The Codes

Leon Thomas' A&R Shawn Barron shares how to build authentic artist momentum on Episode 8 of The Codes - a music industry podcast exploring the realities of artist management and music marketing in 2026.From his beginnings signing Ty Dolla $ign in 2012 to the breakthrough of Leon Thomas in 2022, Shawn Barron is a veteran manager and label head as the co-founder of EZYMNY with Ty Dolla $ign. Special thanks to ‪Mangainz‬, Naik2g, NZ On Air, and the Higher Ground Management team.

Kaytranada, Childish Gambino, & Latto's A&R Derrick Aroh shares how doing right by artists is the foundation to building a fruitful career on Episode 7 of The Codes - a music industry podcast exploring the realities of artist management and the music industry in 2026.From his beginnings as an intern to becoming one of the most influential A&R’s in the industry, Derrick Aroh shares his wins and losses, advice on developing artists with integrity, and how he overcomes imposter syndrome. Special thanks to ‪Mangainz‬, Naik2g, NZ On Air, and the Higher Ground Management team.

Sam Alavi - The Co-Founder and CEO behind one of the most tapped in creative management companies, Right Click Culture - joins Episode 006 of The Codes, to connect the dots between how he bridged the Gaming/Streaming worlds, together with music.From creating music festivals to managing an artist for the first time, Sam details his perspective: from how he helped build a company and a brand, to the management and story behind working with BBNO$ to build virality.He breaks down how he approaches management, building & sustaining a creative career, and navigating the industry.Special thanks to ‪@Mangainz‬, Naik2g, NZ On Air, and the Higher Ground Management team.

Tariq Cherif - The Co-Founder and CEO behind one of the biggest music festivals in the world: Rolling Loud - joins Episode 005 of The Codes, to disclose the BTS of a RAP conglomerate's growth and future, as well as the mistakes to avoid along the way.From childhood parties to success in the music events space, Tariq details his perspective: from how he helped build a globally recognised event, to the management of global names like Ski Mask the Slump God and Danny Towers.He breaks down what artists should look for in managers, as well as the advice that helped shape his journey, and the impact that he would like to leave on the world.Special thanks to ‪@Mangainz‬, NZ on Air, Naik2g, and the Higher Ground Management team.

Andile Ndlovu — the powerhouse behind Lancey Foux, Iann Dior, V-ron, and Abby Anderson joins Episode 004 of The Codes to unpack what it really takes to build a lasting career in today’s music industry.From the behind-the-scenes of Iann Dior’s global hit “Mood” to redefining what it means to be a modern artist manager, Andile shares deep insights on branding, creative direction, and sustainable success.She also opens up about mental health, self-worth, and empowering the next generation of music leaders, while breaking down how strategic partnerships can elevate both artists and their teams.👇 Subscribe to The Codes for more conversations with the creative minds shaping the future of music, branding, and artist development. Special thanks to ‪@Mangainz‬, NZ on Air, Naik2g, and the Higher Ground Management team.

Justice Baiden - the point guard behind Summer Walker, 6LACK, and SPINALL - joins Episode 003 of The Codes, a podcast unpacking the real codes of artist management, creativity, and longevity in today’s music industry.From betting on himself to building lasting artist relationships, Justice opens up on how he balances business and creativity while working with R&B’s most powerful voices. He also breaks down what artists should look for in A&Rs and managers, the mentorships that shaped his journey, and how to play the long game in an industry obsessed with quick wins.Special thanks to ‪@Mangainz‬, NZ on Air, Naik2g, and the Higher Ground Management team.

Tyler Henry - the manager behind PartyNextDoor, Wondagurl and STURDY - joins The Codes to share what it takes to manage greatness in the modern music industry.From shaping a vision alongside PartyNextDoor, to balancing creativity and commerce, Tyler reveals how he built a culture-first management approach that’s redefining R&B for a new generation. He talks longevity, intuition, and how staying grounded in purpose is key to surviving the industry marathon.Special thanks to ‪@Mangainz‬, NZ on Air, Naik2g, and the Higher Ground Management team.

XXXTentacion’s manager Solomon Sobande unpacks his unconventional journey through the music business on Episode 1 of The Codes - a music industry podcast exploring the realities of artist management and music marketing in 2025.From faking his way into record labels in the early days of his career to managing an artist whose connection with fans created a lasting cultural legacy, Solomon shares rare music industry tips, stories from behind the scenes of music management, and building authentic careers in the modern music industry.Special thanks to ‪@Mangainz‬, NZ on Air, Naik2g, and the Higher Ground Management team.