Welcome to The Manager’s Playbook, my personal newsletter where I share insights, tips, and strategies for artist managers on how to navigate through the music business.

Ruiz’s Letter:

The short answer is, A LOT.

This week, I am incredibly honored to have Dana Meyerson, legendary Power Publicist and Partner at Biz 3, join us in this week’s STRATEGY section to talk PR.

Biz 3’s clients over the years includes The Weeknd, Daft Punk, Colin Kaepernick, J. Cole, Lauryn Hill, Skrillex, Victoria Monét, Justin Bieber, RAYE, Jorja Smith, Jessie Reyez, Caroline Polachek, Robert Glasper, Run The Jewels, Megan The Stallion, Sampha, Diplo, and so many MANY more.

With over two decades in the music industry, Dana Meyerson describes below her holistic approach to public relations below, emphasizing the most effective strategies with management to ensure her clients thrive in the dynamic media landscape.

On a personal note, I was incredibly fortunate to have met Dana at damn near almost the beginning of my management career. She has helped me navigate a tremendous amount in this business and I am forever indebted to her. I have always thought of her as a mentor and partner, but most importantly a friend. Thank you for everything homie. 

-Ruiz

STRATEGY

By Dana Meyerson, Partner at Biz 3

What Press Meant in 2023 and Moving Forward in 2024…

After over 20 years in the music industry, I have gone from helping run a small indie company to being at the helm of major international award winning press campaigns.

Many of the clients I work with start off wondering what the purpose of PR is in an ever evolving industry, especially with the new media landscape and the virality of social media. Having a PR team and a strategy in place is just as important as ever. 

Publicists often wear many hats and the good ones are known for curating a refined or specialized roster, having a rolodex of contacts and relationships, experience in negotiating collaborations and navigating obstacles, all while having a holistic and creative perspective on how to approach press.

First and foremost, I appreciate a management team that shows gratitude, kindness, positivity and leads by example. I am amazed by the many different types of people I work with and the diverse range of music I represent and how in all of those scenarios, I work with teams that I genuinely love who make me feel appreciated. If that ain't the energy, then I ain't with it :)

I'm fortunate that after many years of doing this, it is a conscious choice now to only work with teams that also set me up to win, otherwise I don't work on the project. That means putting the client first but also valuing our opinion enough to make us feel like part of a team rather than hired help. I love teams that make us a part of their process rather than deliver a final product and expect us to deliver out of the box campaigns with unrealistic expectations.

I often sit in studios with artists or hear demos a year before an album will come out - I value that trust that management and artists give us to really live with a project so we are confident in telling the story. I also appreciate management who don't just box us into the typical "publicist" role. I love digging into the creative ideas around marketing and connecting different parts of my world. Press is always the goal but we also strategize on how to get the press we want!

The role of a publicist is constantly changing and what press meant for an artist in 2023 and moving forward in 2024 is very different from what it was 20 years ago. But that said, there will always be a need for critical thought, especially in art, and that often lies on the other end of the spectrum from what might be the most "popular". I got into PR because I love storytelling and avant garde art and pop culture and will always be interested in the conversations around it, both fun and challenging, and it's ability to push culture forward in a positive way.

-Dana
Instagram | Biz 3

PAY ATTENTION

Joe Hadley: A Rapid Rise to Prominence at Spotify, Truly Well Earned

From cold calling Blockbuster Video, to launching the HipHop/RnB vertical at Windish, to representing “The Queen” Beyonce at CAA, dealing with imposter syndrome, to now serving as Spotify Global Head of Music Partnership & Audience, simply put, Joe Hadley is a force.

Personally, I've crossed paths with Joe over the years. Earlier this year, we spent time together at the Spotify Compound in LA, where he graciously showed me around, emphasizing his strong commitment. He's genuinely dedicated to ensuring artists and their management teams succeed at the highest level. The Chicago native is truly one of the good ones.

Note* Lots of name dropping (in the best way possible) in this interview. Get the note pad out, write the names down and look into these folks. Build your rolodex. It’s worth it!

