Dark Mode
Blogs
TORONTO LATINOS | MUSIC & CULTURE
The music industry is full of stories about artists who make it big. But what about the people working behind the scenes to make those careers happen?
That’s where Mauricio Ruiz comes in.
The Toronto-connected music executive, entrepreneur and former manager of Canadian singer Jessie Reyez is sharing the knowledge he’s gained throughout his career through The Manager’s Playbook, a podcast that takes listeners inside the business of music.
And he’s bringing some serious industry heavyweights along for the conversation.
Ruiz has spent more than 15 years navigating the entertainment industry, building relationships and working with artists and major brands.
His career includes co-founding Mad Ruk Entertainment, working with Jessie Reyez and Skratch Bastid, and producing content connected to names like The Weeknd, Nike and the NBA.
His experience managing Jessie Reyez during an important stage of her career gave him firsthand knowledge of what it takes to develop an artist, build a team and navigate the complicated world of record labels, touring and music marketing.
But rather than keeping those lessons to himself, Ruiz decided to share them.
Launched in 2024, The Manager’s Playbook brings together artist managers, record executives, entertainment lawyers, producers and other influential figures to discuss how the music business actually works.
The podcast has featured industry names including Troy Carter, Jermaine Dupri, Russ, Ray Daniels, Director X and many others.
The conversations go beyond the usual success stories. Guests discuss artist development, negotiating deals, building fanbases, ownership, touring and the mistakes that can make or break a career.
For independent artists trying to figure out their next move, that’s valuable information.
And for anyone curious about what happens behind the scenes of a successful music career, it’s an interesting listen.
One of the more interesting things about Ruiz’s story is his connection to Toronto.
In a May 2026 episode explaining why he started the podcast, Ruiz discussed his decision to step away from artist management and create something of his own.
He also spoke about Toronto’s importance to the podcast’s mission and his desire to make industry knowledge more accessible to the next generation of artists and executives.
It’s a message that resonates in a city filled with emerging musicians, producers, promoters and creative entrepreneurs looking to build careers beyond Canada’s borders.
For Toronto’s Latin community, Ruiz’s journey is another example of someone with ties to the city making an impact in the international entertainment business.
What started as a podcast has expanded into a broader platform.
Alongside interviews, Ruiz publishes a newsletter offering practical music industry advice, covering everything from artist branding and audience development to networking and touring strategies.
The platform has also celebrated surpassing 50,000 YouTube subscribers and 50 full-length podcast episodes with a special digital magazine highlighting lessons from its guests.
Ruiz has additionally introduced opportunities for artists and aspiring industry professionals to access private consultations and advice from experienced executives.
There’s no shortage of podcasts interviewing famous musicians.
What makes The Manager’s Playbook different is its focus on the people building the careers, negotiating the deals and making the decisions that audiences rarely see.
Whether you’re an emerging Latino artist in Toronto, an aspiring manager, an event promoter or simply someone who loves the music business, there’s plenty to learn from these conversations.
And with Toronto continuing to produce talent that reaches audiences around the world, platforms like this are helping make the business side of the industry a little less mysterious.
Where to watch and listen:
Did you like this article?
Did you like this article?
One of Guatemala’s most outspoken anti-corruption lawyers has been shot and killed in broad daylight, raising fresh concerns about organized crime, political corruption and the safety of those challenging powerful interests in the country. Juan Francisco Solórzano...
Colombia has opened an embassy in Jerusalem, marking a major shift in its relationship with Israel after former president Gustavo Petro cut diplomatic ties over the war in Gaza. The October 14 inauguration follows the restoration of relations under President Abelardo...
Check the stickers on your next grocery haul. There could be a little Latin America sitting right in your fruit bowl. From Mexican avocados to Chilean cherries and Peruvian blueberries, the region’s agricultural reach stretches far beyond its borders. According to an...
For many people in Toronto, one question has become increasingly difficult to answer: Should I keep renting, or is it time to buy a home? With changing interest rates, mortgage qualification...
Canada's Latin music scene continues to grow, and here's another opportunity for Latin artists across the country to get the recognition they deserve. Submissions are officially open for...
Toronto, imagine waking up tomorrow morning $90 million richer. No more checking your bank account before ordering Uber Eats. No more complaining about grocery prices. And definitely no more...
0 Comments