Top 3 Music Business Books – Part 1

Ty Cohen Presents: A Review of the Top 3 Music Business Books That Every Artist, Singer, Musician and Rapper Should Read – Part 1

Being a professional means being informed. That is as true for musicians and singers as it is for lawyers and doctors. Reading industry trade publications is one way to keep abreast of trends and news. But to study the music business in depth there is not better resource than books. In the first of a three part series, here are reviews of three books about the music business that are must-reads. Each author explores the music business from their unique perspectives, offering readers an honest view of the industry they strive to be part of.

Donald S. Passman’s All You Need to Know About the Music Business: Seventh Edition is a detailed, frequently humorous look at the business of making music. The book is considered a bible for anyone wanting to know the ins and outs of the music business. Passman is a Los Angeles-based music attorney with twenty-five years experience and his clients include everyone from record label executives, singers and songwriters to film companies and publishers. He is widely recognized as one of the most influential people in the entertainment industry.

His book offers many useful tips such as how to hire agents and managers, strategies for marketing one’s music and the steps needed to legally protect intellectual property. Passman also guides readers through complex contractual issues such as recoupment, royalties, advances, and distribution deals. Being an attorney, Passman stresses the need to protect oneself against copyright infringement, bad record deals, and unscrupulous business managers and agents.

The most recent edition has up to the minute information on how the Internet is impacting the music business and the performers’ bottom lines. The information is just as important for industry veterans as it is newcomers. Passman explains how video streaming services work and how royalties are computed for digital distribution services. He also covers podcasting, music downloads, streaming and webcasting.

More than just nuts and bolts of how the business works, Passman gives readers an insider’s guide that shows how to navigate potential pitfalls and how to establish successful relationship with other music industry professionals.

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Don’t miss part 2, coming real soon!