"How To" Books For Musicians

The Indie Bible, Fifth Edition by David Wimble [Music Sales Corp 10/03, 330pp.] "The Indie Bible is a whole library of music-based information books, all combined into one single book. It has everything that a musician, songwriter, singer, would need to know about breaking into the business. It is a great resource for everyone in the music industry. I have found more listings than I did looking all over the Internet, and in several other books. And, it is all in one. I would say that this book is probably the only book a musician would ever need to own!"

The Ultimate Survival Guide for the New Music Industry: A Handbook for Hell

by Justin Goldberg [Lone Eagle 8/03, 300pp.]

Booking a First Gig (Rock Music Library)

by A.R. Schaefer [Capstone 8/03, 32pp.]Forming a Band (Rock Music Library)

by A.R. Schaefer [Capstone 8/03, 32pp.]
The X-Factor

by Simon Cowell [Random House of Canada 5/03]

"An insider's guide to the pop industry from the 'Mr. Nasty' of the British TV phenomenons American Idol and Pop Idol. As head of RCA Records, the author is perfectly positioned to write a book about how to make it in the pop world, and there is no doubt that the acerbic tongue responsible for reducing so many of the Pop Idol hopefuls to tears with comments such as '[you sound] like Mickey Mouse on helium' and 'He has major presence. You don't. Ferrari - Skoda,' will be put to task on the stars of pop. Here Simon reveals what he really thinks about certain bands and pop stars, who's got it and who hasn't, and will give the advice every aspiring pop star needs to know. The book looks at all aspects of the pop industry from record companies and management to choosing an image and dealing with press and promotional work, covering real-life successes and failures. Do you have to be thin and attractive? Can you rely on personality alone? What exactly is that elusive X-factor?"

The Musician's Handbook: A Practical Guide to Understanding the Music Business

by Bobby Borg [Watson-Guptill 5/03]

How to D.J: The Art and Science of Playing Records

by Bill Brewster, et al. [New York, Grove Press 5/03]

Managing Artists in Pop Music: What Every Artist and Manager Must Know to Succeed

by Mitch Weiss, Peri Gaffney [Allworth Press 4/03]

Gigging: A Practical Guide for Musicians

by Patricka Shih [Allworth 4/03]

Superstar: How to Make Your Dreams of Pop Idol Fame Come True

by Martin Roach, Louis Walsh [Virgin 4/03, 192pp.]

Label Launch : A Guide to Independent Record Recording, Promotion and Distribution

by Veronika Kalmar [Griffin 8/02, 192pp.]

Rock Star 101 : A Rock Star's Guide to Survival in the Music Business

by Marc Ferrari [Allworth 5/02, 153pp.]

"Now a successful rock guitarist (Medicine Wheel, Cold Sweat) shares the inside scoop on what it takes to make it to the top! Rock-and-roll dreams become realities with Rock Star 101 -- the only book on becoming a success in the music industry that's written by a successful, real-life rock star. Aspiring music professionals will discover the nitty- gritty of contract negotiations and consulting with management. They'll also find expert advice from entertainment attorneys and concert promoters for surviving on the road and choosing the right city from which to start a trip to rock-and-roll stardom. Whether one's a member of an unsigned band, or an established professional, here's a valuable treasury of inside information not available anywhere else!"

How I Make $100,000/year in the Music Business (without a Record label, Manager, or Agent)

by David Hooper, Lee Kennedy [Kathode Ray 1/02, 200pp.]

"For me, this book strikes a great balance between enabling your creative freedom and maintaining your business sense. The reason so many creative musicians are poor is because they are not ready, willing or able to own up to the fact that, if they wish to make a LIVING at it, they must either: a) handle the business end well themselves, or b) hire someone else to handle it for them. Unfortunately, such good help is hard to come by unless you are a major label artist, and even then the horror stories of famous musicians who got ruined by bad business decisions of their managers, labels and agents are rampant. This book gives you all the basics you need to know. The advice is based on how the indie music business really works. The examples are based on real life. The numbers make sense. And the sense of hope and inspiration I got from it sticks to my ribs."

