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-eGyS8Q
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
Nick Jarjour shares the story of Starrah, one of the most transformative songwriters in modern music. From crafting Rihanna’s “Needed Me” to shaping global hits for Camila Cabello and Maroon 5, Starrah’s journey is a masterclass in authenticity, creativity, and vision.
In this conversation, Nick explores how she redefined the relationship between artist and songwriter, why context is king, and how mental health and emotional intelligence shape long-term success. He also unpacks the idea of Return on Emotion (ROE), a reminder that the most meaningful rewards in music aren’t always financial.
This episode dives deep into the intersection of culture, creativity, and strategy, and what it really takes to build a legacy that lasts.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4cCKBEnwxpbiKPW2MPFJtn?si=-kw056BBQnKZwSC-eGyS8Q
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
Nick Jarjour takes us inside the real world of music management.
In this conversation, Nick breaks down what it truly means to manage artists and songwriters at the highest level: protecting their vision, aligning with their values, and helping them navigate the demands of the modern industry.
He shares insights on why the best songwriters think like artists, how to build sustainable careers rooted in morals and principles, and what it takes to lead with integrity in an environment built on constant change.
This episode is a masterclass in creative leadership, a must-listen for anyone serious about building a lasting career in music.
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-eGyS8Q
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
Nick Jarjour opens up about the making of In Whose Name, a powerful and deeply human documentary on Ye that explores the intersection of mental health, creativity, and control.
In this conversation, Nick reflects on the challenges of protecting artistic truth while navigating the emotional and ethical weight of telling someone else’s story. It’s a rare look into what it means to balance creative freedom, responsibility, and integrity in modern culture.
If you care about storytelling, leadership, and the realities of the creative industry, this one will stay with you.
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-eGyS8Q
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
Nick Jarjour has built his career around one mission: protecting the storytellers.
From managing Starrah, the songwriter behind Rihanna’s “Needed Me,” to executive producing In Whose Name, one of the highest-grossing documentaries in recent years, Nick has always stood at the intersection of creativity, leadership, and responsibility.
In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Nick opens up about his journey from a young songwriter to becoming one of the most respected executives in the business. He shares what it means to lead with empathy, how mental health fuels creativity, and why protecting artists, writers, and filmmakers isn’t just good leadership. It’s good business.
We dive into his work with Hipgnosis Songs Fund and his mission to revalue songwriters, his philosophy around morals, values, and principles (MVP), and his perspective on the future of music through AI, blockchain, and innovation.
This is a conversation about purpose, partnership, and the power of standing for the people who make culture possible.
Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET
What does it really take to build lasting partnerships between artists, brands, and technology?
In this clip, Isabel Quinteros, SVP at Jen Music AI and former Global Music Partnerships lead at TikTok, reflects on her career journey from PR to tech, sharing lessons from campaigns with J. Cole, and Beyoncé’s Super Bowl performance. She also breaks down how to balance brand expectations with artist needs, and why the best collaborations leave everyone walking away with value.
We dive into case studies like Jessie Reyez’s Jameson partnership and The Weeknd’s VR concert with TikTok, plus explore how AI is shaping the next era of music and brand integration.
This is practical advice and real-world strategy for artists, managers, and brands preparing for the future of music.
Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7pcslHOcyo1H9LFh6WMWF8?si=XVoXX_mhSZau35nFFLCu1w
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
AI is reshaping how music is created and consumed, raising new opportunities and new risks.
In this clip, Isabel Quinteros, SVP at Jen Music AI and former Global Music Partnerships lead at TikTok, joins us to discuss how AI can amplify creativity while forcing the industry to confront difficult questions about monetization, ethics, and the role of human artistry.
We dive into the harsh realities of streaming payouts, the viral rise of an AI-assisted rock band, and the possibility of AI replacing artists. Isabel also shares why the human connection in music still matters, and how the industry must adapt to protect it.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7pcslHOcyo1H9LFh6WMWF8?si=XVoXX_mhSZau35nFFLCu1w
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
AI is changing how music is created, discovered, and experienced.
