The Manager's Playbook

• Inside the Playbook: Azad Naficy on The Untapped Music Genre Making Artists REAL Money

  In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz and Azad Naficy explore one of the most transformative shifts happening in the music business today: the explosive rise of ambient, instrumental, and neoclassical music and why it’s creating new financial opportunities for artists who approach it with intention.Azad breaks down how changing conversations around mental health, peace of mind, and emotional well-being have opened the door for a new wave of artists who aren’t chasing virality, but instead building real, sustainable streaming revenue through catalog depth and consistency.Ruiz highlights how Peace of Mind Studio has built an ecosystem where artists are already earning six-figure incomes, powered by high-quality production, smart catalog strategy, and genre innovation.They also dive into the business mechanics behind this success:• better deal structures,• thoughtful recoupment models,• smart financial literacy,• and the intentional development that leads to long-term sustainability.From innovative partnership models to building a multimillion-dollar operation without sacrificing artistic integrity, this conversation is a roadmap for anyone looking to understand the future of independent artist monetization, instrumental music growth, and the systems required to build a stable, fulfilling career in today’s industry.Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5OEmeP3qCOLotxuji6se0j?si=IGzhU94zT2ydsy63TGkhuwWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

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• Inside the Playbook: Azad Naficy on Why Your Show Isn’t Selling

  In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz and Azad Naficy break down the real mechanics of touring in the modern music business. Not the highlight reel, the reality. Azad opens up about the challenges artists face when they jump into touring too early, the financial and physical toll of the road, and why developing a strong live performance strategy is essential for long-term success.They explore how great artists build unforgettable shows through fan engagement, experience design, and intentional stage development, and why choosing the right venues, pacing your growth, and investing in your live show matters more than chasing big stages prematurely. Azad also speaks on the importance of tour economics, mastering different revenue streams, and why longevity often comes from patience, restraint, and incremental growth.Whether you’re an independent artist, manager, or anyone navigating the touring ecosystem, this conversation offers practical insights on sustainable touring, fan-building strategy, and making smart business decisions that support your career instead of draining it.Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5OEmeP3qCOLotxuji6se0j?si=IGzhU94zT2ydsy63TGkhuwWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

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• Inside the Playbook: Azad Naficy on The Steps Successful Artists NEVER Skip

  In this episode clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with artist, executive, and Avant Garden co-founder Azad Naficy to unpack one of the most important truths in the modern music business:The people who make the most money in music aren’t the artists, they’re the ones who own the copyright.Azad breaks down how record labels build wealth through ownership and equity, why understanding your masters, publishing, and copyright is essential, and what artists should look for before signing any record deal.He also shares how early collaborators like Brittany Crawford and Brando shaped his approach to artist development and why great management is always centered on people, not numbers.Whether you’re an independent artist, aspiring music executive, manager, or someone trying to understand how real careers are built, this conversation offers clarity on:• The real economics of the music industry• How labels profit from ownership and catalog• What makes effective artist development• The mindset shift from artist to executive• How to build the right team for long-term growthThis is a candid, strategic breakdown of how the business actually works and why artists need to understand it before they give anything away.Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5OEmeP3qCOLotxuji6se0j?si=IGzhU94zT2ydsy63TGkhuwWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

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• The Manager’s Playbook 048: Azad Naficy - Artist Development, Major Label Deals, Merch Strategy, Touring Realities & Building Sustainable Music Careers

  Azad Naficy has lived every corner of the music business - artist, manager, A&R, label co-founder, and the architect behind Peace of Mind Studio and Avant Garden Records. In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Azad breaks down what most artists, managers, and entrepreneurs wish they learned years earlier: how the modern music industry actually works.From artist development and music marketing to major label deals, streaming strategy, touring economics, brand building, merchandising, A&R, and catalog development, Azad shares the frameworks that helped him build sustainable careers and long-term creative infrastructure.We unpack how he went from burnout to building a multi-million-dollar creative ecosystem, why not every artist should be independent, what makes great artist management, how to structure real partnerships, and the mindset required to build a career that lasts longer than a viral moment.If you’re an independent artist, music manager, A&R, label operator, or someone serious about building a real music career, this is a masterclass in strategy, clarity, and long-term vision.In this episode we dive into:• Artist development and building real infrastructure• What makes a major label deal actually worth it• Ownership, equity, and the business behind the music• Why merch and branding must be authentic• The truth about touring and why it’s not always profitable• Playlist strategy, editorial pitching, and streaming growth• Managing burnout while scaling creative output• Building Peace of Mind Studio and redefining jazz, ambient & neoclassical markets• Financial literacy, recoupment, and long-term artist success• The future of independent labels and creative ecosystemsAzad doesn’t talk theory. He talks execution. And this conversation is loaded with the kind of insights that reshape careers.Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap. Watch the full episode on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠New episodes drop Tuesdays @ 10am ET

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• Inside the Playbook: Theron Thomas on What Really Holds Artists Back

  In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Grammy-winning songwriter Theron Thomas breaks down one of the most misunderstood topics in the music industry, the myth of “selling your soul,” and why people reach for conspiracy theories when they don’t understand the real work behind success.Theron speaks candidly about his journey in music, the challenges he’s faced, the deals he’s navigated, and the moments that forced him to grow. He talks about maintaining integrity in an industry that tests it constantly, and why gratitude, accountability, and work ethic matter more than anything people think is happening behind the scenes.Ruiz and Theron dive into the truth about music business relationships, publishing deals, career setbacks, artist development, and the pressure that comes with real success. They also unpack the emotional and psychological side of building a long-term career, the part that never gets seen, but determines everything.This conversation is a grounded, honest look at what it really takes to succeed as an artist, songwriter, producer, manager, or executive. No shortcuts. No secrets. Just the truth:Winners aren’t selling their souls. They’re working harder, staying disciplined, and learning from every mistake.If you’re navigating the creative world or building a career in music, this is one you’ll feel in your chest.Simply put, a conversation like this doesn't come cheap.Listen to the full episode here -Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ep3gakdSoW33fD99LShrd?si=OUWDoPF-R0-bFJ3jE1dYkQWatch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

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