📄 Episode Description: If you're an indie artist or songwriter, you’ve probably said the words, "I just need a manager." But when is the right time to actually start looking for help? On this episode of the So Rude Podcast, host Paige Ruderman is joined by Nashville industry staple Emily Kaiser. From her roots in a small Illinois town to shooting her shot to land high-profile internships working with acts like Maroon 5 and Breaking Benjamin in LA, Emily has spent years mastering artist operations and marketing. Today, as a Day-to-Day Manager at Showdown Management (working with Sam Tinnesz, UNSECRET, Matt Bronleewe, and Tori Harper) and Label Coordinator for Tinman Entertainment, Emily knows exactly what it takes to launch, sustain, and explode an artist's career. Paige and Emily pull back the curtain on the "highlight reel" of the music business to discuss the essential work that happens behind the scenes. From handling tough conversations as the artist’s "buffer" to navigating the unique world of sync-heavy rosters, Emily shares invaluable advice for anyone trying to navigate the modern music industry. What you’ll hear in this episode: The College Grind: How helping bands and interning with Anthem Lights laid the foundation for Emily's career. LA vs. Nashville: The culture shock of moving between major music hubs after shooting her shot on the West Coast. The Strategy: Balancing the daily fires with long-term, 5-year planning for global artists. The Non-Traditional Route: Why modern artists need to look beyond standard radio and touring paths (and how the incredible Sam Tinnesz x Savannah Bananas partnership came to life). Work Tapes vs. Demos: What a manager actually looks for when shopping for songs. Networking Truths: How much of the industry is built at formal events vs. casual birthday parties (like the one where Paige and Emily actually met!). 🎸 Podcast Sponsors This episode is proudly sponsored by Working Order Guitars, your go-to for expert guitar repair, maintenance, and custom work in Nashville. Keep your instrument in peak condition and ready for the stage or the studio by visiting @workingorderguitars 🎧 About the So Rude Podcast: So Rude is hosted by Paige Ruderman and dives into real conversations with artists, songwriters, and creatives in Nashville and beyond. From the highs and lows of the industry to the behind-the-scenes of building a career in music, this show keeps it honest, curious, and always relevant. New episodes drop Tuesdays. 📲 Connect with Emily Kaiser: Instagram: @emilykaiser5Instagram: @showdownmgmtInstagram: @tinmanentertainment📲 Follow the Show: - Follow Paige: @paigeruderman_ (https://www.instagram.com/paigeruderman_) - Follow the podcast: @sorude.podcast (https://www.tiktok.com/sorude.podcast) - Subscribe: [Insert podcast platform links—Spotify, Apple, etc.]Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0KhcW6IduxjTnvJQUTVhAaApple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-rude-podcast/id1522530338 - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@SoRudePodcast- Want to be a guest or suggest one? - So Rude Podcast Episode Suggestion Formhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSesoXNsoJ15L0NxBuzbA3VfoZ8DW36UfHoEMt5aYRK4CqIDWg/viewform 🔖 SEO Keywords & Tags: Music industry, artist management, music business, Nashville music scene, indie artist tips, how to get a music manager, artist manager career, music career advice, music marketing strategy, music business podcast, So Rude Podcast, Paige Ruderman, Emily Kaiser, Showdown Management, Tinman Entertainment, Sam Tinnesz Savannah Bananas deal, UNSECRET, Matt Bronleewe, Tori Harper, Anthem Lights, sync music licensing, artist operations, music business internships, music industry networking, traditional vs non-traditional music partnerships, work tapes vs fully produced demos, songwriting career tips, independent music manager masterclass, Nashville music industry podcast