Veteran music industry professional Brad Stewart has released The Music Business Playbook, a comprehensive guide designed to help independent musicians navigate the business aspects of their careers with greater clarity and control. Drawing on over two decades of industry experience, Stewart provides a practical roadmap that bridges the long-standing gap between artistic creation and commercial success, offering step-by-step guidance on essential business pillars including branding, royalties, touring, publishing, merchandising, marketing, and legal protection.
The book's importance lies in its timing and approach. In today's music landscape, artists are increasingly expected to function as creators, marketers, and entrepreneurs simultaneously, often without formal business training. The Music Business Playbook addresses this challenge by providing structured, actionable knowledge that can help artists avoid costly mistakes and build sustainable careers. Stewart emphasizes that understanding business fundamentals represents the highest return investment an artist can make, stating that the greatest cost in the industry is what artists don't know.
Key sections of the book focus on unlocking revenue streams through clear explanations of music royalties, publishing income, and performance rights, helping artists identify and claim money they may be missing. The guide also provides strategies for assembling and managing professional support teams, including managers, booking agents, publicists, and legal advisors who can facilitate long-term growth. Practical advice extends to monetizing live performances through touring, creating innovative merchandise, and strengthening fan relationships to build sustainable income sources.
Advanced topics covered include sync licensing opportunities for placing music in film, television, commercials, and games, which can provide both income and exposure. The book also addresses how to stay ahead of industry trends by adapting to shifts in streaming platforms, social media dynamics, and consumer behavior. Rather than presenting abstract theory, Stewart focuses on real-world application, helping artists build systems that support measurable progress and financial sustainability.
Stewart's perspective is informed by his work with artists across all career stages through his Stewart Entertainment Agency and his development of the software Music Mogul AI. This background in booking international tours and negotiating industry deals provides practical credibility to the guidance offered. The book is designed to give independent artists what Stewart describes as an unfair advantage by demystifying contracts, royalties, and industry systems that often present barriers to professional success.
The Music Business Playbook is available now in digital format through Amazon and is positioned as an essential resource for independent artists, bands, and music entrepreneurs seeking to build sustainable careers. By providing structured knowledge and practical systems, the book aims to help artists move toward professional representation on their own terms while protecting their creative work and maximizing their income potential in a rapidly evolving industry.