In this clip, Isabel Quinteros, SVP at Jen Music AI and former Global Music Partnerships lead at TikTok, breaks down how her team is building the future of personalized music. From their patented Style Filter technology to subscription models, marketplaces, and API integrations, we explore the new tools shaping the industry.
We also dive into how kids are already engaging with AI music through gaming platforms like Roblox, the rise of digital social experiences, and what niche communities mean for the future of music discoverability.
This is a glimpse into where music creation is headed and why the rules are being rewritten in real time.
Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7pcslHOcyo1H9LFh6WMWF8?si=XVoXX_mhSZau35nFFLCu1w
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
Generative AI is shaking up the music industry, creating new opportunities and new risks.
In this clip, Isabel Quinteros (SVP at Jen Music AI and former Global Music Partnerships lead at TikTok) breaks down the ethical, legal, and cultural questions surrounding AI in music. From text-to-music prompts to copyright concerns, fair use, and artist compensation, Isabel shares how her team is building a “clean base model” to protect creators and ensure sustainable monetization.
We also explore the future of royalties, licensing, and how artists can thrive in an AI-driven world.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7pcslHOcyo1H9LFh6WMWF8?si=XVoXX_mhSZau35nFFLCu1w
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
In this episode, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Isabel Quinteros, former Global Music Partnerships lead at TikTok and now SVP at Jen Music AI. From her start in PR to shaping TikTok’s rise and now leading conversations on AI, Isabel shares her journey and perspective on the future of music.
They dive into the ethical challenges of AI, artist compensation, the role of blockchain in royalties, and how younger generations are reshaping music through gaming and community. Packed with real-world insights, this episode is for artists, managers, and anyone curious about where music and technology collide.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET
After stepping away from music in 2015, Shawn Desman found himself questioning if he would ever return.
In this conversation, he shares the pivotal moment with Drake that reignited his passion, the role his wife played in guiding crucial career decisions, and the challenges of navigating management changes. Alongside Steve Zsirai and Chad Walsh, Shawn also reveals the strategic and data-driven approach that made his live comeback possible.
This is a story of resilience, reinvention, and what it really takes to build a second chapter in today’s music business.
Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1uwdpt8Z2i0PmUt70hhc76?si=ekjULlriRweFoLFGxe57Eg
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
Shawn Desman’s career looked finished, until it wasn’t.
In this conversation, Shawn, Steve Zsirai, and Chad Walsh break down how a mix of social media strategy, data-driven decision-making, and the “Drake effect” helped spark one of the most inspiring comebacks in Canadian music.
From TikTok virality to reconnecting with nostalgic fans, from analyzing where the audience actually lives to building the right live shows, they share the playbook for turning momentum into a full resurgence. And at the core of it all: authenticity.
This episode is a masterclass in how to rebuild a music career in today’s industry.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1uwdpt8Z2i0PmUt70hhc76?si=ekjULlriRweFoLFGxe57Eg
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
What does it really take to build authentic relationships in music?
In this conversation, Shawn Desman, Steve Zsirai, and Chad Walsh share why keeping a small, trusted circle is essential, how empathy and honesty drive lasting partnerships, and why boundaries matter in an industry that often blurs the personal with the professional.
Shawn also reflects on how personal struggles, including overcoming addiction, shaped his perspective and strengthened his ability to connect with people. Together, the group unpacks the balance between strategy and genuine connection, and why protecting your energy is just as important as protecting your career.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1uwdpt8Z2i0PmUt70hhc76?si=ekjULlriRweFoLFGxe57Eg
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
What makes a great artist, and a great manager?
In this conversation, Shawn Desman, Steve Zsirai, and Chad Walsh break down the traits that separate the good from the unforgettable. From delivering “the good stuff” right away to the power of live performance and the rare quality of time feel, they share what truly moves audiences.
The discussion also touches on lessons from Beyoncé, Coldplay, Drake, and legendary producers like Darkchild and Tricky. And just as important, we explore what makes a great manager: vision, empathy, honesty, and the ability to identify opportunities others miss.
