From Bedroom DJ to the Boardroom

Caren’s backstory is a testament to creative common sense, relentless curiosity, and hustle. From collecting free record promos as a teenager to building a nationwide high-school marketing network, he learned essential lessons in problem-solving, value creation, and the importance of jumping on opportunities—often without waiting for formal permission.

One of Caren’s earliest breaks came by simply asking, “Why not?” When music label execs doubted his choices, he parlayed that contrarian attitude into A&R—bringing in developing acts like Twista and the (then pre-Fergie) Black Eyed Peas. He credits his willingness to try and fail (“I’m not afraid of failure”) as foundational, echoing the NBA’s top shooters: “The lack of hesitation after a miss to take another shot is just so important.”

Evolution in A&R: Marketing, Talent, and the Artist-First Model

The episode takes a fascinating detour into Caren’s groundbreaking approach to A&R. After smashing expectations at Atlantic, he noticed songwriters and producers weren’t being serviced as artists in their own right. This insight drove the creation of Artist Publishing Group (APG): “I want to start a publishing company…and treat [writers and producers] like artists,” he recalls.

Unlike the traditional model, APG’s philosophy is high-touch, custom-fit artist development: one artist at a time, meticulously built relationships, and long-term support resulting in breakthrough after breakthrough—think Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Kehlani, and Charlie Puth.

Caren stresses that each creative needs their own process. “Every artist is so different…The biggest issue we have in the industry is, because it’s digital… companies just sign and sign and sign. They just don’t have the manpower or time.” His approach rejects copy-paste strategies: it’s all about customizing plans to the individual, whether they’re a pop prodigy, rap innovator, or unique writer.

Embracing Change: Technology, AI, and Resilience

A major thread throughout the conversation is embracing the tide of change, whether that’s live streaming, digital disruption, or, more recently, the rise of AI in music. Caren points out the cyclical nature of panic and innovation in the industry: “In 2002, I thought my career was over when my roommate was downloading everything on Napster…music isn’t going anywhere.”

He views AI as another tool—one with risks, but vast potential, provided the industry leans into convenience, ethics, and value creation for intellectual property. “It’s going to be scary and fun. It’s going to be all of those things. But let’s just take a few things…Do you miss having to call someone for an instrumental versus AI separation? The AI separation is incredible.” At the same time, he warns: “Do you want someone to take everything you’ve made in a 30-year career, train on it, and pay you nothing? Obviously not.”

Developing People (Not Just Products)

One of the episode’s most inspiring threads is Caren’s view on leadership and mentorship. Whether nurturing superstar artists or ambitious employees, he believes the same principles apply: “I’ve helped artists, writers, but I’m so proud of the executives we’ve helped grow… It’s become a thing—this alumni throughout the business.” For Caren, the impact is not just on record charts, but on the careers and lives of everyone who joins his orbit.

Feedback, Criticism, and Decision-Making

Caren is honest about tough feedback—giving it, and taking it. It’s a fine line between championing a collaborator’s best interests and checking one’s own motives. “If you’re going to put your ideas out there and ask for credit…creatives will sometimes say, ‘what is your motive for doing this?’ So I learned to really not ask for credit unless the collaborators come to me and say, ‘We want you on the credits.'” He stresses the importance of thoughtful timing, empathy, and knowing when someone is ready to receive input—a skill learned the hard way over decades.

In his own workflow, prioritization is key: making lists, listening deeply (without screens), and never missing the opportunity in an undiscovered song or unknown artist.