PodcastsMusicThe Manager's Playbook

The Manager's Playbook

The Manager's Playbook
The Manager's Playbook
Latest episode

272 episodes

  • The Manager's Playbook

    Inside the Playbook: Hitmaka on Why the Music Industry Is Really a People Business

    2026-04-24 | 9 mins.
    In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Hitmaka breaks down why the music industry is really a people business.
    From working with labels and independent artists to building trust, collaboration, and long-term leverage, Hitmaka shares how real relationships create opportunities in music. He also reflects on developing an artist connected to Gillie, how that led to an Epic deal, why getting invited back into the room matters, and the role humility plays in building a sustainable career.
    A valuable listen for artists, producers, songwriters, managers, and music executives looking to better understand how relationships, collaboration, and reputation shape success in the music industry.

    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/7tjdQ69aragoLlzVBOxsFT?si=0hO2glznQ2GUHa1IU6j0Og

    Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
  • The Manager's Playbook

    Inside the Playbook: Hitmaka on The Truth About Songwriters vs Producers

    2026-04-23 | 19 mins.
    In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Hitmaka breaks down how producers really get paid in the music business.
    He reflects on his time during Atlantic’s high-powered A&R era, how he helped shape the sound of modern R&B and hip-hop, and why songwriters have historically been undervalued. From the making of A Boogie’s “Look Back At It” to the strategy behind producer credits, advances, and building leverage, Hitmaka gives a real look at the business behind hit records.
    A must-listen for producers, songwriters, artists, managers, and music executives trying to better understand how the music business really works.

    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/7tjdQ69aragoLlzVBOxsFT?si=0hO2glznQ2GUHa1IU6j0Og

    Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
  • The Manager's Playbook

    Inside the Playbook: Hitmaka on How Producers Really Get Paid

    2026-04-22 | 13 mins.
    In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Hitmaka breaks down how producers really get paid in the music business.
    From song deals and publishing to fair splits, leverage, and non-exclusive relationships across labels, Hitmaka shares real insight into the business mechanics behind a successful producer career. He also talks about why he stays rooted in hip hop and R&B, the gatekeeping that exists in pop, why the industry is in a “refresh” era, and why building new talent matters now more than ever.
    A must-listen for producers, songwriters, artists, managers, and music executives trying to better understand how money, leverage, and opportunity really work in today’s music industry.

    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/7tjdQ69aragoLlzVBOxsFT?si=0hO2glznQ2GUHa1IU6j0Og

    Watch the Episodes On Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
  • The Manager's Playbook

    The Manager’s Playbook 063: Hitmaka - Hit Songs, Songwriting, A&R, Artist Development & Music Business

    2026-04-19 | 1h 33 mins.
    In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Hitmaka, formerly Yung Berg, for a deep conversation on the real business behind hit songs.
    Hitmaka breaks down how hit records actually get made, from demo-first songwriting and producer collaboration to song deals, publishing, label politics, and artist development. He reflects on nearly three decades in music, the mindset that kept him going through every era of his career, and the lessons he learned building records like “Sexy Can I,” Big Sean’s “Bounce Back,” and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie’s “Look Back At It.”
    They also get into why writers often do not get paid properly, how producers create leverage, the importance of relationships in the music business, and why the industry needs more creative leadership.
    A must-listen for artists, producers, songwriters, managers, and anyone serious about understanding how the music industry really works.
    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

    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
  • The Manager's Playbook

    Inside the Playbook: Mike Caren on What Makes a Song Feel Like a Hit

    2026-04-18 | 13 mins.
    Mike Caren breaks down what actually makes a song feel like a hit.

    This clip explores the role of A&R, taste, replay value, emotional connection, melody, lyrics, and creative judgment in today’s music business. 

    Mike also talks about trusting your opinion, learning from missed calls, redefining what a hit means in the streaming era, and why great executives grow by focusing on their strengths instead of rushing titles.

    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/2UnV1d2ltTCO1rfjqhTKc4?si=seltDGQ-RvWE9fwshY-f3w

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

    Timestamps:
    00:00 Have an Opinion
    00:58 What Makes a Hit
    03:18 Replay Test for Songs
    05:37 Gut Instinct Explained
    07:08 Defining Hits Today
    08:04 Culture vs Chart Peaks
    09:42 Career Moves for Execs
    10:58 Turning Down Promotions
    11:36 Choosing Your Strengths
    13:00 Closing Thoughts on Growth

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About The Manager's Playbook

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.
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