Former EPIC Records Exec REVEALS What AI Means for Artists!

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Former EPIC Records exec Chris Anokute breaks down what AI means for artists, the future of artist development, and why record deals are all about leverage, rights, and perspective. In Part 2 of The Manager’s Playbook convo with Chris, he talks Suno, AI music, IP concerns, independent artist strategy, building leverage from zero, and what it really takes to break artists in today’s music industry.

Whether you’re an independent artist, manager, music executive, or producer, this episode is packed with insight on AI in music, record deals, artist development, music marketing, audience growth, and the future of the music business.

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

Chapters:
00:00 Producers Using Suno
00:42 Welcome Back Part Two
00:56 Chris Anokute Origin Story
01:36 Career Highlights and Signings
05:06 Learning Deals and Contracts
07:16 No Such Thing as a Bad Deal
08:38 DIY Music Industry Reality
10:32 Why Labels Still Matter
11:44 Costs of Making Music
15:31 90-Day Leverage Plan
18:13 Everyone Is a Creator
21:34 AI Music Ethics and IP
31:52 AI Growth and Market Math
41:16 If You Can’t Beat ’Em, Join ’Em
43:24 Suno Success Story
45:34 Attention Economy Overload
50:04 Focus on What’s in Front of You
54:18 Artist Development and Faith
57:40 Back to Coaching and Mentoring
1:00:57 Tools vs Cheating Debate
1:02:06 Building Electric Feel Records
1:03:46 Who Is Austin Rosen
1:05:15 Traits of Winners
1:06:34 Fast Independent Operations
1:08:32 What Artists Need
1:11:10 Jessie Reyez Lessons
1:21:03 Podcast Mentorship Ripple
1:26:42 AMI and Aaron Breakthrough
1:31:17 Serving Without Fees
1:36:07 Being a Vessel
1:41:44 Next Superstar Era
1:43:53 Why Youth Are Winning
1:49:59 Magic Still Exists
1:51:51 Final Wrap and Outro

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

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

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