The Industry Yellow Pages: The Official Club & Venue Touring Directory

by Planinum Millennium [Planinum Millennium 1/02]

Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook: 201 Self-Promotion Ideas for Songwriters, Musicians & Bands

by Bob Baker [Spotlight 10/01, 148pp.]

"This book has a wealth of information for all levels of musicians and performers. I have been in this business for many years and yet still found great suggestions here. In fact, as soon as I statred reading it I was brainstorming ideas which I have since put into practice with great success. I must have for anyone who wants to further their career."

The Indie Bible by David Wimble [Big Meteor, 3rd ed. 8/01, 322pp.] "I was an instant fan of David Wimble's earlier incarnation of The Indie Contact Bible after having stumbled upon it and purchasing the book a couple of years ago. I was so impressed by the massive amount of quality resources he compiled that I was all too happy to donate two articles I had written for my GuitarGirls Web site on the subject of Real Audio for this updated version of the book. I was not compensated in any way for the contributions and donated the articles because I wholeheartedly believe the Indie Contact Bible is an extremely valuable resource for all Independent artists regardless of genre and I wanted to be a part of it. In addition to my articles and 31 others written by a variety of informed music industry professionals, this must-have reference book is filled with enough resources to keep you busy for many months to come. Finding them all on your own would wear you out long before the job was done. Thanks, David, for making is such that we don't have to!"

The Music Business: Career Opportunities and Self-Defense

by Dick Weissman [Three Rivers 3rd ed. 6/01, 416pp.]

"Without diminishing the importance of musical values and goals, Weissman explores career opportunities in today's tangled music world, discussing both the many stepping stones and the inevitable roadblocks."

101 Music Business Contracts

by R. Williams [Williams 6/01, 450pp.]

"Never before has there been a simpler way to design music business contracts. Now you can have custom contracts ASAP, withought the expensive cost of a lawyer. This collection of music contracts contains a variety including artist/management contract, artist/producer development agreement, joint ownership, agent agreements, copyright release, entertainment contract, performing rights, distribution contracts, standard popular song contract, copyright assignment, and many more. You can even order then on a 3.5" floppy disk formatted in Microsoft Word and Word Perfect (for IBM/PC Compatible) along with hard copies that come in a in a 3-ring binder. This is a good as it gets ladies and gents!!! you WILL love this Item, just as I do."

I'll Do It My Damn Self : The Guide to Everything You'd Better Know About Releasing Your Music Independently

by Gary Kashif, Kevin Harewood [6/01]

out of print
Home Recording Power!

by Ben Milstead [Muska & Lipman 5/01, 350pp.]

"Much more than a guide to recording MP3s on CD-ROM, this guide addresses how to build a home studio with audio software and get the best sound out of one's voice, guitar, drums, keyboard, etc. A home recording artist and software architect, Milstead excels at explaining recording, mixing, and promoting music online. His potential audience is very wide both amateur and professional musicians as well as adventurous computer users will find that he hits all the right notes. Although much of this information is available on the web for free, Milstead does a great job of wrapping it all together. Recommended."

Book Your Own Fuckin' Life [5/00]

"A resource guide for the DIY punk/HC community containing listings of bands, labels, promoters & venues, radio stations, record & book stores, zines, crash pads, printers, publishers, hangouts, and more organized by country/state. First released in 1992 as a joint Profane Existence/Maximum Rock 'n' Roll project, BYOFL has since grown to over twice its original size and put several collectives through the ringers of collecting several thousand entries."

Get BYOFL #8 while supplies last! Check your local mom & pop record/book store or send: $4 (US/Canada/Mexico), $4.50 (South America), $7.50 (Asia/Australia) to MAXIMUM ROCK N ROLL, PO Box 460760, San Francisco, CA 94146-0760
How To Be Your Own Booking Agent And Save Thousands of Dollars

by Jeri Goldstein [New Music Times 5/00, 492pp.]

"I have bought several books about the music industry, but not one has compared to the welth of information contained in this book. Ms. Goldstien tells you how to do everything from setting up your office to booking tours, and how to be effective in your marketing stragities. Before I bought this book all I knew was is that I wanted to play music for a living. I made a few costly mistakes and learned that I was going to have to do something to make my business succeed. After reading, and rereading "The Book" I now have the tools I need to develope a solid marketing plan, book tours that pay, promote my album, and create a buzz on a nation wide level. No other book out their even comes close to this one."

