Azad Naficy didn’t just navigate the music industry. He rebuilt his relationship to it.

From interning at major labels to co-founding Avant Garden Records, Emotional Oranges, and Peace of Mind Studio, Azad has lived every side of the modern music business: artist, A&R, manager, label owner, and operator.

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, we go deep into the realities of today’s music industry, the part that happens long before a hit song, a playlist add, or a viral moment. Azad breaks down artist development, management, touring economics, branding, merchandising, equity, ownership, music streaming strategy, catalog building, and why sustainable success requires real systems.

Azad talks candidly about the mindset that artists need, the traps majors set without artists noticing, and the frameworks he built to help talent grow without burning out. If you're an independent artist, manager, A&R, label operator, music executive, or someone building a long-term career in this business, this is a masterclass.

This conversation is packed with actionable insights for music business strategy, artist development, music marketing, A&R, label operations, content strategy, creative leadership, and understanding the real economics behind a career.

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

Chapters:
00:00 — Major Label Partnerships Explained (music deals, 360s, JV deals, distribution, copyright, ownership)
00:49 — Early Musical Development
01:34 — Artist Development Myths
02:00 — Transition from Artist to Executive
03:39 — Interning at Interscope Records
05:13 — Management & Artist Business Structure (team building, alignment, music management tips)
07:20 — Building Avant Garden (independent label model, artist-first approach)
11:04 — Team Building & Collaboration (creative teams, management strategy, leadership)
13:08 — Artist Development Deep Dive (growth frameworks, development strategy)
30:10 — What Makes Great Artist Management (EQ, communication, partnership)
37:43 — Gaming & Production Creativity (creative process, innovation)
38:44 — Branding & Art Direction (visual identity, brand strategy for artists)
40:00 — Equity & Ownership in Music (publishing, masters, long-term value)
40:31 — Record Label Realities & Copyright Control
43:21 — Touring Economics & Challenges (music touring strategy, live performance)
44:46 — Emotional Oranges Update (artist lifecycle, career pacing)
46:18 — Authentic Merchandising (brand alignment, product strategy)
52:48 — Avoiding Burnout (artist mindset, mental resilience)
01:09:36 — Peace of Mind Studio: Vision & Strategy (ambient, jazz, neoclassical market)
01:19:28 — Financial Literacy for Artists (recouping, budgeting, money management)
01:19:39 — Music Deals Explained (contracts, splits, negotiations)
01:20:35 — Non-Exclusive Studio Model (innovation in music ecosystems)
01:21:12 — Artist Retention & Financial Success
01:21:56 — Scaling Creative Companies (growth strategy, fundraising, partnerships)
01:22:30 — Capital, Investors & Music Business Funding
01:23:21 — Editorial & Playlist Strategy (DSP pitching, streaming growth)
01:23:40 — Revolutionizing Jazz & Classical (genre innovation, catalog development)
01:24:23 — Empowering Musicians Through Catalog Building
01:31:23 — Live Performances & Credibility (performance strategy)
01:32:01 — Major Labels vs. Independent Success
01:43:46 — A&R & Artist Development Excellence
01:50:46 — Creative Projects: Extra Hot Coffee & GPS
01:53:51 — Evolving a Music Career
02:01:58 — Closing Thoughts & Career Vision