The Manager's Playbook

The Manager's Playbook
  • 4.8 (18)
  • MUSIC
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 17H AGO ·  BONUS

    Inside the Playbook: Bryan Johnson on How Spotify Editors Find Music

    How do artists get discovered on Spotify today? In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz and Bryan Johnson from Spotify talk about the future of music discovery, editorial playlists, algorithmic recommendations, and what artists should understand about Spotify for Artists. Bryan explains why both editorial and algorithmic playlists still matter, how active listening signals like searches, saves, and direct adds influence discovery, and what actually happens when artists submit music through Spotify’s playlist pitch tool. They also discuss sustainable artist careers, the role of human editors, and why real fan behavior still matters in an increasingly algorithmic music economy. For artists, managers, and music executives, this is a clear look at how discovery works now and how artists can better position their music to be heard. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0EpX71F9JklAmZAEdXsRKA?si=877g60VXRImVmjV0j-ud6A Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook Topics Covered:00:00 Humans Behind Music Tech00:07 Future of the Music Economy00:47 Sustainable Artist Careers01:07 Editorial vs Algorithmic Playlists03:14 Active Listening Explained04:57 Why Editorial Still Matters05:17 Inside Spotify’s Pitch Tool06:58 How Spotify Editors Listen07:58 The 100,000 Tracks a Day Problem

    9 min

  2. 1D AGO ·  BONUS

    Inside the Playbook: Bryan Johnson on How Streaming Changed Artist Power

    Getting dropped by a record label used to feel like the end. In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz and Bryan Johnson from Spotify talk about how streaming changed the path for artists after a label deal ends. Bryan shares his own experience as a musician, from self-releasing music and touring in bands to getting dropped by a label and later moving into the industry through PRS and Spotify. They also discuss Spotify’s responsibility to artists, the shift from ownership to access, the old stigma of being “damaged goods,” and how tools like Spotify for Artists, playlist pitching, audience data, and distribution have given artists more ways to keep building. For artists, managers, and music executives, this is a conversation about artist leverage, modern record deals, and why having a real audience can matter more than having a label. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0EpX71F9JklAmZAEdXsRKA?si=877g60VXRImVmjV0j-ud6A Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook Topics Covered:00:00 Spotify’s Responsibility to Artists01:44 Misconceptions About Spotify Success02:26 From Shelf Space to Streaming04:28 Bryan Johnson’s Early DIY Music Hustle06:26 Bands, Deals, and Breakthroughs08:47 From Drummer to Industry Advocate11:02 Getting Dropped and DIY Then13:54 Streaming After Labels16:16 Modern Record Deals and Artist Power18:04 Spotify as an Artist Voice Platform

    18 min

  3. 2D AGO ·  BONUS

    Inside the Playbook: Bryan Johnson on AI Music, Fraud & Royalties

    How is Spotify handling AI music, fake streams, and artist impersonation? In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz and Bryan Johnson from Spotify discuss how AI is changing the music business and what it means for artists, songwriters, rights holders, and listeners. Bryan breaks down Spotify’s approach to AI music, including spam filters, impersonation policies, AI credits, artificial streaming, and the removal of around 75 million spammy tracks over the past year. They also discuss prompt-generated AI songs, low listener engagement, artist opt-in, AI derivatives, UGC remixes, copyright protection, and why fair compensation for songwriters and publishers will be a major part of the conversation going forward. For artists, managers, songwriters, producers, and music executives, this is a clear look at where AI music is headed and why artist protection still has to come first. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0EpX71F9JklAmZAEdXsRKA?si=877g60VXRImVmjV0j-ud6A Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook Topics Covered:00:00 AI Music and Royalty Dilution00:59 Spotify’s AI Music Policies01:29 Spam Tracks and Fake Streams02:35 AI Artists vs Music Fraud04:48 Low Engagement on AI Songs05:46 Music Technology and Fear07:36 AI Derivatives and Artist Opt-In09:42 Artist Rights and Compensation10:18 Publishers, Songwriters, and UGC

    12 min

  4. 3D AGO ·  BONUS

    Inside the Playbook: Bryan Johnson on Spotify's $11B Artist Payout

    Spotify paid $11B to music rights holders in 2025 but who actually gets the money? In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz and Bryan Johnson from Spotify break down what the Loud & Clear report really means for artists, managers, songwriters, and the wider music business. They get into how Spotify royalties work, why payments go to rights holders first, what stream-share means, why “per-stream rates” are misleading, and how independent artists are participating in the growth of streaming. They also discuss how streaming helped lower the barriers for DIY artists, why Spotify was built as a response to piracy, how global music is cutting through, and why catalog value has changed in the streaming era. For artists, managers, and aspiring music executives, this is a clear look at how money moves through Spotify and why the headline number is only part of the story. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0EpX71F9JklAmZAEdXsRKA?si=877g60VXRImVmjV0j-ud6A Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook Topics Covered:00:00 Streaming Boom Stats00:31 DIY Artist Breakthroughs02:13 Mobile Streaming and Discovery04:21 From Piracy to Streaming05:41 Global Languages Breaking Through09:19 Loud & Clear Payouts12:10 Rights Holders Explained15:58 Stream Share vs Per-Stream Rates18:37 Artist Dilution Myth20:43 Catalog Sales in the Streaming Era