The Touring Musician: A Small Business Approach to Booking Your Band on the Road

by Hal Galper, Bret Primack [Watson-Guptill 4/00, 250pp.]

"I'm only about 3.5 chapters into this book and to me it's the best book on getting the business end of a music career I have ever come across. I have a stack of music business books about yea high and they are mostly very good, but Hal's is far and away the top gun. He not only demonstrates the logistics of getting a band started, how to ask a club/venue booker for gigs, how to set up the money end, but he also looks at the inner psychology of what it takes to be a touring/performing musician, and does it so that all the hard work you take on looks manageable. Not only is this a good book for entry or mid-level musicians, it's a great read for ANYBODY who would want to start his or her own business. Sometimes it's a little dry and hard to read, but the information it contains is so valuable I don't mind at all. I highly recommend this book from a "road rat" who has been there and done that."

The Complete Guide to Internet Promotion For Musicians, Artists & Songwriters

by Tim Sweeney, John Dawes [Sweeney & Asoc. 4/00, 288pp.]

"This book is incredible! Before I read it, I had no clue how to use the Internet for getting my music out there. I am pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to understand and has tons of examples, resources, and even a checklist to help me keep track of my promotion campaign. The best thing about this book is that will never be out dated like other Internet books, because their web site has updates to the checklist and chapters. This is THE book if you want to get your music online. Well worth the money!"

see also: Music and the Internet

Sell Your Music : How To Profitably Sell Your Own Recordings Online

by Mark Curran [NMD 4/01, 198pp.]

"Written by a recognized expert in online music marketing, this is a comprehensive, user-friendly, step by step guide to using the Internet in order to make money from your own music. Sell Your Music contains extensive interviews with independent musicians who have made thousands of dollars, as well as tips, tricks, and techniques to reaching your target market and maximizing your profits while minimizing hassle. Highly recommended for all aspiring performers whether they are soloists or band members."

Websites for Musicians

by Gary Hustwit [Hal Leonard 3/00, 127pp.]

"There is plenty of information here to get you started finding interesting, music related sites on the web. One site leads to the next, and so the book provides a valuable service, as a good start. On the other hand, it's only a start. It's a huge web out there and this book just begins to scratch the surface. The format and layout is good - the screenshots of the home pages make for interesting browsing through the book. The descriptions are to the point, but offer enough information for you to decide whether or not a particular site would be interesting to you."

Booking, Promoting and Marketing Your Music: A Complete Guide for Bands and Solo Artists

by Nyree Belleville [Hal Leonard 3/00, 200pp.]

"I find this book to be an excellent resource for serious musicians. Those of us who want to make a living doing music in a professional way will benefit from the detailed advice in this book. Everything from alternate venues, to exact rates to expect/charge, to creating press kits, recording/selling cds successfully--it's all here. I use this book as a basis for everything I am doing now to create a successful solo music career. Nyree Belleville is a great Bodhissatva to all those interested in creating a successful music career based on solid business and people skills. HUGE encouragement for musicians in all walks of life!!"

The Self-Promoting Musician : Strategies For Independent Music Success

by Peter Spellman [Berklee Press 2/00, 304pp.]

"Back in my Berklee days I attended a course with Peter, which opened my eyes to issues regarding both making music and doing business. It taught me that neither of these areas can exist without the other. I am still using the material and resources Peter handed out on this course and I am very excited that all this information and a lot more is now available in this excellent book. A quick look through the pages gives you an impression of its well-organised structure and the incredible amount of resources that it contains. The book gives you an in-depth yet easily accessible look at the music industry, business planning, copyright, PR, demo production, gigs, media, radio stations, etc..... really, all you need! As the Internet is about to change the entire music industry I am pleased that Peter devotes an entire section to this medium and how musicians use it for promotion. This is underlined by the most helpful list of books, magazines, associations and web sites I have come across. "

The Bluffer's Guide to the Rock Business: Bluff Your Way in the Rock Business

by David Knopfler [Globe Pequot 2/00, 64pp.]