Whether you’re an artist or on the management side, this episode is packed with insights to help you elevate your career.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1uwdpt8Z2i0PmUt70hhc76?si=ekjULlriRweFoLFGxe57Eg
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
Shawn Desman’s story is one of highs, lows, and a powerful comeback. From topping the charts to stepping away from music, Shawn opens up about the pressure of fame, battling depression, and finding sobriety. With Drake’s encouragement at an OVO event, he rediscovered his love for music and returned on his own terms.
Alongside managers Steve Zsirai and Chad Walsh, the conversation dives into the strategy behind rebuilding a career in today’s industry; from leveraging social media and data, to understanding touring, to balancing family life with success.
Packed with honesty, lessons, and laughs, this episode is for anyone who believes in resilience, reinvention, and the power of the right team.
Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET
In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz speaks with Milana Lewis (CEO of Stem) about her journey from having no background in music to becoming a leading entrepreneur in the industry.
Milana explains how building around clear vision and values, and using frameworks like EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), helped her align her company. She shares why the right team matters more than anything, how creating a culture that learns from failure drives growth, and why investing in employees is non-negotiable.
We also talk about the company retreat that immediately boosted performance, why naivety can be an advantage in innovation, and how borrowing ideas from other industries can break through the limits of traditional music business thinking.
This episode is a playbook for leadership, culture, and building companies that last.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7qj5aAUZJEh9bVIWWq596j?si=kORo9PheQ4G3mqg_t5X1PA
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Milana Lewis (CEO of Stem) to unpack the realities of artist development and partnerships in today’s music business.
Milana shares how artists can get noticed without relying solely on social media, why consistent storytelling is key, and the tough decisions behind who gets signed and when. She also dives into the challenges of timing, capacity, and staying true to your vision while finding the right partners.
We explore real-world examples, from artists like Frank Ocean and Chappell Roan, and draw parallels between the entrepreneurial journey of startups and the path of an artist testing and refining their craft.
This conversation is packed with insights for artists and managers navigating growth, making strategic decisions, and building long-term careers in music.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7qj5aAUZJEh9bVIWWq596j?si=kORo9PheQ4G3mqg_t5X1PA
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Milana Lewis, CEO of Stem, to break down how Stem approaches artist partnerships and deal-making differently.
Milana explains why Stem works on a project-by-project basis, how they manage capacity to protect quality, and how their simulator tool helps artists actually understand the financial reality of a deal. She also unpacks the new Concord partnership, designed to expand reach while keeping fairness and flexibility at the core.
The conversation doesn’t shy away from hard truths, including why major labels sometimes sign artists just to shelve them and control market share.
If you’re an artist, manager, or anyone navigating the music industry, this is a must-listen for understanding how to build smarter, more autonomous careers.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7qj5aAUZJEh9bVIWWq596j?si=kORo9PheQ4G3mqg_t5X1PA
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Milana Lewis, CEO & Co-Founder of Stem, to break down one of the music industry’s biggest flaws: royalty accounting.
Milana shares how Stem set out to simplify payments, give artists clarity on what they own, and make sure money flows where it should. She also explains the early challenges of distribution, the struggles YouTube stars faced, and the legal roadblocks that eventually led to the creation of Tone.
This is a look at how smarter contracts and transparent royalty systems can reshape an artist’s career, and why fixing the “boring stuff” might be the most powerful move in music.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Listen to the full episode here -
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7qj5aAUZJEh9bVIWWq596j?si=kORo9PheQ4G3mqg_t5X1PA
Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
In episode 39 of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Milana Lewis, co-founder and CEO of STEM, to unpack the realities of today’s music business.
Milana explains why royalty accounting is still one of the industry’s biggest problems, why so many artists don’t know what they own or when they’ll get paid, and how that lack of clarity gets exploited in bad deals. She also breaks down the difference between independence and autonomy, the role of distribution vs. delivery, and what artists really need to cut through the noise.
The conversation also dives into STEM’s new partnership with Concord, the evolution of Tone, and how technology, storytelling, and team-building are reshaping the future of music.
If you’re an artist, manager, or anyone building a career in the music business, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the chaos.
A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.
Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET
