The Manager's Playbook

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, I sit down with Nima Nasseri, artist manager for Hit-Boy, former VP of A&R Strategy at Universal Music Group, and one of the clearest thinkers in the modern music business.This conversation is about the shift most artists and managers are still resisting.We’re no longer in a talent-first industry. We’re in a content-led, motion-driven business where consistency, systems, and storytelling matter more than waiting to be discovered. Nima breaks down how TikTok, short-form content, and algorithms have quietly replaced traditional A&R and why artists who don’t adapt are falling behind, regardless of how good the music is.We talk through real strategy:how to stay consistent without burning out,how to think about content as a system instead of a chore,how artists actually convert attention into fans and streams,and why mindset, visualization, and mental health are no longer optional if you want longevity.Nima also shares the story of using content to help Norris Williams, a 72-year-old man experiencing homelessness, rebuild his life, a powerful reminder that these platforms aren’t just tools for marketing, but for real human impact.Whether you’re an independent artist, artist manager, producer, or music executive, this episode will challenge how you think about growth, discovery, and what it really takes to build a sustainable career in today’s music industry.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

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, host Mauricio Ruiz and Azad Naficy break down one of the biggest questions in the music industry today:Does every artist need a major label or can you build a successful career independently?Azad offers a refreshingly honest look at the advantages and limitations of major label partnerships, from global reach and international infrastructure to the realities of misaligned deals and lost creative direction. He also explains why some artists thrive in the independent sector, especially when they build a strong, bespoke team that actually understands their vision.This conversation dives deep into:• how to evaluate a record deal and what a label can really offer• why artist development is still the foundation of every long career• the qualities that make a great A&R• challenges artists face when signing too early• what independence looks like when done intentionally• how to build a team that supports your long-term goalsWhether you're considering a label deal, building an independent operation, or trying to understand how to scale your music career the right way, this clip delivers practical guidance you won’t hear in most industry rooms.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

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

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

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