"The Bluffer's Guide to The Rock Business will enable you to bandy terms like 'per diems' and 'cross collateralisation'. It will help you sound knowledgeable about touring, media campaigns and advance/royalty rates. It will help you sign a record deal like you were Mark Knopfler's brother. Actually this is no big surprise as the Bluffer's Guide... was, indeed, written by Mark Knopfler's brother. As a founder member of Dire Straits, Dave K has been around the track enough to gain first-hand experience of the industry and charlatans out to fleece you at every turn, and everyone - accountants, A& R men, musicians - gets it between the eyes with equal parts wit and cynicism....It's all too accurate."

The Independent Musician's Contact Bible by David Wimble [Big Meteor 2000, spiral-bound, 360pp] "Endless resources and contacts make this book the single best investment I've made to spread my music to radio, 'Zines, mp3stations and the like. The only downfall is, while it saves you ALOT of legwork (and guesswork), it only lists the URL's of each entry. Ya gotta score the contact names and email addresses on your own...and a few of the links are now defunct. A form to order a free update is included, though, so ya really can't go wrong."

Running a Band As a Business

by Ian Edwards, Bruce Dickinson, Phil Brooks [Cimino 12/99, 96pp.]

by Jodi Summers [Allworth 5/99, 229pp.]

"It's obvious why Billboard Magazine gave Making and Marketing Music such a great review. It's full of interesting stories on how so many different platinum bands from so many areas of music succeeded. If you're looking for step-by-step instruction on how to market and promote your album - this book is incredibly helpful!"

by Diane Rapaport [Tiburon, CA, Jerone Headlands 1980, 1984, 1988; Prentice Hall/Putnam 10/84, 1988, 11/92, 4/99, 258pp.]

"This is the latest, up-to-date information on such broad items as selling on the Internet through download or through amazon.com; pricing wholesale; what to put on the record label; web site design needs; pre-mastering; microphones and much more. At the end are a series of work pages on promotion, sales, graphic design, plus resources like trade publications and directories. This should get your career in order and on a much faster track. This is as good as it gets in straightforward, clear, complete how- to- do- music books for pros or beginners."

Bomp note: there are mixed reviews of this. Other books on the same subject might be better.

So, You Wanna Be a Rock Star?: How to Create Music, Get Gigs, and Maybe Even Make it Big!

by Stephen Anderson, Zachary Snyder [Beyond Words 4/99, 120pp.]

"What child hasn't dreamed of being a rock star? With this handbook, young musicians can work toward that dream. Written by a musician who started his first rock group in the seventh grade, it shows kids how to turn a couple of talented friends, a set of drums, and inspiration into a band; how to get their big break; even how to stay friends with their bandmates when conflicts arise -- all the practical information wannabe rockers need to find fame and fortune. The book profiles 20 young musicians and bands. He wanted to make it on his own so he toured for years without telling anyone -- even his band, the Wallflowers -- that his father was Bob Dylan."

by Daylle Schwartz [Watson-Guptill 12/98, 11/03, 288pp.]

"This book covers everything from thinking about it to the specifics in actually doing it! If you're really serious about starting a label you've found your book baby. Wonderfully written,concise and inspiring. Her own personal experiences made this book feel like you were a part of it. Believe me, when you finish this book you're going to feel like you know it all!"

"As the head of a record label, I thought it prudent to give Ms. Schwartz's book a good read. Not only does she hit nearly every point regarding both the promotion and marketing of a release, she includes the lesser-known promotional avenues of Musak, AEI, licensing, and releated tips for good marketing. Kudos to you, Ms. Schwartz, for not wasting my money..."

by Richard Stim, Peri Pakroo (Ed.) [Nolo Press 9/98, 1/02, 5/03, 400pp.]

"Fortunately, for bands who love the art of their job, but sing the blues when it comes to the business, there's Music Law. Composed by musician and lawyer Richard Stim, the book explains how to book performances, choose a name and protect its use, copyright song lyrics, establish legal ownership of songs, sample legally, sign contracts, write a band partnership agreement and more.

