All You Need to Know About the Music Business by Donald S. Passman $40/$106.08
About a year ago, I didn’t know what to do with my life. But luckily, I’ve met good
guidance from then. A couple of months ago, my desire to pursue a career in the music
business grew. But I didn’t know where to start. I think this book is a good way to start.
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If you know which field in the music business you want to get involved, this is not a book
for you. There is no tip on how to become a better manager, promoter, or agent. This
book simply tells you the BUSINESS OF MUSIC. The book focuses on two sub topics. The
first is the type of jobs involved in the music business. And the second is how money
flows in music. The book is in the MUSICIAN’S Point of View.
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The really helpful information on this book were the ways on how to choose your team.
There is an online directory for all the music managers, promoters, lawyers, and
business managers. When I was looking for a job in New York, I couldn’t get a job from
looking at the job listing sites. I knew I had to do something different. I went on
Allaccess to find me a promoter and lawyer I could work for. I ended up working for an
entertainment lawyer. This book is filled with small tips like these. The most interesting
section was the record deal. I always thought a band’s contract with a major record
company is better longer. It’s quite the opposite. You need to view every album as an
investment. I wish every album could be a great commercial success, but it simply
doesn’t work like that. When record companies invest in a record, they want their
investments returned plus profit. When your first album doesn’t make a profit, you are
obligated to make another album to recover the investment of your first album.
But if you make another DOG album, well you just get bigger in debt with your
record company. The book talks about other situations where you actually create a
commercial successful album, but don’t see much of that profit due to the BUSINESS
of music.
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The book tells you to think smart when it comes to money. For ages, record companies
were messing with great musicians. The only way to secure your next disaster is doing
nothing for yourself. Reading this book won’t guarantee fame, but it will save your ass
from tough situations.
Bed-Stuy PUNK 