    23 min

  5. 6D AGO

    The Manager’s Playbook 066: Bryan Johnson - Spotify Royalties, Independent Artists, AI Music & The Future of Streaming

    In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Bryan Johnson, Spotify’s Head of Artist and Industry Partnerships, International, for a rare inside look at how Spotify is shaping the modern music business. Bryan breaks down Spotify’s 2025 Loud & Clear report, including the $11B paid to rights holders, the growth of independent artists, the rise of the artist middle class, and why more artists are building real careers through streaming than ever before. They also get into the questions artists and managers actually care about:Who really gets paid?How do Spotify royalties work?Do playlists still matter?Is algorithmic discovery more important than editorial?What does AI mean for artists, songwriters, and rights holders? This conversation covers streaming royalties, Spotify for Artists, Fresh Finds, global music discovery, AI music, artificial streaming, ticketing, merch, catalog value, and why artist control matters more than ever. For artists, managers, songwriters, and aspiring music executives, this episode is a clear look at where the music economy is headed and what it takes to actually benefit from it. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ New episodes drop Sundays @ 10am ET Topics Covered 00:00 Streaming Opens Doors02:04 Spotify Then vs Now06:45 Piracy to Streaming08:06 Global Languages Breaking Through11:43 Loud & Clear Report14:34 Who Actually Gets Paid18:22 Stream Share vs Per-Stream Rate23:08 Catalog Sales and Valuation33:44 Fresh Finds Breakouts43:32 The Artist Middle Class49:13 AI Music, Spam, and Spotify Policies55:48 Derivatives and Artist Opt-In01:09:11 Spotify’s Responsibility to Artists01:19:22 Getting Dropped by a Label01:26:43 The Future Music Economy01:27:44 Editorial vs Algorithmic Discovery01:31:32 How Spotify Pitching Works01:43:34 Superfans and Final Thoughts Listen to more episodes of The Manager’s Playbook for conversations on artist management, music business strategy, streaming, labels, publishing, marketing, and the future of the music industry.

    1h 45m

  6. MAY 9 ·  BONUS

    Inside the Playbook: Chris Anokute on How the Next Superstars Will Be Built

    What does the future of artist development actually look like in a democratized music business? In this clip, Chris Anokute breaks down why younger artists, managers, and executives are building their own systems, skipping old gatekeepers, and using new tools to break artists faster than previous generations. He also explains why superstar careers are still possible, why artist development now requires more patience and a longer view, and how the next wave will come from blending old-school taste and development with modern marketing, audience acquisition, and AI-assisted strategy. This clip is for artists, managers, A&Rs, and music executives thinking about artist development, independent music strategy, AI in music, fan growth, audience building, and the future of the music business. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1V06xjz5nGBJO77fYwdH14?si=K1M5F0F9QwK4xxbD-1K-6Q Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

    12 min

  7. MAY 8 ·  BONUS

    Inside the Playbook: Chris Anokute on How Disrespect Costs Record Labels Great Artists

    What makes an artist worth backing before the data shows up? In this clip, Chris Anokute breaks down why real artist development starts with belief, desire, point of view, and trust; not just streams, looks, or momentum. He also reflects on the Jessie Reyez story, what major labels often miss because of red tape, why disrespect can cost companies great artists, and how timing, leverage, and real relationships shape careers in the music business. This clip is for artists, managers, A&Rs, and music executives thinking about artist development, record labels, management, leverage, mentorship, and how great talent gets recognized before the rest of the industry catches up. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1V06xjz5nGBJO77fYwdH14?si=K1M5F0F9QwK4xxbD-1K-6Q Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

    24 min

  8. MAY 7 ·  BONUS

    Inside the Playbook: Chris Anokute on Why Artists Can’t Ignore AI Music Anymore

    AI is already changing the music business, and artists can’t afford to ignore it. In this clip, Chris Anokute breaks down why AI is not a passing trend, how the industry may respond the same way it did with streaming, and why artists need to start paying closer attention to rights, royalties, and how their work could be used in the future. He also gets into why producers are quietly using tools like Suno, how artists can think about AI as a tool instead of a replacement, and why today’s real battle is not just music creation, it’s attention. This clip is for artists, managers, producers, and music executives trying to understand AI music, artist rights, royalties, record labels, IP, audience behavior, and the future of the music business. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Want your music everywhere, properly? DistroKid is a straightforward way for independent artists to distribute globally and keep momentum moving. https://distrokid.com/ Listen to the full episode here - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1V06xjz5nGBJO77fYwdH14?si=K1M5F0F9QwK4xxbD-1K-6Q Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

    13 min
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4.8
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    The Manager's Playbook
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    288
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Manager's Playbook
  • Show Website
    The Manager's Playbook

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