"I have read most of the books which attempt to explain music business law and practice to musicians, and this one is by far the MOST PRACTICAL and the MOST USEFUL. It is very clearly written by a lawyer who also teaches law and who formerly played in several "signed" bands. The book contains good explanations of music publishing and the record business, and you will want to read them even if you are intending to hire a lawyer. If you can't afford a lawyer yet, it provides actual documents (copyright registration forms, label-shopping agreements, etc.) on CD-ROM that you can tailor to your band's needs and use to get started. If you only plan to buy one book about "this business of music", THIS IS THE ONE TO GET."

see also: Music Law
The Manual : How to Have a Number One the Charts

by Bill Drummond, Jimmy Cauty, Jon Savage (Introd.) [London, Ellipsis 9/98, 157pp.]

"If you follow the guidelines set out in this book then you to can have a number one. The references might change but the song remains the same. Ther are a few shortcuts which you can take nowadays but this book still get you from nowhere to top of the pops."

Bomp note: Drummer is a notorious anarchist, best known for publicly burning a million pounds in cash, but he did actually top the UK charts with a ridiculous song, so he's in a good position to show you how...not to mention he was one of the top A&R men in the UK during the '80s (click here to see his other books).

by Eugene Chadbourne [Mixbook 4/98, 200pp.]

"Eugene Chadbourne will always be remembered for his sonic jazz experiments on stringed instruments, and his campy humor. I Hate the Man Who Runs This Bar!, Chadbourne's guidebook for fellow musicians, is nearly as funny, eccentric, and effective as the artist's vast musical output. Chadbourne describes his follies with various labels; offers inspirational advice on packaging, publishing, and getting gigs; and tries to shatter the myths of working for a major record label. Common sense reigns supreme, as does a DIY sensibility. The book offers great insight into one of modern music's best minds and should provide plenty to think about for anyone serious about his or her music."

"Have you ever been stiffed by a club owner? Gone on a disastrous tour? Been double booked by a promoter? Consigned your CD release to the local record store only to find it's not there and no one knows where your money is? Eugene Chadbourne lends his hilarious humor to a book that delivers the truth about touring, making records, working with a band, getting a record deal, playing overseas, and just about anything else you can think of. No hype, no fluff, this is the essential guide for real musicians who have decided to make a life and a living out of doing what they love, playing music! "

How to Be a Working Musician: A Practical Guide to Earning Money in the Music Business

by Mike Levine [Watson-Guptill 10/97, 224pp.]

"Written for both novices and professionals, this invaluable handbook provides solid, practical career advice to anyone wanting to earn money as a working musician. Practical guidance on performing in bars and clubs; celebrations and business functions; providing accompaniment in theaters and cabarets; working at recording sessions; and composing for TV and radio advertisement is all provided based on the author's professional experience as an instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and producer."

by Marc Davison [Hal Leonard 9/97, 384pp.]

"All Area Access was a useful tool because it covers the music industry from the ground up. From starting the band to booking shows to getting signed, this book basically covers it all. I found many useful features in this book, including the layout (spaced-out paragraphs with Bold headlines), the samples (press releases, logos, you name it), and the scope of information (basic to more advanced). The tone is conversational, as if you have a pal who's letting you in on the inside scoop of the music business. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about the music business. It's a great place to start, and provides a lot of useful information."

by Xavier Frascogna [Watson-Guptill 9/97, 304pp.]

"The authoritative, standard reference on artist management in the music industry expands its insights even further in this updated edition, formerly titled Successful Artist Management. Professional and aspiring managers and career-minded performers will find guidance on topics such as setting up the artist's career plan, image formation, choosing attorneys and business advisors, and handling success and money management."

by Jana Stanfield [Writers Digest 8/97, 160pp.]

"It should be made clear somewhere in the publicity info for this books that it does NOT apply to anyone other than those who are in the folk/acoustic scene. Way too touchy-feely for me, with very little practical information, especially for musicians who don't happen to play coffeehouses and open mic nights. Basically a waste of my money, but maybe it would work for some people."

by Marty Jourard [Hyperion 8/97, 192pp.]

