Inside the Playbook: JMSN on Why Being “Cool” Online Is Bad for Your Music Career

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, we talk about the part of the music business that’s driving artists crazy: the endless “how to blow up” social media advice that sounds confident and works for almost nobody.

JMSN explains why he pulled back from social platforms when it started feeling awful and how the unlock was getting less precious about it all. Instead of trying to look cool or chase engagement, he treats platforms like TikTok as low-stakes distribution: post the clips, post the memes, keep the reps going, and don’t let likes define the work. Because the goal isn’t to worship the algorithm. It’s to build a real fanbase and create repeatable momentum.

We also get into how streaming behaviour has changed across platforms, why views/streams don’t tell the full story anymore (even though they can still validate what’s working), and how to lean into traction using tools like Instagram Trial Reels to reach non-followers, while keeping Instagram more curated, like an artist homepage.

And we bring it back to the stuff that still matters: early community support, Toronto roots, and the real-world moments that often start the entire chain reaction.

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

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Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5v5XObpCdwwXn5N1OD1cFQ?si=iKzKWbABSoCiaw9hZxeuvg

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

Keywords: music marketing, social media strategy for artists, TikTok for musicians, Instagram Reels strategy, YouTube growth, streaming strategy, artist development, artist management, fanbase building, momentum, independent artist, music industry