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The Business Behind the Song

Navigating a Career in the Music Industry

Published by Forefront Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

About The Book

Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a new college grad, or a seasoned professional, Scott Brickell’s The Business Behind the Song is a must-have handbook for helping you navigate the often-confusing, seemingly unapproachable world of the music industry.

Drawing on his years of experience as a manager for numerous record-breaking artists and bands, Brickell explains the nitty gritty details of what it takes to be an artist, a manager, a promotor, a booking agent, and much more. He shares industry secrets on the formula to a successful song, and he gives invaluable tips on how to put on a successful show and tour.

No matter your goal—whether that’s to be on stage behind a microphone or behind the scenes promoting shows—The Business Behind the Song will help you

• Understand the industry before you get started
• Learn the insider terminology
• Identify the goals you need to set for yourself
• Create a clear path for your future career
• And start your own journey in the music business

You can break into an exciting and fulfilling career in the music industry, and Scott Brickell’s go-to guide will show you how.

About The Author

Scott Brickell is the founder and president of Brickhouse Entertainment and has been the manager for numerous artists over the course of his career. From a cattle ranch in Missouri, he attended Baylor University and received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Production Operations Management. Upon graduating, he moved to Nashville to pursue his calling to serve artists in the Christian Music industry. In the three decades Scott has been a leader in artist management, he has helped numerous artists develop successful and long-lasting careers. Through the years, the artists that have been managed by Brickhouse collectively have reached over fifty number one singles, numerous gold, platinum, and multi-platinum records, multiple Grammy/Dove/American Music awards, and have participated in over 6,000 shows to date. 

Outside of Brickhouse, Scott has served on the GMA board of directors for over twenty years to date and was the chairman of the board for two years. He was also a part of the 2005 Leadership Music class, was the executive producer of a hundred-million-dollar film, and was portrayed in the movie by Country Music legend, Trace Adkins. Most importantly, Scott has four beautiful children and has been a loving husband to his sweetheart, Stacy, for twenty-seven years. 

Product Details

  • Publisher: Forefront Books (April 25, 2023)
  • Length: 352 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781637630983

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Raves and Reviews

“Brickell was a mentor to MercyMe prior to him signing us as a client in the early 2000s, and he has championed us along the entire way. If it weren’t for his in-depth knowledge about the music industry, I don’t know if I would be doing full-time music. There is no one better to write a book and teach others about the ins and outs of the industry than Scott Brickell.”

– Bart Millard, Lead Singer of the Band MercyMe

“Scott Brickell has been my manager since 2015 and a day has not gone by where I have not

been thankful for his leadership, his wisdom, and his honesty. Not only does he tell it like it is,

he explains to me ‘why it is’ what ‘it is’ from a lifetime of hard work and experience. His name

and reputation are always met with respect, but his heart outshines his skill sets.”

– Micah Tyler, Singer of “Walking Free” and “I See Grace”

“I have had the privilege of working with Scott Brickell for over fifteen years, and you simply can’t put a price tag on the well of wisdom and knowledge that I gained from his friendship and expertise. Not only does he know the ins and outs of this business, but he’s trustworthy, which makes him the most qualified to share all he has learned during his years in the industry.”

– Phil Wickham, GRAMMY Award-Nominated Artist

“Scott Brickell has helped guide the careers of some of our biggest artists. A manager like Scott touches every aspect of an artist’s career from songwriting to making records to touring and even personal finances. He is someone you want to be in the trenches with, loyal and steady. I’ve enjoyed watching him help his artists make wise decisions while navigating the competitive and volatile music industry.”

– TobyMac, GRAMMY Award-Winning Christian Artist

“Absolute honesty and true compassion. These are the traits that have guided Brick as a man—in business and now as an author. He has written a book that should be required reading for anyone considering running away and joining the circus. In writing a what-to-expect letter to his younger self, this book can be taken as a warning about or an invitation to the music business.”

– Trace Adkins, ACM Award-Winning Artist, and Actor

“Brickle is a legend! Scott’s knowledge and wisdom and his generosity with both have been

invaluable to me throughout my entire career. It is no surprise he’d pull the curtain back so we

can all benefit from his expertise and experience and get to see the passion and heart behind it

all.”

– David Crowder, Lead Singer of the Band Crowder

“As an artist, I’m thankful for the practical management philosophies Brickhouse Entertainment

passed on to me. As an academic, I’m thankful this book can help provide clarity in an

obscure industry. As a friend, I’m thankful that Scott Brickell has courageously shared his

expertise, questions, and heart in these pages.”

– Moriah Smallbone, Artist, Actress, and Producer

“In these pages, Scott gives away his secret playbook in an effort to see others succeed. Page after page, Scott lays out a holistic strategy that can garner the best results. The Business Behind the Song is a must-read for anyone in the music industry, and I recommend it wholeheartedly.”

– David Nasser: Author, Speaker, and President of For Others

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