"An illustrated character named Jet Lambert takes readers through the process of starting a band, from how to get gigs to where to get cheap equipment to how to cope with the inevitable pitfalls of performing, accompanied by an introduction by Tom Petty for the would-be band member. Based on one hundred percent real-life situations and real-life experiences. Clip art throughout.

"I got this book for my nephew, who has been in a few bands and continues to trudge along in the usual way--having a few successes here and there but living with big dreams in abject poverty. I didn't plan on reading the whole thing myself, however I soon found I couldn't put it down. Marty Jourard has a gift for taking a very broad subject--from finding bandmates, to the organization of practice sessions, music theory, songwriting, and management--and accurately painting it with bright colors and humor. His book clarifies music and business jargon and I think can give novice and seasoned musicians a broad view of the road to their dreams. It is written in a light style with plenty of tips and stories from personal experience; it's worth every penny. The section on recording demos (from the initial inspiration, laying of the first tracks, to the final mix and mastering...and distribution!) is particularly interesting.."
Making Music Your Business : A Guide for Young Musicians

by David Effelson [Backbeat 4/97, 160pp.]

"How can aspiring young musicians break into the music industry? With the help of this basic beginner's guide, which covers everything from record deals and royalties to promotion, merchandise deals, and working with a management team. Ellefson, bassist for Megadeth, provides practical business tips for making it in a cutthroat industry."

by Daylle Schwartz [Watson-Guptill 3/97, 256pp.]

"This book is the best I've read on how to get a record deal. Actually, there are no other books out specifically on this topic. Ms. Schwartz has organized a lot of great information into a concise book. She includes lots of specific things that are common sense but we still don't remember to do. I've read it twice already, there's so much info packed into each chapter. I'm putting out my own CD and the info in The Real Deal was very relevant since I'm trying to get a distribution deal. It's also great for artist development. I read her other book, Start & Run Your Own Record Label and got just as much out of this one. They have different info - she didn't rehash much so you have to read both. The Real Deal is the real deal - she tells how hard it is to get a deal. But it offers lots of motivation and a good spiritual attitude."

"Ms. Schwartz explains key terms and concepts that are vital to the understanding of this business. Perhaps the greatest lesson to be taken from this book is that the music business is just that: a business. Ms. Schwartz explains how to approach your music career as a business while maintaining your artistic integrity. Whether you are in a band looking to get signed, an aspiring music executive, or just curious about the music business, this book will point you in the right direction full steam ahead."

Everything You'd Better Know About the Record Industry

by Kashif, Gary Greenberg [Brooklyn Boy 12/96, 411 pages spiral-bound]

"This book offers sound advice as well as solid examples of contracts and situations you'll be faced with. It makes a positive yet realistic view of the music biz and puts it all in perspective. It made me feel like I'll be face to face with Kashif one day soon, thanking him for writing this book. Though not a book targeted for a specific field, which does make it handy for all readers, it reveals what to look for in the first place."

by Kathryn Lineberger [Berkley 10/96, 180pp.]

"From buying instruments and equipment to making a demo, promoting the band to dealing with a day job, Kathryn Lineberger--founder of the New York band Fluffer--covers everything aspiring musicians need to know about the industry. This lively, practical guide includes illustrations and a glossary of music-business terms, and gives readers the street smarts they need to avoid mistakes, ripoffs, and traumas of all kinds on the road to stardom."
Running Your Rock Band : Rehearsing, Financing, Touring, Succeeding

by Bill Henderson [Schirmer 9/96, 250pp.]

"This is a handy manual for starting up a local band and getting started making money in the music world as a performer. Good, solid information presented in an easy to understand format that eliminates all of the specific technical and legal issues that are parts of most texts on the music industry and the business of music. It is not, however, a guide to the music industry overall nor is it a complete guide to the business of music but then, that is not it's intended purpose. Henderson has written a very concise start-up manual for those who just want to get out there and play. Bravo!"
Tim Sweeney's Guide to Releasing Independent Records

by Tim Sweeney, Mark Geller [TSA 3/96, 149pp.]

