Inside the Playbook: Nic D on The Lie About Touring Every Artist Believes
What if walking away from touring wasn’t a step back, but the smartest move an artist could make?In this conversation, Nic D opens up about why he turned down major touring opportunities to focus on family, balance, and ownership. Despite the potential for fame and fast money, he chose freedom over burnout, and built one of the most successful independent artist careers in the process.We dive into the financial reality behind touring, the myth of “you have to be everywhere,” and how streaming revenue and smart systems gave him more control than any tour could. Nic also shares how private strategy sessions and creative consistency helped him build community without sacrificing his peace.This isn’t about rejecting success. It’s about redefining it.Topics include:Why Nic D chooses not to tourBalancing family, fulfillment, and musicThe mental and financial cost of touringHow streaming and ownership changed the gameThe new definition of success for artistsFor every artist, manager, or creative chasing longevity, this one’s a reminder that the real win is balance.Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/10DPIZCQj0y3LYNTYgo3Yy?si=etxiAgH1TJOVZRCaJjeQ-gWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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Inside the Playbook: Nic D on Building a Profitable Music Career Without a Manager
What does financial independence really look like for an artist with no label, no manager, and no team?In this clip, Nic D breaks down the real numbers behind being an independent artist, from how much he spends on production to how he tracks every dollar to stay profitable. He shares why keeping costs low, owning your masters, and thinking like a business are the keys to longevity in music.We dig into how he uses simple systems (like Excel sheets and DistroKid) to run his operation, what artists get wrong about “investing in themselves,” and why self-management has given him more control, not more chaos.It’s an honest look at money, mindset, and ownership, and why mastering all three matters more than any industry co-sign. Topics include:How to build profit as an independent artistThe importance of keeping expenses lowSmart budgeting and royalty splitsThe mindset shift from “artist” to “entrepreneur”Why ownership and control create long-term successWhether you’re an artist, manager, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation breaks down the real cost of building something sustainable in music.Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/10DPIZCQj0y3LYNTYgo3Yy?si=etxiAgH1TJOVZRCaJjeQ-gWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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Inside the Playbook: Nic D on His Winning System - You Don’t Need a Record Label
What if success in music had less to do with talent, and everything to do with mindset?In this conversation, Nic D breaks down the discipline, self-awareness, and consistency that helped him build a thriving career with no label, no manager, and no shortcuts.He shares what artists get wrong about deals and streaming, how to stay consistent when motivation fades, and why you can’t build momentum without mastering yourself first.We also dive into the power of practicality, the importance of audience connection, and how redefining success on your own terms can be the difference between burnout and longevity.Topics include:The mindset that drives sustainable successHow to stay consistent in music and content creationThe truth about record deals and streamingBuilding a loyal audience through value and repetitionRedefining success and personal growth in musicFor artists, managers, and creatives who care more about building careers than chasing moments, this one’s for you.Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/10DPIZCQj0y3LYNTYgo3Yy?si=etxiAgH1TJOVZRCaJjeQ-gWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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The Manager’s Playbook 043: Nic D – 1.5B Streams, Independence, Content Strategy, Streaming Revenue, Mindset, No Label, No Manager & The New Music Business Model
What if you built a billion-stream music career, without a label, manager, or industry connections?That’s exactly what Nic D did. From Culpeper, Virginia, he turned $250-per-song releases and short-form content into a thriving independent business, all while staying self-managed and completely in control.In this episode, Nic breaks down his entire system, from how he budgets every release to how he uses content as his live show. He shares how discipline, data, and mindset turned his catalog into consistent streaming income and freedom on his own terms.We talk about:- Building a profitable indie music model from scratch- How to release a song with $250 and break even from streams- Turning short-form content into real audience growth- Mindset, self-mastery, and creative consistency- Building community instead of chasing playlistsWhether you’re an independent artist, music manager, or entrepreneur, this conversation breaks down what it really takes to win without the machine.This isn’t luck. It’s leverage.It’s the new blueprint for independence.Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybookNew episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET
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Inside the Playbook: Nick Jarjour on Why Songs Became More Valuable Than Ever
Nick Jarjour shares the inside story behind Hipgnosis Songs Fund, the company that redefined how the world values music.From his work alongside Merck Mercuriadis to building one of the most innovative catalog funds in history, Nick reveals how Hipgnosis raised the music multiple, shifted the economics of creativity, and gave songwriters the recognition they’ve long deserved.He also reflects on the creation of the Grammy Songwriter of the Year Award, the fight for fair compensation, and the deeper purpose behind being a true artist advocate.This episode is a masterclass in vision, business, and belief. A reminder that protecting the people who create culture is how you build legacy.Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/4cCKBEnwxpbiKPW2MPFJtn?si=-kw056BBQnKZwSC-eGyS8QWatch 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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