Artists and performers often approach us and have only a modest knowledge of how the music business works. We often have to prescribe a diet of literature for them. Luckily, there are many good resources for people to prepare to participate in the music industry. Here are my favorites:
1. All You Need to Know About the Music Business: Donald S. Passman, 2006
THE book on the music biz – it’s easy to read and gets to the point. Should be your first priority if you’re even thinking of taking piano lessons.
2. Music, Money And Success: The Insider’s Guide to Making Money in the Music Industry (Paperback, 2006) Jeffrey Brabec, Todd Brabec
What I love about this book is how it explains every aspect of music from the point-of-view of the most important part of the industry: the money. This helps you know where the money comes from, and more importantly how much of it to expect, from all sources of revenue: record deals, publishing, licensing, synch licenses, merchandise, videos, television, theatrical productions and more. The best part is that it reveals the ranges of money for everything, giving “intro” to “superstar” rates.
3. This Business of Music: The Definitive Guide to the Music Industry: John M. Gross, M. William Krasilovsky, Sidney Shemel
Hardcover, 2003
The most encyclopaedic text on the industry, this is also a must have. Tougher to churn through as a book to read cover-to-cover (although recommended 😉 ), it is an invaluable reference to comprehend the machinations and processes of the industry.
If you read the above three and study them dilligently, you will have an expansive and healthy knowledge of the industry and its functions.
Trying to get into the entertainment industry?
For Managers:
This Business Of Artist Management: H. Lee Hetherington, Xavier M. Frascogna, Hardcover, 2004
Managing an artist?
Starting a record label:
Start and Run Your Own Record Label: Daylle Deanna Schwartz; Paperback, 2003
Starting your own label?
