The Manager's Playbook - TopPodcast.com

Latest Episodes:

The Manager’s Playbook 034: Hit-Boy & Nima Nasseri - Breaking Free from an 18-Year Publishing Deal & Building an Independent Empire Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

Grammy-winning producer Hit-Boy opens up about escaping an 18-year publishing deal, one of the most restrictive contracts in music, and the lessons learned along the way. He shares the mental toll of being trapped in outdated MDRC terms, how Jay-Z and Roc Nation helped him break free, and the creative freedom that’s fueled his most prolific run yet.

Alongside his manager, Nima Nasseri, Hit-Boy reveals how they’ve built a self-contained creative ecosystem spanning music, film, brand partnerships, and multiple Grammy-winning projects. They talk ownership, autonomy, the role of AI and social media in today’s music industry, and how to balance relentless output with family and mental health.

This is a blueprint for building a career on your own terms.

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

Inside the Playbook: Chris Taylor on The Record Label That Saved Metric’s Career Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

Chris Taylor takes us inside Metric’s improbable rise, from repeated label rejections to breaking through as one of Canada’s most influential indie bands. In the early 2000s, after failed demo deals with Warner Brothers, Island Records, and Virgin, the band was at a crossroads. Refusing to let their story end there, Taylor founded Last Gang Records to give Metric their long-overdue shot.

We also explore the shifting music landscape of the time, from the disruptive force of digital piracy to the emergence of indie labels and bands that redefined the industry. A conversation about resilience, vision, and what happens when you bet on the right talent.

A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2m8tNzMZHx1LpZtC0i9eNh?si=5XO54H5nQmiRzPOCW06jZw

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

Inside the Playbook: Chris Taylor on His Biggest Mistake with Last Gang Records Aug 10, 2025

Show notes

Chris Taylor’s path has been anything but linear: lawyer, label founder, and music executive with a global footprint.

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, he shares how he scaled a thriving legal practice while launching Last Gang Records, balancing the demands of both worlds, and navigating the breakthrough moments that shaped his career. From the strategies he used to build and fund his firm, to the lessons learned from working with diverse legal talent, to the ripple effect of representing Drake on the Canadian music scene, Chris pulls back the curtain on the business moves that matter.

We also dive into his leap to Entertainment One (eOne), the negotiations that brought him there, and the leadership lessons he absorbed from founder Darren Troop; insights on patience, discipline, and vision that apply far beyond music.

It’s a candid look at the intersection of law, music, and business growth, told by someone who’s mastered all three.

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

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2m8tNzMZHx1LpZtC0i9eNh?si=5XO54H5nQmiRzPOCW06jZw

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

Inside the Playbook: Chris Taylor on the BIGGEST Record Label Bidding War of 1999 Aug 09, 2025

Show notes

Chris Taylor remembers the moment Nelly Furtado’s music landed in his hands, and the chain reaction it set off.

From self-made tracks and photo booth snapshots to sparking one of 1999’s biggest record deals, Chris takes us inside the bidding war that had David Geffen, Madonna, and the industry’s heavyweights at the table. The result? A Dreamworks deal that helped open the door for Canadian artists on a global stage.

We talk spotting hits before they happen, building the right relationships, and how the tools for finding talent have evolved over the years.

This isn’t just a story about signing a star; it’s a masterclass in recognizing potential and acting before anyone else sees it.

A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2m8tNzMZHx1LpZtC0i9eNh?si=5XO54H5nQmiRzPOCW06jZw

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

Inside the Playbook: Chris Taylor on How Artist Managers Are Gaining More Power Than Record Labels Aug 08, 2025

Show notes

Chris Taylor knows the role of the music manager has changed forever.

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, he shares why he launched a management company in 2024 and how managers today are building infrastructure, owning assets, and playing a bigger role than ever in an artist’s career.

From navigating platforms like Spotify and TikTok to building specialized teams, Chris unpacks the power shift from labels to management, the strategic value of market share, and why touring and digital marketing still drive lasting success.

He also reflects on the evolving impact of press, the continued role of radio, and why the best managers see themselves as partners, building empires alongside their artists.

This is a conversation about leverage, longevity, and leading from the front.

