Inside the Playbook: Nick Raphael on Why Indie Artists Are Winning More Than Ever in 2025

In this episode, Nick Raphael, former President of Capitol Records UK, uncovers a core truth of the music business: a hit record means nothing without the right artist.

We dive into why some tracks never break through, even when they’re brilliant, and why fan connection, team alignment, and timing can turn a decent song into a global moment. Nick shares the story behind Empire State of Mind, explains how artist-first thinking drives success, and reveals the deeper strategy behind building lasting careers.

Plus, we explore the rise of the independent middle class in music and how Nick’s latest venture is redefining what a modern label can look like, with a tight team and big results.

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