In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Russ pulls back the curtain on one of the most unconventional, and successful, label deals in modern music.

From earning $100K/month independently to partnering (not just signing) with Columbia, Russ breaks down exactly how he kept full control of his TuneCore catalog, negotiated profit splits, and built a system that still pays him seven figures a month, just from masters.

This isn’t just artist advice. It’s a case study in ownership, leverage, and long-term vision.

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

Timestamps:
00:20 Navigating Label Meetings
01:27 The Rise of Streaming Platforms
03:30 Choosing Columbia Records
04:46 Maintaining Creative Control
08:43 Challenges with the Label
09:56 Leaving the Label
10:42 Advice for New Artists
11:42 The Future of Music Ownership

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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

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