Inside the Playbook: Chris Taylor on The Record Label That Saved Metric’s Career
Chris Taylor takes us inside Metric’s improbable rise, from repeated label rejections to breaking through as one of Canada’s most influential indie bands. In the early 2000s, after failed demo deals with Warner Brothers, Island Records, and Virgin, the band was at a crossroads. Refusing to let their story end there, Taylor founded Last Gang Records to give Metric their long-overdue shot.We also explore the shifting music landscape of the time, from the disruptive force of digital piracy to the emergence of indie labels and bands that redefined the industry. A conversation about resilience, vision, and what happens when you bet on the right talent.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2m8tNzMZHx1LpZtC0i9eNh?si=5XO54H5nQmiRzPOCW06jZwWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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Inside the Playbook: Chris Taylor on His Biggest Mistake with Last Gang Records
Chris Taylor’s path has been anything but linear: lawyer, label founder, and music executive with a global footprint.In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, he shares how he scaled a thriving legal practice while launching Last Gang Records, balancing the demands of both worlds, and navigating the breakthrough moments that shaped his career. From the strategies he used to build and fund his firm, to the lessons learned from working with diverse legal talent, to the ripple effect of representing Drake on the Canadian music scene, Chris pulls back the curtain on the business moves that matter.We also dive into his leap to Entertainment One (eOne), the negotiations that brought him there, and the leadership lessons he absorbed from founder Darren Troop; insights on patience, discipline, and vision that apply far beyond music.It’s a candid look at the intersection of law, music, and business growth, told by someone who’s mastered all three.Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2m8tNzMZHx1LpZtC0i9eNh?si=5XO54H5nQmiRzPOCW06jZwWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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Inside the Playbook: Chris Taylor on the BIGGEST Record Label Bidding War of 1999
Chris Taylor remembers the moment Nelly Furtado’s music landed in his hands, and the chain reaction it set off.From self-made tracks and photo booth snapshots to sparking one of 1999’s biggest record deals, Chris takes us inside the bidding war that had David Geffen, Madonna, and the industry’s heavyweights at the table. The result? A Dreamworks deal that helped open the door for Canadian artists on a global stage.We talk spotting hits before they happen, building the right relationships, and how the tools for finding talent have evolved over the years.This isn’t just a story about signing a star; it’s a masterclass in recognizing potential and acting before anyone else sees it.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2m8tNzMZHx1LpZtC0i9eNh?si=5XO54H5nQmiRzPOCW06jZwWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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Inside the Playbook: Chris Taylor on How Artist Managers Are Gaining More Power Than Record Labels
Chris Taylor knows the role of the music manager has changed forever.In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, he shares why he launched a management company in 2024 and how managers today are building infrastructure, owning assets, and playing a bigger role than ever in an artist’s career.From navigating platforms like Spotify and TikTok to building specialized teams, Chris unpacks the power shift from labels to management, the strategic value of market share, and why touring and digital marketing still drive lasting success.He also reflects on the evolving impact of press, the continued role of radio, and why the best managers see themselves as partners, building empires alongside their artists.This is a conversation about leverage, longevity, and leading from the front.A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2m8tNzMZHx1LpZtC0i9eNh?si=5XO54H5nQmiRzPOCW06jZwWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook
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The Manager’s Playbook 033: Chris Taylor – Last Gang Records, Drake, Nelly Furtado, Artist Management, Independent Labels, Music Law, Career Longevity & Betting on Talent
Chris Taylor has done it all: music lawyer, label founder, global executive, and now CEO of Hall of Fame Management. But his story didn’t start with a major deal. It started with a $35K personal bet on a band called Metric and a refusal to let talent get buried by industry politics.In this episode, Chris joins Mauricio Ruiz to talk about the hard-earned lessons behind his journey, what it really means to build infrastructure, why some artists succeed without being the most strategic, and how the role of the manager has evolved into something bigger than ever before.They unpack the grind behind artist development, the emotional weight of betting on people, and what long-term thinking looks like in an industry obsessed with quick wins.This is a masterclass in leadership, belief, and adapting to the business as it moves under your feet.Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybookNew episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET
Hosted by Mauricio Ruiz, a music industry executive of 15 years, The Manager's Playbook is your essential podcast for insights into the music industry. Whether you're an artist, aspiring manager, music industry professional, or just passionate about the behind-the-scenes of the music business, this podcast is for you. Mauricio brings you in-depth interviews with top artist managers, entertainment lawyers, and other industry execs. Each episode is packed with valuable tips, real-world experiences, and expert advice to help you navigate the complexities of the music business.
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