‘Surround Sound’ by JID ft 21 Savage knocks off Mariah for Billboard Top 50 TikTok…IN DECEMBER.

Edition 001 I told you to pay attention. Edition 004 I show you why. ‘Surround Sound’ by JID ft 21 Savage & Baby Tate knocks off Mariah for Billboard Top 50 TikTok…IN DECEMBER.

Shoutout my guy Barry Hefner, JID & Since The 80’s team. They love this music/business and it shows. Congrats 📈

Dear Artists, Skip the Club Bag and Build Your Hard Ticket Touring Audience

azad

View more on Instagram

My brother Azad, one half of Emotional Oranges, founder of Avant Garden Records, and a hell of an entertaining high stakes poker player, breaks down why building a hard ticket is more important than collecting the club bag. You might not be grossing 900 million, however you are building a sustainable business. Pay attention.

A, if you’re reading this, we need more content like this!!

INDUSTRY NEWS

Taylor Swift Grossed Almost $2B This Year From Her Music, Movie, Touring and Concert Merchandise

The breakdown.. (quick maths):

1.8 Billion dollars in gross.

-900 Million Approx in Touring US

-75 Million in LatAm

-132 Million in Merch

-536 Million in Music (streaming, purchases, radio)

-250 Million Era’s movie Globally

Overall Economic impact north of 10 Billion.

“I’m not a businessman, I’m a business, man.”

Peso Pluma’s Double P Records Signs Global Distribution Agreement With The Orchard

Mexican rising star, Peso, has taken a significant step in his musical journey by establishing a sub-label named "Double P" in collaboration with his manager, George Prajin.

This new venture falls under the umbrella of his manager's imprint, "Prajin Parlay Records." It's worth noting that both Peso and George Prajin have secured distribution through SONY's reputable platform, The Orchard.

Peso Pluma is serving as the label's CEO and head of A&R. The label has a roster including Jasiel Nuñez, Tito Laija, Los Dareyes De La Sierra, and Raúl Vega.

Year-End Market Share By Label

Key notes:

• Republic is set to be the top music label of 2023, leading with over 1.6 million units ahead of 2nd place Interscope Geffen A&M.

• Republic's dominance is attributed to its roster of megastars, including Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen, and Drake. The label holds a historic 13.3% market share in the current sector.

• In contrast, Interscope Geffen A&M, with artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eilish, is at 9.6 overall.

• Country and Latin genres are growing, with streaming reshaping the country scene and Latin music gaining mainstream popularity.

• The music industry has seen a 12.8% increase in total activity, with over 1 billion units sold, 1.35 trillion streams, and a notable rise in vinyl and CD sales.

ON REPEAT.. 🔥

STREAM:
Spotify | Apple Music

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING

Scarface: Tiny Desk Concert

Scarface Tiny Desk is a masterclass in performance.
Watch it if you haven’t done so already and then make sure to show your artist this video.

Yachty, Mitch, Coach K & P Remind You Why QC Is Hip-Hops Best Label | A Safe Place (Ep. 13)

Music moguls Coach K and P step into A Safe Place, breaking down the journey of creating powerhouse label Quality Control. An amazing episode that is definitely worth the watch. Their journey was and still is as real as it gets.

Signings include Migos, Lil Yachty, Lil Baby, City Girls, and more.

CHECK THIS OUT

The Best Music Industry Job Openings:
Intern - Artist Management

Get your foot in the door with one of the strongest modern manager’s team of the last few years. Moe Shalizi gets it. 

Bio

I’m Mauricio Ruiz, the Founder/CEO of 8 Til Faint, a talent management agency with 5+ billion audio streams worldwide. Past and current clients include Grammy nominated, Juno Award winning multi-instrumentalist and singer songwriter Jessie Reyez, Marley Bleu and more. I am also the Co-Founder of Mad Ruk Entertainment, a content agency with over 3 billion long form video streams worldwide. Clients past include Eminem, Celine Dion, The Weeknd, and more, along with renowned brands like Nike, Pernod Ricard, Canon, NBA, and others.

Follow me on IG @mauroisruiz

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