A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2m8tNzMZHx1LpZtC0i9eNh?si=5XO54H5nQmiRzPOCW06jZw

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

The Manager’s Playbook 033: Chris Taylor – Last Gang Records, Drake, Nelly Furtado, Artist Management, Independent Labels, Music Law, Career Longevity & Betting on Talent Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

Chris Taylor has done it all: music lawyer, label founder, global executive, and now CEO of Hall of Fame Management. But his story didn’t start with a major deal. It started with a $35K personal bet on a band called Metric and a refusal to let talent get buried by industry politics.

In this episode, Chris joins Mauricio Ruiz to talk about the hard-earned lessons behind his journey, what it really means to build infrastructure, why some artists succeed without being the most strategic, and how the role of the manager has evolved into something bigger than ever before.

They unpack the grind behind artist development, the emotional weight of betting on people, and what long-term thinking looks like in an industry obsessed with quick wins.

This is a masterclass in leadership, belief, and adapting to the business as it moves under your feet.

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

Inside the Playbook: Nick Ruffalo on The Real Reason Artists Aren't Going Viral Anymore Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

What actually builds an artist brand in 2025?

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Nick Ruffalo to break down the modern-day strategy behind artist branding, content creation, and music marketing. Together, they explore why branding is about emotional consistency, not just aesthetics, and how artists can build meaningful connections in an oversaturated digital world.

From Coca-Cola’s visual identity to artist content funnels, the conversation unpacks the three core pillars of content: discovery, connection, and conversion. This isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about building a system that turns casual listeners into lifelong fans.

If you’re an artist, manager, or marketer trying to grow the right audience the right way, this episode gives you the blueprint.

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

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/064FyRu3z56AGb77HHmfCT?si=Vi-QAD-9T16OP5-xDDVl6A

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

Inside the Playbook: Nick Ruffalo on The Real Secret to Engaging Music Content Aug 03, 2025

Show notes

In 2025, music marketing isn’t optional. It’s the engine behind every artist breakout.

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Nick Ruffalo to break down what branding, content, and strategy really look like in today’s landscape. They unpack how artist brands are built not just through visuals, but through voice, clarity, and emotional connection, and why artists need to understand their content funnel if they want to grow a real audience.

From discovery to conversion, from new formats to timeless strategy, this is a masterclass in how to stay relevant, consistent, and creatively fulfilled in a saturated digital world.

If you're serious about building something that lasts, this one's for you.

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

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/064FyRu3z56AGb77HHmfCT?si=Vi-QAD-9T16OP5-xDDVl6A

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

Inside the Playbook: Nick Ruffalo on Why Record Labels Still Matter in 2025 Aug 02, 2025

Show notes

The label question isn’t major vs. indie. It’s alignment vs. confusion.

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Nick Ruffalo to unpack the evolving role of record labels in 2025. They go deep into what a modern label actually offers, what artists should demand, and how smart teams are building digital departments that prioritize branding, content, and true audience engagement.

Nick shares hard-won lessons from building strategy inside Big Loud Rock, and why passion, buy-in, and internal clarity matter more than ever. Whether you’re navigating a deal or building your own path, this episode delivers clarity in a complex industry.

A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/064FyRu3z56AGb77HHmfCT?si=Vi-QAD-9T16OP5-xDDVl6A

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

Inside the Playbook: Nick Ruffalo on The Real Reason Fans Aren't Connecting With Your Music Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

What separates artists who get skipped from those who build legacy?

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Nick Ruffalo, SVP of Digital at Big Loud Rock and founder of Unleashed, to unpack what it really takes to build an artist brand that connects.

They dive into why great music isn’t enough anymore, how the 80/20 rule still shapes careers, and why understanding your archetype might be the unlock your brand has been missing. From the creator to the rebel to the best friend, Nick explains how artists can build clarity, audience, and authenticity in a noisy landscape.

This isn’t about surface-level content tips. It’s about the mindset, strategy, and discipline behind modern artist development. If you’re serious about building something that lasts, this episode is for you.

A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/064FyRu3z56AGb77HHmfCT?si=Vi-QAD-9T16OP5-xDDVl6A

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