Inside the Playbook: Nick Raphael on The Real Reason Some Artists Never Make It

In this episode, Nick Raphael, former President of Capitol Records UK, pulls back the curtain on what actually makes or breaks an artist’s career.

It’s not just about talent. It’s about having the right manager, the right strategy, and the ability to build meaningful connections. Nick unpacks why likability often beats raw skill, how inexperience at the management level can derail momentum, and why major labels still play a vital role in breaking global acts.

We also get into the concept of “concentric circles” of influence, and why your team’s reach, experience, and credibility matter more than you think.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4g8IgvdCYzvpVPHiKUXS43?si=ietm7srSRX6hQv9Nt5nh6Q

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook