Inside the Playbook: Director X on The Precious Trap You Never Knew You Were In
In this clip, Director X unpacks the creative mindset behind some of the most iconic music moments of the last decade, from Hotline Bling to Life is Good.Through real stories involving Drake, Jay-Z, and Justin Bieber, we explore why holding onto your best ideas can cost you, and why “Don’t get too precious” might be the advice that changes your approach to creativity for good.This is more than a behind-the-scenes look. It’s a deep dive into collaboration, adaptability, and the quiet genius that turns constraints into classics. Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/6JvlRp7G633z77Vvk34jHN?si=z9Dj1Qr4RzGmUEmTZrjRSQWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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13:44
Inside the Playbook: Nick Raphael on The Harsh Truth About Why Your Music Isn’t Working
In this episode, Nick Raphael gets real about one of the biggest misconceptions in the music industry: talent alone doesn’t break artists. Effort does.We explore why consistent output, audience building, and a clear narrative are just as important as the music itself. From early-stage grind to honest assessments of follower counts and streams, Nick lays out what readiness really looks like.With stories of Adele, Sam Smith, and Frank Ocean, this episode is a blueprint for anyone trying to turn skill into success.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/4g8IgvdCYzvpVPHiKUXS43?si=ietm7srSRX6hQv9Nt5nh6QWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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13:24
Inside the Playbook: Nick Raphael on How He Beat Every Major Label to Sign Jay-Z
Before the billion-dollar empire, Jay-Z was just an overlooked artist with a brilliant album, and no U.S. label willing to take the risk.In this episode, Nick Raphael, former President of Capitol Records UK, shares the inside story of how he and Christian Tattersfield signed Jay-Z in 1996 from a small office in London. It’s a raw look at what it means to trust your instinct and bet big when everyone else says no.Nick walks us through the unconventional journey: cold-calling Damon Dash, researching Jay’s buzz through record shops, and watching an artist turn early rejection into generational leverage. It’s a powerful reminder that vision, grit, and timing still matter more than hype.This is how legends are made, and why most execs missed it.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/4g8IgvdCYzvpVPHiKUXS43?si=ietm7srSRX6hQv9Nt5nh6QWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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14:43
Inside the Playbook: Nick Raphael on The Real Reason Some Artists Never Make It
In this episode, Nick Raphael, former President of Capitol Records UK, pulls back the curtain on what actually makes or breaks an artist’s career.It’s not just about talent. It’s about having the right manager, the right strategy, and the ability to build meaningful connections. Nick unpacks why likability often beats raw skill, how inexperience at the management level can derail momentum, and why major labels still play a vital role in breaking global acts.We also get into the concept of “concentric circles” of influence, and why your team’s reach, experience, and credibility matter more than you think.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/4g8IgvdCYzvpVPHiKUXS43?si=ietm7srSRX6hQv9Nt5nh6QWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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11:40
Inside the Playbook: Nick Raphael on Why Indie Artists Are Winning More Than Ever in 2025
In this episode, Nick Raphael, former President of Capitol Records UK, uncovers a core truth of the music business: a hit record means nothing without the right artist.We dive into why some tracks never break through, even when they’re brilliant, and why fan connection, team alignment, and timing can turn a decent song into a global moment. Nick shares the story behind Empire State of Mind, explains how artist-first thinking drives success, and reveals the deeper strategy behind building lasting careers.Plus, we explore the rise of the independent middle class in music and how Nick’s latest venture is redefining what a modern label can look like, with a tight team and big results.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/4g8IgvdCYzvpVPHiKUXS43?si=ietm7srSRX6hQv9Nt5nh6QWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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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