Veteran music industry professional Brad Stewart has released The Music Business Playbook, a practical guide aimed at helping independent musicians navigate the business side of the music industry. Drawing on over two decades of experience, Stewart provides a roadmap for artists seeking to build sustainable careers while maintaining creative control.
The book addresses the essential pillars of a successful music business, including branding, royalties, touring, publishing, merchandising, marketing, and legal protection. It is structured as a step-by-step guide that progresses from foundational setup to advanced strategies like sync licensing, audience data analytics, and long-term career planning. Stewart emphasizes real-world application over theory, helping artists build systems that support measurable progress and financial sustainability.
Key focus areas include unlocking revenue streams through clear explanations of music royalties, publishing income, and performance rights. The guide also covers assembling and managing professional teams, with guidance on working with managers, booking agents, publicists, and legal advisors. Practical strategies for monetizing live performances, creating innovative merchandise, and strengthening fan relationships are detailed alongside insights into placing music in film, television, commercials, and games.
Stewart's perspective is informed by his work as founder of Stewart Entertainment Agency and the software platform Music Mogul AI, where he has booked international tours and negotiated industry deals. "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."
The Music Business Playbook arrives at a time when musicians are increasingly expected to function as creators, marketers, and entrepreneurs simultaneously. By demystifying contracts, royalties, and industry systems, the book provides independent artists with tools to protect their work, maximize income, and move toward professional representation on their own terms. The guide is available in digital format and can be accessed through the book's purchase page and Stewart's professional website Stewart Entertainment.
For business and technology leaders, this development highlights the growing intersection of creative industries with structured business methodologies and technological tools. The guide's emphasis on data analytics, digital platforms, and systematic approaches reflects broader trends across industries where professionals must balance creative work with commercial acumen. Stewart's work demonstrates how specialized knowledge transfer can empower independent operators in increasingly complex marketplaces.
