Inside the Playbook: Azad Naficy on Why Artists Get Screwed by Major Labels

Inside the Playbook: Azad Naficy on Why Artists Get Screwed by Major Labels

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 goals

Whether 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=IGzhU94zT2ydsy63TGkhuw


Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook

Jaksot(271)

Inside the Playbook: Hitmaka on The Truth About Songwriters vs Producers

Inside the Playbook: Hitmaka on The Truth About Songwriters vs Producers

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Hitmaka breaks down how producers really get paid in the music business.He reflects on his time during Atlantic’s high-powered A&R era, how he helped shape the ...

23 Huhti 19min

Inside the Playbook: Hitmaka on How Producers Really Get Paid

Inside the Playbook: Hitmaka on How Producers Really Get Paid

In this clip of The Manager’s Playbook, Hitmaka breaks down how producers really get paid in the music business.From song deals and publishing to fair splits, leverage, and non-exclusive relationships...

22 Huhti 13min

The Manager’s Playbook 063: Hitmaka - Hit Songs, Songwriting, A&R, Artist Development & Music Business

The Manager’s Playbook 063: Hitmaka - Hit Songs, Songwriting, A&R, Artist Development & Music Business

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Hitmaka, formerly Yung Berg, for a deep conversation on the real business behind hit songs.Hitmaka breaks down how hit records a...

19 Huhti 1h 33min

Inside the Playbook: Mike Caren on What Makes a Song Feel Like a Hit

Inside the Playbook: Mike Caren on What Makes a Song Feel Like a Hit

Mike Caren breaks down what actually makes a song feel like a hit.This clip explores the role of A&R, taste, replay value, emotional connection, melody, lyrics, and creative judgment in today’s music ...

18 Huhti 13min

Inside the Playbook: Mike Caren on The Reason Artist-Manager Relationships Fall Apart

Inside the Playbook: Mike Caren on The Reason Artist-Manager Relationships Fall Apart

Mike Caren breaks down why artists and managers need to have hard conversations early if they want to avoid bigger problems later.This clip is about artist-manager communication, label frustrations, p...

17 Huhti 11min

Inside the Playbook: Mike Caren on Why Consistency Beats Talent in Music

Inside the Playbook: Mike Caren on Why Consistency Beats Talent in Music

Mike Caren breaks down why consistency, discipline, and adaptability matter more than occasional flashes of brilliance in the music business.This clip explores the traits that help artists and executi...

16 Huhti 13min

Inside the Playbook: Mike Caren on Why Most Artists Fail Before They Ever Become Great

Inside the Playbook: Mike Caren on Why Most Artists Fail Before They Ever Become Great

Mike Caren breaks down what actually creates longevity in the music business.This clip is about building a career the right way: bringing value instead of extracting it, thinking long term, preparing ...

15 Huhti 20min

The Manager’s Playbook 062: Mike Caren - A&R, Artist Development, Hit Songs & Executive Leadership in Music Business

The Manager’s Playbook 062: Mike Caren - A&R, Artist Development, Hit Songs & Executive Leadership in Music Business

Mike Caren is one of the most respected music executives of his generation.From his early years at Atlantic Records to building Artist Publishing Group and Artist Partner Group, Mike has played a majo...

12 Huhti 1h 29min

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