Russ Unveils $100 Million Music Strategy! 🎶

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Russ reveals what it really takes to build a $100M independent artist empire on your own terms.

From owning his masters to mastering his mind, Russ opens up about the risks of holding music too long, how he built a loyal fanbase without a major label, and why staying mentally and emotionally grounded is the real flex. We talk about revenue, motivation, visuals, mental health, and the crucial role of mentorship and team alignment.

Russ shares rare insight into the highs, lows, and lessons of being a truly independent global artist. Whether you’re an artist, manager, or entrepreneur, this episode is full of game.

Simply put, a conversation like this doesn’t come cheap.

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:04 The Journey of an Independent Artist
02:05 Revenue and Success Metrics
04:56 Light vs. Dark Motivation
10:25 Ad Break: 5483 Entertainment Solutions
11:45 Ruiz and Russ 1st Meeting in 2017
15:09 The Importance of Visuals in Music
21:18 Ad Break: ForeverFan Music
22:29 Why You Shouldn’t Hold Back Your Music
27:34 Owning Your Music and Studio Setup
34:02 Redefining Success in the Music Industry
36:04 Struggles with External Validation
36:42 The Pressure of Achievements
38:02 Redefining Success and Progress
39:17 Navigating the Music Industry
40:58 Fear of Success and Public Scrutiny
47:26 The Importance of Mentorship & Personal Growth
52:20 BOOK A MEETING WITH RUIZ!
55:09 Career Milestones and Reflections
01:15:27 Turning Down Big Offers
01:15:46 Building a Name in Toronto
01:19:29 First International Tour
01:20:20 Navigating the Music Industry
01:24:30 The Importance of Fan Engagement
01:29:40 Negotiating with Major Labels
01:35:01 Getting the Major Label to let Russ Release on TuneCore
01:38:23 The Power of Owning Masters
01:46:09 The Value of Music Catalogs
01:46:27 Touring vs. Master Side Income
01:47:31 Financial Literacy and Pocket Watching
01:48:38 The Decision Not to Sell the Catalog
01:51:55 Support Systems and Team Alignment
01:53:36 Conflict Resolution with Management
02:00:23 Balancing Personal Life and Career
02:05:22 Consistency and Overcoming Adversity
02:13:46 Reflections on Success and Future Goals

The opinions shared by our guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or The Manager’s Playbook.

Book a 1:1 Strategy Session with Mauricio Ruiz, host of The Manager’s Playbook, with over 16 years of experience for tailored advice for artists and managers. Consultation Fees Apply https://calendly.com/themanagersplaybook/1hourconsult

Want more fans that will buy tickets and merch on top of streaming your music? It’s simple. Try out ForeverFan for FREE at ⁠⁠https://www.foreverfanmusic.com/?el=TMPB

For your tour managing, transportation and security needs, 5483 ES has got you covered behind the scenes. A one stop solution for entertainment professionals.
https://www.5483es.com/

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Host: Mauricio Ruiz
Executive Producer: Mauricio Ruiz
Director of Photography: Austin Bourdages
On Location Sound: Jesse Lopez
Editor: Max Carmona
Co-Editor: Mauricio Ruiz
Colourist: Max Carmona
Sound Engineer: Madeline Currie
Project Manager: Erica Kongvongxay
Marketing Coordinator: Melanie Letra-Frade
Production Company: 8 Til Faint

#themanagersplaybookpodcast #musicbusinesspodcast #musicbusiness #musicindustry #artistmanagement #musicbusinesstips

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