The Manager's Playbook

Troy Carter, Co-Founder and CEO of Venice Music, shares key strategies for small artists aiming to transition from small venues to larger ones. He emphasizes the importance of building demand in smaller venues through outstanding live performances. Carter also highlights the value of partnering with good record labels to gain industry support and reach broader audiences. These insights offer a roadmap for small artists to navigate their way to bigger stages and venues successfully.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ipRuifDkbiMZ3FVpJou4P

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

Troy Carter, Co-Founder and CEO of Venice Music and former artist management of Lady Gaga shares his thoughts on the potential implications, legal disputes, and digital marketing war between Universal Music Group (UMG) and TikTok. As one of the key figures in the music business, Troy brings a unique perspective to the UMG dispute.

Carter goes into the evolving landscape of music distribution, consumption, and content creation highlighting the role of platforms like TikTok in shaping trends and amplifying artists' reach. He discusses the synergies between UMG, one of the largest music companies globally, and TikTok, a social media powerhouse known for its viral content and music discovery.

Throughout the conversation, Carter explores the opportunities and challenges arising from this partnership. He touches on topics such as music licensing, artist promotion, and the impact on music discovery and fan engagement in the digital age.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ipRuifDkbiMZ3FVpJou4P

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

In this clip, Troy Carter, Co-Founder and CEO of Venice Music and former manager of global music sensations, Lady Gaga and John Legend, shares invaluable insights into identifying and nurturing extraordinary talent in the music industry.Discover the secrets behind spotting a future superstar, the challenges of managing iconic artists, and the strategies for building a successful career in music. Gain firsthand knowledge from Troy Carter, who has worked with some of the biggest names in entertainment, and learn what it takes to make it big in the music world.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ipRuifDkbiMZ3FVpJou4P

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

In this episode ofThe Manager’s Playbook, we sit down with Gavin Sheppard, co-founder ofThe Remix Project, a cultural incubator that has helped launch the careers of countless artists and creatives. Gavin shares his journey from growing up with artist and journalist parents to building a program that bridges the gap between raw talent and the mainstream industry. He reflects on how his own struggles in the education system shaped his vision for creating spaces that foster creativity, mentorship, and opportunity.

We explore the impact ofThe Remix Project, its passion-based approach, and the success stories of alumni like Amanda Parris and Tyrone Edwards. Gavin breaks down the importance of storytelling, navigating relationships, and the power of believing in others. Whether you're an artist, mentor, or someone interested in culture and community, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and inspiration.

In this episode, we sit down with Grammy nominated producer T-Minus to dive into his incredible journey through the music industry. From crafting hits for Drake to shaping the sound of some of the biggest tracks in hip-hop and R&B, T-Minus shares the story behind his rise to success.He talks about how he first met Drake, the creative process behind their iconic collaborations, and what it takes to thrive in the competitive world of music production. Whether you're an aspiring artist, producer, or just a fan of great music, this conversation is packed with insights, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t want to miss.

Step into the world of Natalie Prosper in this unfiltered, inspiring interview as she reveals her journey from a driven social worker to a trailblazer in the music industry. Natalie shares how her Caribbean roots and church upbringing shaped her approach to managing Grammy-winning talent like Lucky Daye, Dee Mile, and Camper, and how she co-founded Good Company Records with the Walt Disney Group.

Discover the untold stories of navigating the highs and lows of the music business, advocating for artists in an often-overlooked industry, and witnessing musical greatness alongside icons like Ne-Yo and Harmony Samuels. Natalie opens up about her early days in artist management, the emotional toll of social work, and the bold decisions that propelled her career forward.

Packed with hard truths, invaluable lessons, and behind-the-scenes insights, this episode is a must-watch for aspiring managers, music enthusiasts, and dream-chasers alike. See why Natalie Prosper is redefining leadership in music and learn what it takes to build a lasting impact in the industry.

Jessie Reyez’s voice is unmistakable, but her journey to global recognition is a masterclass in grit, resilience, and relentless ambition. In this electrifying episode of The Manager's Playbook, hosted by Mauricio Ruiz, Jessie and her longtime manager Byron Wilson pull back the curtain on what it really takes to build a legacy in the music industry.

From Jessie’s early days at Toronto’s Remix Project to creating a global buzz with tracks like Figures, this episode is packed with stories that define her rise. Jessie opens up about overcoming trust issues in an often ruthless industry, her unwavering dedication to understanding the business, and the sacrifices that come with chasing her dreams. Byron complements her narrative, revealing how strategic moves, teamwork, and a shared vision propelled Jessie’s career forward.

Listeners will hear behind-the-scenes accounts of label bidding wars, pivotal collaborations with icons like Calvin Harris and Eminem, and the hustle required to perform back-to-back shows without losing steam. The trio discusses the power of saying “no” to comfort zones, the art of negotiation, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who share your values and vision.

Jessie’s candid reflections on work ethic, trust, and her drive to achieve goals like Grammy recognition make this episode a must-listen for anyone aspiring to make a mark in the creative world. Byron’s perspective as a manager adds depth, offering invaluable advice for navigating the industry with authenticity and strategy.

This isn’t just a conversation about music—it’s a deep dive into the mindset and hustle required to turn raw talent into a global movement. If you’re an artist, manager, or just someone who loves a good underdog story, Jessie Reyez’s journey will inspire you to keep pushing, no matter the odds.

🎧 Tune in now for an unforgettable episode that blends honesty, insight, and inspiration from one of music’s most dynamic voices.

Director X is the embodiment of innovation, authenticity, and masterful storytelling.

With a legacy built alongside some of the biggest names in music—think Drake, Rihanna, and Usher—Director X has reshaped the visual language of the music video industry. But his path to success wasn’t a straight shot to stardom. In this can’t-miss episode of The Manager's Playbook, hosted by Mauricio Ruiz, Director X opens up about his early days hustling to make a name for himself, the defining moments that tested his craft, and the relentless passion that pushed him to the top.

From pioneering visuals that captured the essence of hip-hop and R&B to leading high-stakes production teams, Director X shares the raw truth about his journey. He dives into the art of building genuine connections with artists, his approach to creating visuals that resonate in the digital age, and the importance of a strong, authentic visual identity. Throughout, he provides invaluable advice for emerging directors and creatives, revealing the dedication and depth of collaboration that go into making standout projects.

This isn’t just an episode about directing—it’s a blueprint for resilience, leadership, and the pursuit of artistic excellence. If you’re looking to get inspired by one of the industry’s most influential figures, this episode delivers unmatched insights from the master himself.

Byron Wilson’s journey from a small-town dreamer to managing global superstars like Jessie Reyez and SonReal is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Byron opens up about the grind behind the glitz—sharing the challenges, hustle, and key relationships that helped him build a creative empire from the ground up.

From booking DIY shows to navigating record labels, Byron’s deep insights into artist management and viral success, like with SonReal’s hit “Everywhere We Go,” will captivate anyone with aspirations in the music industry. Tune in to hear Byron’s strategies on artist development, the power of teamwork, and how smart decisions can turn indie dreams into global recognition.

This episode is packed with gems for hustlers, creatives, and future managers alike. Byron Wilson on building global success, one hit at a time.