpZBLbzVAW?si=K28OvfA_RbqVA6Wvdq7uPQ

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Inside the Playbook: Paris Cole on How to Build a Global Artist Feb 21, 2026

Show notes

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Paris Cole breaks down artist development through branding, styling, and creative direction and why audiences can instantly tell when an artist is “trying too hard.”

Paris explains that swag has to feel natural, and the best image-building happens through the build: inch-by-inch growth where the artist evolves in public and fans evolve with them. Using Ari Lennox and Lucky Daye as examples, she shows how intentional minimalism, timing, and consistency create trust and trust is what turns casual listeners into a real core fanbase.

We also get into the business reality: styling is a luxury service, and throwing money at glam before the music has traction often backfires. Paris shares the practical playbook for developing strong visuals on limited budgets (thrifting, consignment, tailoring, and building relationships with designers) because in the music business, taste beats budget.

Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Topics: Artist Development • Artist Branding • Visual Identity • Styling as Strategy • Creative Direction • Fanbase Building • Label Systems • Budgeting • Independent Artist Growth

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/27QXHfulyQlwBpZBLbzVAW?si=K28OvfA_RbqVA6Wvdq7uPQ

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

The Manager’s Playbook 055: Paris Cole - Artist Development, Brand Vision, Styling as Strategy, Fan Engagement & Building From Scratch Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

Paris Cole is a true music industry multi-hyphenate, artist manager, creative director, and stylist, and in this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, she breaks down what it actually takes to develop artists from the ground up.

Paris takes us from her roots in Washington, DC, nightlife, community building, radio, and learning the culture hands-on, to helping shape the early worlds around Ari Lennox and Lucky Daye. We talk about the unsexy parts of artist development that matter most: building identity in public, earning trust with fans, moving “inch by inch,” and why forcing aesthetics too early can kill authenticity.

She shares the behind-the-scenes realities of working within label systems (Dreamville/Interscope, RCA/Keep Cool), building brand consistency through visuals and styling, and managing two breakouts at once without the infrastructure people assume you have. We also get real about the business: management is a long game, money is often delayed until touring, merch, and brand deals scale, and today’s industry is increasingly driven by analytics, risk aversion, and fragmented discovery.

Paris opens up about burnout, boundaries, and how she sustained herself through styling, consulting, and a corporate chapter as Associate Creative Director at SoundCloud, before being pulled back into management by the work she truly loves: building artists with purpose.

If you’re an independent artist, an aspiring manager, or anyone trying to understand the real mechanics of the music business, this episode is a playbook.

Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET

Topics covered: Artist Management • Artist Development • Branding & Visual Identity • Styling as Strategy • Release Strategy & Rollouts • Label Politics • Touring & Ticket Sales • Fanbase Growth • Radio & College Circuit • Streams vs Real Demand • Burnout & Boundaries • Music Tech & SoundCloud • Independent Artist Strategy

Inside the Playbook: SonReal on How to Tour Without Going Broke Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

Touring isn’t just stage time. It’s a business model.

In this clip, SonReal breaks down how live shows became one of the most important parts of his career, not only as performance craft, but as a real driver of revenue. We talk about why the stage is where an artist’s brand becomes undeniable (range, presence, genre flexibility), and the lessons he took from early major tours, including direct support runs with Mac Miller and John Bellion - especially around elite show standards, set sequencing, and reworking songs for a live audience.

Then we get into the part artists and managers often ignore: touring economics. Scaling production to match your actual audience size, building a memorable show without overspending, and using projections based on ticket counts to forecast merch and VIP revenue. SonReal walks through how merch-per-head and a well-built VIP package can turn a tour into profit, without compromising the fan experience.

If you’re an independent artist, music manager, or anyone trying to understand touring strategy, live show production, merch strategy, VIP monetization, and sustainable artist careers, this clip is a blueprint.

Listen to the full episode of The Manager’s Playbook with SonReal for the complete conversation.

Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7D9QxalKTWiMrnDzZlvVll?si=pCqo0yiSSHKucJylYubzCQ

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Inside the Playbook: SonReal on How Independent Artists Can Make Real Money Feb 15, 2026

Show notes

The biggest advantage an independent artist has right now is simple: there are no rules.

In this clip, SonReal breaks down what happens when you stop waiting on label timelines and start operating like an owner. We talk direct-to-fan monetization, exclusive releases, and why indie artists can create leverage by designing their own release strategy, like dropping a mixtape exclusively on Even, or letting fans hear an album early through vinyl-first and platform access.

He also introduces Sun Squad, his subscription community on Grouped, built to “super serve” fans with weekly unreleased music, giveaways, vlogs, and planned livestreams, proof that fan engagement and community building can be a real music business model, not just a buzzword.

We zoom out on why this might be the best era ever for artists: the tools are democratized and the revenue streams are diversified; streaming income, subscriptions, platform exclusives, owning your masters, SoundExchange royalties (SiriusXM/Pandora), sync licensing, and long-term catalog monetization. SonReal also touches on music publishing strategy, including self-admin publishing and registrations, plus how he studies algorithms and iterates on content formats to drive discovery.

If you’re an independent artist, music manager, artist manager, or aspiring music executive looking to understand the modern music industry business model, this clip is a blueprint.

Listen to the full episode of The Manager’s Playbook with SonReal for the complete conversation.

Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7D9QxalKTWiMrnDzZlvVll?si=pCqo0yiSSHKucJylYubzCQ

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Inside the Playbook: SonReal on How Content Actually Grows Music Feb 14, 2026

Show notes

The “mysterious artist” era worked when the music business was built around blockbuster music videos and gatekeepers. Today it’s algorithmic, short-form, and driven by consistent distribution.

In this clip, SonReal breaks down why being “mysterious and aloof” can actually hurt independent artists now, especially if you’re running a two-week release strategy. We get into the real economics of modern music marketing: you can’t shoot $30K-$40K music videos for every release, so you either build a content system or you disappear.

SonReal explains how he scales by batching content across multiple songs with longtime collaborators, then going full DIY when needed, buying a camera, directing visualizers, and shooting content with his manager. We also unpack how the short-form era works differently: you double down after something connects (like performance marketing), and when a post goes viral, it becomes distribution that can lift the entire catalog floor and drive streaming growth.

If you’re an independent artist, music manager, A&R, or anyone focused on artist development, content strategy for musicians, streaming revenue, and social media distribution, this is a blueprint for how music travels now.

Listen to the full episode of The Manager’s Playbook with SonReal for the complete breakdown.

Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7D9QxalKTWiMrnDzZlvVll?si=pCqo0yiSSHKucJylYubzCQ

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook