Music industry veteran Brad Stewart has released a comprehensive new guide titled 'The Music Business Playbook,' 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's book addresses the persistent gap between artistic creation and commercial success that many musicians face.
The guide serves as a practical roadmap for artists ready to take ownership of their careers, covering essential topics including branding, royalties, touring, publishing, merchandising, marketing, and legal protection. Stewart structures the content to walk readers through each stage of building a professional music operation, from foundational setup to advanced strategies like sync licensing and audience data analytics.
Key focus areas include unlocking revenue streams through clear explanations of music royalties, publishing income, and performance rights. The book also provides guidance on assembling and managing professional teams including managers, booking agents, publicists, and legal advisors to support long-term growth. Practical strategies for monetizing live performances, creating innovative merchandise, and strengthening fan relationships receive detailed attention alongside insights into placing music in film, television, commercials, and games.
Stewart emphasizes real-world application over theoretical concepts, helping artists build systems that support measurable progress and financial sustainability. His perspective is shaped by years of working directly with artists across all career stages as founder of Stewart Entertainment Agency and the software platform Music Mogul AI.
'Understanding the business is the highest return investment an artist can make,' Stewart says. 'The highest cost in this industry is what you don't know. This book exists to eliminate that disadvantage and give artists the knowledge to build the career, and life, they actually want.'
The book's release comes at a time when musicians are increasingly expected to function as creators, marketers, and entrepreneurs simultaneously. By demystifying contracts, royalties, and industry systems, 'The Music Business Playbook' aims to give independent artists what Stewart calls 'an unfair advantage,' allowing them to protect their work, maximize income, and move toward professional representation on their own terms.
'The Music Business Playbook' is available now in digital format through Amazon and is designed for independent artists, bands, and music entrepreneurs seeking real-world guidance on building sustainable careers. Additional information about Stewart's work can be found at Stewart Entertainment Agency.
