What Does a Music Business Manager ACTUALLY Do?!

In episode 35 of The Manager’s Playbook, I sit down with my own business manager, Dan Gonzalez, to break down the financial backbone of an artist’s career.

We cover the real role of a business manager, why they’re the true CFO of the music business, and how the right systems can mean the difference between wealth and bankruptcy. From tax planning and royalty audits to catalog sales and family offices, this conversation is a masterclass in turning creativity into equity.

Dan shares why most artists don’t fully understand where their money goes, how catalogs have become one of today’s fastest-moving asset classes and what it takes to set up financial structures that actually last.

Whether you’re an artist, manager, or industry professional, this episode gives you the blueprint to avoid costly mistakes and build long-term wealth in music.

A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Timestamps:
00:00 The Hidden Costs of Advances
01:27 What a Business Manager Really Does
05:44 Building Financial Structures for Artists
12:06 Common Money Mistakes & Tax Planning
25:49 Royalties, Publishing, and Rights Management
41:54 How Royalty Audits Work (and Why They Matter)
50:31 Contracts, Label Deals & Protecting IP
57:32 Advances, Growth, and Catalog Sales
01:07:08 Music as an Alternative Asset Class
01:13:45 Family Offices & Long-Term Wealth Management
01:15:48 Technology, AI, and the Future of Music Business
01:18:20 Equity, Ownership & Artist Retention
01:20:39 Building Sustainable Music Businesses
01:26:55 Scaling, Reporting, and Financial Oversight
01:39:15 Raising Capital in the Music Industry
01:49:38 Advice for the Next Generation
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Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and information provided in this podcast are for general informational and educational purposes only. Daniel Gonzalez (“Dan”) is not an attorney, CPA, or licensed financial advisor. Nothing discussed should be construed as legal, tax, or accounting advice, nor should it be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with qualified professionals. Listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of their own legal counsel, CPA, or other licensed professionals with respect to any questions or concerns they may have.

Footnotes:

38:15 If it’s on-demand radio, it triggers a master recording royalty (label/distributor gets paid directly from the DSP). If it’s non-interactive radio, it triggers a digital performance royalty on the master (collected by SoundExchange in the U.S.). Terrestrial Radio: Labels and performing artists get nothing from terrestrial radio plays in the U.S.

38:46 The mechanical royalty rate for on-demand streaming in the US is 15.1% of the streaming service's revenue, as set by the Copyright Royalty Board. This rate applies to the revenue generated from streams and is paid to songwriters and music publishers. This rate has increased over time, from 11.4% in 2018 to the current 15.1%

39:24 This rate has increased over time, from 11.4% in 2018 to the current 15.1%

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

Most artists fail because they don’t have a plan. Venice Music gives you a personalized rollout strategy, global distribution, and real support from people who care. Release your music the right way, every time.
https://www.venicemusic.co/rollout-strategies?utm_campaign=managers_playbook_ad&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=managers_playbook

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Host: Mauricio Ruiz
Executive Producer: Mauricio Ruiz
Director of Photography: Nathan Duarte, Grid Studio
On Location Sound: Nathan Duarte, Grid Studio
Editors: Grid Studio
Co-Editor: Mauricio Ruiz
Colourists: Grid Studio
Sound Engineer: Madeline Currie
Project Manager: Erica Kongvongxay
Marketing Coordinator: Melanie Letra-Frade
Production Company: 8 Til Faint

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