What does the future of the music industry really look like for independent artists, and how is AI reshaping who wins and who burns out?
In this episode of Transformational Thinkers, host Sara Sheehan sits down with Brad Stewart, founder of Music Mogul AI and CEO of Stewart Entertainment Agency, to unpack why the traditional music industry business model is fundamentally broken and how technology is creating a more efficient, artist-first future.
With over 20 years inside the music industry, Brad explains how streaming economics, agency structures that are becoming outdated, and some fragmented systems have eroded artist revenue streams while increasing workload and burnout. He shares firsthand insights into the issues that plague artist management, booking, and marketing, and why the advice on simply “working harder” is no longer a viable strategy for independent artists trying to build sustainable careers.
Brad and Sara discuss Music Mogul AI, an AI-powered music platform designed to unify artist management software, music booking automation, and music marketing automation into a single ecosystem. Built specifically for independent artists, bands, DJs, and agencies, the platform uses AI agents to handle repetitive administrative work, streamline touring and promotions, surface actionable data insights, and dramatically improve time-to-revenue. The result brings forward greater clarity and control, and long-term career management for creators navigating a fast-changing music industry.
Whether you’re an artist, manager, label executive, or business leader interested in how AI in the music industry is driving real-world transformation, this conversation offers a clear, data-driven look at where music industry technology is heading, and how early adopters can gain a lasting advantage.
About Brad Stewart:
With nearly 2 decades of experience in booking international touring acts, Stewart has worked with many amazing talents, such as icons Leon Russell and Ten Years After; blues giants Bobby Blue Bland and Walter Trout; jam scene heroes like Marc Ford (former lead guitarist of the Black Crowes), The Heavy Pets, Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band, Monophonics, and the Honey Island Swamp Band.
Along the way, Stewart earned a reputation as a professional with integrity, a strong work ethic, and the vision to promote a positive evolution of change in booking operations. Since Brad started as a hard-core music fan, the very foundation of Stewart Entertainment is based on his empathy for artists and his assistance for them to flourish. He was exposed to all types of roots and rock music while growing up in Mississippi and understood early on that music exerts a strong gravitational pull.
Armed with a degree in marketing, he moved to Charlotte, NC, scouring the landscape for a music business position that would allow him to work with and for artists in a meaningful way. He found that at Intrepid Artists. “I took on a lot of responsibility very quickly, handling booking for a large roster of artists in the northeast United States and Canada. Ultimately, he became steeped in every aspect of the business. Nashville’s burgeoning music scene dictated Stewart’s move from Charlotte and made Music City the perfect home for Stewart Entertainment, LLC. “I see a tremendous opportunity today for artists who have trustworthy human resources in place.”
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction and guest background
00:00:39 – Why the music industry model is broken
00:04:35 – Challenging traditional agency structures
00:05:55 – The economics of being an artist today
00:09:02 – Why Music Mogul AI was created
00:11:42 – Who Music Mogul AI is designed for
00:13:43 – How artists and agencies use the platform
00:15:17 – Booking automation and touring workflows
00:18:21 – Marketing automation for shows and fans
00:21:46 – Management tools, data, and planning
00:29:38 – Why booking, marketing, and management must align
00:36:44 – The future of music agencies and AI
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Contact Sara Sheehan | Sara Sheehan Consulting:
Contact Brad Stewart | Music Mogul AI | Stewart Entertainment Agency:
- Brad Stewart personal site: BradStewart.site
- Stewart Entertainment Agency: StewartEntertainment.net
- Music Mogul AI: MusicMogulAI.com
- LinkedIn: Music-Mogul-AI
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