You Don't Need To Be Drake to Make Money (SonReal Interview) скачать в хорошем качестве

You Don't Need To Be Drake to Make Money (SonReal Interview)

There’s a version of the music industry most people never talk about. The space between busking on the street and Drake. Where independent artists build real careers, create predictable income, and stay in control, without relying on fame, viral hits, or label permission. In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, I sit down with SonReal (Aaron Hoffman), a Canadian rapper, songwriter, and independent artist who’s been making a living from music since 2013. We break down what it actually takes to build a sustainable music career in today’s algorithm-driven music business: owning your masters, stacking catalog, building a release strategy, creating a content system that drives discovery, and touring profitably without bleeding money. SonReal walks through his two-week release schedule (a real music marketing strategy and distribution strategy, not an “algorithm hack”), why master ownership changes the math for streaming revenue, and how independent artists can create leverage through consistency, community, and smart operations. We also get into the realities of building a team, finding the right manager, negotiating deals, and why most artists misunderstand what “going independent” actually requires. If you’re an independent musician, aspiring artist, music manager, A&R, music executive, or anyone trying to understand artist development, music business strategy, music promotion, streaming growth, fan engagement, and touring economics, this is a masterclass. Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. 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 Chapters: 00:00 Independent Artist Success & Music Business Mindset 00:49 SonReal Introduction: Canadian Rapper & Songwriter 01:20 Release Strategy: Dropping Music Every 2 Weeks 04:26 Owning Your Masters: Why Ownership Changes Streaming Revenue 06:02 Cost-Effective Music Production: Producing, Splits, and Budgeting 10:41 Content Strategy for Musicians: TikTok, Reels, Shorts & Discovery 13:39 Work-Life Balance for Artists: Family, Focus, and Sustainability 39:42 Music Industry Relationships: Loyalty, Trust, and Long-Term Teams 41:47 How to Find a Manager: Artist Leverage, Readiness, and Timing 43:06 Building a Team in the Music Business: Friends vs Professionals 44:17 Early Music Videos & Independent Artist Marketing Lessons 46:40 Breakthrough Song Strategy: “Everywhere We Go” and Momentum 52:01 Major Label Deal: Signing with Capitol Records (Pros/Cons) 01:04:42 Independent Artist Mindset: Control, Pressure, and Responsibility 01:13:58 Data-Driven Growth: Studying What Works in Music Marketing 01:14:25 Family & Content Creation: Systems for Consistency 01:17:22 Artist Brand Authenticity: Identity, Storytelling, and Connection 01:19:54 Touring Economics: Merch, VIP, Budgeting & Profitable Live Shows 01:23:11 Independent Career Path: Artist Development Without a Label 01:32:01 Music Revenue Streams: Ownership, Catalog, and Monthly Income 01:45:50 Advice for Independent Artists: Craft, Consistency, and Strategy 01:47:13 Legacy & Values: Choosing Your Artist Career on Purpose 01:50:31 Final Thoughts: Longevity, Independence, and the Long Game The opinions shared by our guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or The Manager’s Playbook. Follow The Manager's Playbook Newsletter https://www.the-managers-playbook.bee... Instagram   / mauroisruiz   TikTok   / managersplaybook   Facebook   / mngrsplaybook   X   / mngrsplaybook   LinkedIn   / the-managers-playbook   Snapchat   / bcaz8cvw   Website https://mngrsplaybook.com Host: Mauricio Ruiz Executive Producer: Mauricio Ruiz Director of Photography: Austin Bourdages On Location Sound: Jesse Lopez Editors: Max Carmona & Madison Lair Co-Editor: Mauricio Ruiz Colourists: Max Carmona & Madison Lair Sound Engineer: Madeline Currie Project Manager: Erica Kongvongxay Marketing Coordinator: Melanie Letra-Frade Production Company: 8 Til Faint #themanagersplaybookpodcast #musicbusinesspodcast #musicbusiness #musicindustry #artistmanagement #musicbusinesstips