John O’Leary welcomes Scott Brickell to the Live Inspired Podcast, sharing how his servant-minded approach to music management has brought successful and long-lasting careers to some of my favorite artists.
Aiming to serve others, Scott Brickell has spent more than three decades guiding some of my favorite artists to develop successful and long-lasting careers.
From successful Christian bands like MercyMe and Switchfoot to solo artists like Phil Wickham, Micah Tyler and Matthew West, Scott’s artists have more than fifty number one singles, numerous gold, platinum, and multi-platinum records, and multiple Grammy, Dove, and American Music awards.
Today, Scott shares his accidental introduction to the music industry and the journey from unpaid road manager to launching his own management company, BrickHouse Entertainment.
My friends, if you’ve ever wanted a behind-the-scenes peek into the inner-workings of the music industry, this conversation is for you.
Subscribe & listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, iHeartRadio, or listen here:
SHOW NOTES:
- “I serve artists.” Coming from a line of educators, Scott finds purpose in passing along the information he’s learned to help others succeed in the industry.
- Growing up on his family’s farm in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Scott reconnected with Christian musician Brian Becker as his unpaid road manager, which began his journey to launching his own management company.
- Scott was the first person to graduate with a Production Operations Management from Baylor University.
- The salad years: Just as Scott and his wife Stacey learned they were pregnant with their first child, Scott launched BrickHouse Entertainment.
- Through the years, the artists that have been managed by BrickHouse collectively have reached over 50 number one singles, numerous gold, platinum, and multi-platinum records, multiple Grammy/Dove/American Music awards, and have participated in over 6000 shows to date.
- “I was always thinking on the business side and never had an inkling to write, produce or sing a song. It gave me a leg up on others trusting me that I was [in Nashville] for one reason and that was just to help them.”
- You want to be a good hang. To be successful in all aspects of business, Scott advises starting with a strong, balanced foundation spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally and financially.
- While touring with Audio Adrenaline, Scott met yet-to-be discovered Bart Millard of MercyMe and became their mentor for years before serving them as their manager.
- MercyMe’s unexpected mainstream mega-hit “I Can Only Imagine” is the most-played song in the history of Christian radio as well as the best-selling Christian song of all time and was adapted into a film by the same name.
- If you’re called to serve, never stoop to be a king. Every day, Scott asks God what he’s supposed to do today and where he can step in to help others.
- Get a copy of Scott Brickell’s book The Business Behind the Song here.
Did you enjoy today’s conversation?
You’ll love my Musicians playlist! Hear behind-the-scenes stories from music’s brightest minds including Christian Music superstars Steven Curtis Chapman and Lauren Daigle, JOURNEY’s Jonathan Cain, country stars Walker Hayes and Sara Evans and more. Let our Musicians playlist be your soundtrack to success!
***
About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.
SCOTT BRICKELL'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
- Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A.The Bible specifically 1 John 4 7 & 8 and Job
- Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
A.Unconditional love.
- Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?
A.My son’s state champion football jersey, my daughter’s beauty pageant trophies or my wife’s Doctrine.
- Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?
A.Billy Graham and several characters in the Bible including Moses.
- Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A.My grandma: Do the next right thing.
- Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
A.Don’t worry about all the little things. Be present in today.
- Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?
A. He served well.
