Doja Cat is one of the most influential superstars on the planet.
You could assume her artist manager would be someone who is impossible to reach or have an aura of arrogance quite possibly. This is the furthest thing from the truth.
Gordan Dillard (Doja’s Artist Manager) is one of the most well attuned giants in artist management that I have had the good fortune to meet. He’s a humble & thoughtful executive who understands the business’ valleys and peaks and is not afraid to share his journey within the terrain of artist management. He is also a fierce competitor who’s ambitions were first shaped on the gridiron. Coming from a football background, Gordan understands that in order to win you need to execute. He does both at the HIGHEST levels.
That’s why it brings me great pleasure to talk to a true student of the game, a power player in artist management, to the Podcast. It is an honor to sit down with him to discuss his beginnings, thought process, artist’s approach and his relentless drive to succeed.
Ladies and gentlemen, a conversation like this doesn’t come cheap. The one and only, Gordan Dillard for ‘The Manager’s Playbook’ Podcast.
0:00 Doja Cat is ahead of the curve
1:00 Ruiz intro
2:20 What does it take for an artist to be a superstar?
6:01 How to navigate telling others about big ideas
7:24 Gordan’s family & upbringing
10:13 Interning at Motown
13:00 A&R vs. Artist Management
15:16 Working at BET while managing The Mekanix and Amir Obe
19:54 Proof of concept to independent business deals
21:24 The music industry is a rollercoaster ride
23:22 Meeting Sal Slaiby
25:41 Opportunity at Maverick & learning from Greg Thompson and Sal Slaiby
28:14 Meeting Yeti Beats & Doja Cat
31:19 Always follow your instincts & stay true to your brand
34:45 How important is for an artist to have a vision?
36:12 Doja Cat ‘Hot Pink’ & ‘Planet Her’
41:39 Virtual performances to Austin City Limits & Coachella
45:48 Teamwork, creative & strategic conversations, Doja Cat’s next project
49:18 Co-founding Good Day Management with Josh Kaplan
52:36 How to cultivate strong relationships
54:19 Curiosity, work ethic & winning
1:04:17 Co-Founding In Addition with Delane
1:06:50 How to get an artist to the next level
1:08:27 Working at Capitol Music Group
1:18:51 Expanding the business, having a drive & accountability
1:26:34 Dreamkillers
1:29:24 When Ruiz & Gordan first met
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Host: Mauricio Ruiz
Producer: Mauricio Ruiz
Production Manager: Erica Kongvongxay
Cinematographer: Jenny Thach
Lighting: Isaac Crane
Editor: Jenny Thach
Color: Jenny Thach
Audio: Chris Godfrey
Production Company: 8 Til Faint
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