Called “the industry bible” by the Los Angeles Times, this newest edition is filled with vital information on the technological advances that are reshaping the business, and how novices and experts alike should manage such changes. In the music business, the key to success lies in knowing how to protect yourself. To do that, you need the best and most up-to-date advice available. Whether you want a career as a performer, writer, or executive, Donald Passman’s comprehensive guide to the legal and financial aspects of the business is an indispensable tool.

Thirty seven of the world’s top record producers share their creative secrets and nuts-and-bolts techniques in this prime collection of firsthand interviews. These masters of the trade offer real-world advice you can apply to your experiences in the studio–professional or at home–whether you’re a musician, producer, engineer, student, or just want to know how the hits are made. From creating room treatments to choosing a song’s best key, you’ll view the recording arts with the keen perspective of the pros behind the glass.

Now in its tenth edition, This Business of Music has been revised and completely updated to reflect the latest changes in the ever-evolving music business. Every chapter has been revised. An entirely new chapter has been added, asking and answering the question “Are there borders in cyberspace?” The answer is yes, and the book clearly and concisely explains what they are and how to maintain them. Commentary on recent legislation, a reader-friendly summary of the laws on copyright duration, and much more insightful analysis–plus fully updated lists of music organizations and important websites–make This Business of Music indispensable for musicians, agents, managers, marketers, music publishers and groups, colleges and universities, and everyone who wants to make music and make money.

If you’ve been searching for a simple, easier way to design music business contracts, this program is it. Finally, you can have custom contracts at your fingertips. This Deluxe Edition on CD will not only save you time, but also a huge amount of money in legal drafting fees. This professional package will prove to be an invaluable tool in helping you attain your goals in the music industry. You’ll save hundreds of dollars using the pre-written forms and agreements. Plus, you can create your own drafts by inserting or deleting legal jargon sections from various documents using the “cut and paste” method. Amazing! In no time, you will develop the perfect contract for your needs. Includes: Compact Disc with files formatted for your PC in Microsoft Word and Word Perfect 5.0; complete Master Directory book of hard copies for easy reference with over 125 contracts, track sheets, letters and forms. Bonus: Copyright forms and Adobe Acrobat Reader are also included.

Managing Your Band: Artist Management: The Ultimate Responsibility

One of the most comprehensive books available covering publicity,touring, contracts, branding, marketing, trademarks, merchandising and record companies, this latest edition includes new business models for succeeding in the virtual world, and new contracts for personal management and artists releasing their own digital product. Also features an expanded chapter on business management, new artist-manager court cases, and updated industry website listings. Here’s a quote from the first sentence of the book: “The role of the personal manager in the music and entertainment business can be compared to the role of a football coach.” This book is a must-have for anyone considering music management and music performance.

Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook: 201 Self-Promotion Ideas for Songwriters, Musicians and Bands on a Budget

“After applying many of Bob’s ideas, and without any wholesaling or distribution, I sold more than 20,000 CDs and cassettes of my music over the last five years. Using his suggestions, I increased my fan base by 35% in just one year. Pretty good for a non-performing artist who does all studio work. Bob is the master of music marketing!” –Kris Lee-Scott, Hanai Music

“The most directly applicable, start-tomorrow, creatively inspiring book I’ve ever seen on promoting your music!” –Derek Sivers, president of CD Baby

The classic guide to independent music promotion is now revised and updated! With this manual, you’ll discover that music marketing doesn’t have to be expensive or flashy to be effective. Whether you’re promoting a fast-growing indie band, record label or solo act from your basement, the “Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook” gives you the tools you need to get the most out of your music career. This book will show you dozens of simple, high-impact ways to promote yourself, your band or your new release. Get tips on how to double your music sales (in 90 days or less) - 25 ways to finance your next recording project, music video or major equipment purchase - The 29 most important elements in creating sizzling music publicity materials. Don’t create great music in the dark. Get the “Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook” today. It’s already helped thousands of artists get more exposure and generate more gigs and CD sales. Now it’s your turn to soak up these ideas and put them to work for you.

Everything You’d Better Know About The Record Industry is about how to find success in the music business and how to make money doing it, by answering all the questions — especially those that the novice wouldn’t even know to ask! Included are over 150 pages of contracts and their explanatory notes, information on obtaining recording and publishing deals, understanding how royalties are calculated, choosing the right manager, and what it takes to start your own record company.

Indispensable insider information on launching a recording career is packed into this essential music industry primer. Any artist in popular music looking to land a record deal will want to get the complete score from this vital industry resource.

This is the most comprehensive resource available on every aspect of the music industry, such as; the recording business, radio and television, music retailing, instrument repair and restoration, and education. Detailed descriptions of each job include current statistics on salary ranges, advancement opportunities, and the latest trends in a particular field.

A clear road map to guide musicians traveling as solo performers or band members, this comprehensive book covers every aspect of preparing for and going on tour. Urging musicians to take control of their careers, the author shows how to apply sound business practices to every aspect of preparing by evaluating assets, creating an action plan, researching, negotiating, and booking venues, arranging transportation and hotels, managing personal and tour finances, and garnering publicity.

In Gangsta (1996), rap journalist Ro explored the seething realities of selling the threatening music of the underclass to the masses. Now he focuses his admirably brusque reportage on one incredibly successful record company that was heavily involved in marketing every parent’s favorite, gangsta rap. This is a gritty story with elements of money, mayhem, sex, and unsociable acts conveyed in a vernacular that, depending on sensibilities, may offend.

This book is an introduction to the ins and outs of the pop music industry. It looks extensively at what to have in order to develop a music career and, once it’s underway, what to be on the alert for. Also discussed is the broad topic of enlisting professional help including lawyers, managers, agents, etc. as a way of getting and keeping a career on track. Also examined is the impact the Internet and other technologies have had and will continue to have on the business. This is a highly recommended purchase.

This is a must have book. The ease of reading helps make this book interesting and helpful to all who want to write a hit song. Don’t hesitate to purchase this book.

Doing for country music what Hit Men did for pop music, this daring book reveals the inner workings of the city that is synonymous with country music–Nashville. This insider’s guide explores all the parts of this byzantine system and its group of tightly knit power players: the producers, writers, artists, publishers, session musicians, studios, labels, and the promotion machine, as well as the deep roots and the promising future of country music and its role in today’s culture. 16 photos.

Hit Men is the shocking, highly controversial expose of the venality, greed, and corruption of many of the assorted kingpins and hustlers who rule over the music industry. “A sobering, blunt, and unusually well-observed depiction of the sometimes sordid inner workings of the music business.”–Billboard. 4 pages of photographs.

The 2009 Songwriter’s Market is packed with information about the innerworkings of the music industry that can mean the difference between success and failure. You will find support and encouragement through support organizations, online resources, and songwriting-related books and magazines, along with articles and interviews with industry insiders. You will also find numerous listings for music industry companies and executives including their contact information, the type of music they are looking for, and how much they pay.