"I've read this book several times over. Even if your goal is to get a deal with a major label or large indy label, YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK! This is exactly what you need to do if you want to succeed as a musical artist or band in this industry. You need to achieve a certain level of success before any bigger labels are going to even want to talk with you. This book gives you a step by step guide on how to achieve that level of success on your own. I have a few other books that I also consider required reading..., but this one is right at the top of my list next to Donald Passman's All You Need To Know About The Music Business. GET THIS BOOK! You won't be disappointed."

"With a no-nonsense, step-by-step approach, Tim Sweeney well nigh guides would-be independent labels and independent-minded artists through the whole process of starting your organization and promoting your records. The book is so practical and concise it's difficult to imagine a better first purchase for a reference book. Tim Sweeney's rock-solid advice and methodical approach takes much of the bewilderment out of starting a record label."

Bomp note: even with the advent of the Internet, there is much to be said for doing it the traditional way.

Hit Me With Music: How to Start, Manage, Record, and Perform With Your Own Rock Band

by Stephanie Powell [Millbrook 10/95, 144pp.]

"A sound, sensible guide to forming a rock band. Powell covers everything from finding players; buying equipment; and writing songs to booking gigs; making recordings; and dealing with drugs, alcohol, and sex. She includes helpful (but incomplete) addresses and references to other titles. Detailed diagrams show the set up of a PA system, the arrangement of the stage, and the workings of a sound studio. Written in a straightforward, chatty, although at times condescending style, this is an effective how-to manual. However, most youngsters won't pick it up on their own; it will need a guiding hand to be truly useful."
Getting Radio Airplay : The Guide to Getting Your Music Played on College, Public & Commercial Radio

by Gary Hutswit [Mixbooks 1/94; Incommunicado 3/98, 150pp.]

"You send out review copies, then you follow up in a professional, organized manner, and then-sometimes-you get airplay. Hustwit, who has run an independent record label based in Southern California, unselfishly shares what he knows, including some good inside tips on promotion and publicity, and lists of key people and organizations who can help. Also valuable are interviews with folks who have experience and knowledge in the indie/college scene (independent labels and college radio stations). As daunting as the whole self-publicizing thing can seem, bands and artists can develop a plan and succeed, and Gary Hustwit's suggestions form a good platform from which to start. To his credit, he has continued to update this work. Be sure you are buying the 3rd edition, with a 1998 date of copyright. And remember this, too: significant income can be derived from turning one's music into a self-propelled record company, even if the world calls you 'unsigned.'"
Succeeding in Music : A Business Workbook for Performers. Songwriters, Agenst, Managers and Promoters (book+CR-ROM)

by John Stiernberg [Backbeat 4/92, 198pp.]

"Succeeding in Music is a business guide for those who want to begin or strengthen a professional career in music. Written for both artists and managers by an industry expert, it spells out the fundamentals of business, finance, marketing, and strategy as applied to the music world. Using real-life examples from the music industry, the author defines key business concepts and terms and explains how to construct a comprehensive business plan. Readers learn to approach all aspects of working in music strategically, from product development and pricing to surviving in this notoriously competitive environment. The book also offers advice for setting realistic goals, building momentum, and avoiding common pitfalls. The companion CD-ROM contains business plan templates, website links, how-to exercises, and other reference materials."

by Mark Baxter [Hal Leonard 2/91. 248pp.]

"This book is perfect for the aspiring rock singer that needs improvement, but cannot or will not take lessons. It is a thorough, yet easy-to-understand presentation of the basic elements of singing, including vocal production, training, breathing, posture and diet. Written in a down-to-earth style, the author addresses such relevant topics as overcoming nervousness, dealing with emotions, and the true consequences of coffee, alcohol & smoking. Includes useful illustrations and diagrams."
Making a Living in Your Local Music Market

by Dick Weissman, Ronny Schiff [Hal Leonard 10/90, 12/99, 304pp.]

"I bought this book several years ago, when I first started my "Career" as a professional musician. I knew that to be a working musician, I'd have to hustle, do anything and everythng I could to make a buck. I knew that the road ahead would be rough if I weren't willing to get out there and find out what was available in my area. Most musicians don't make the bulk of their income by record sales. Even with my album doing well, I had to utilize every resource locally, in order to make ends meet. After reading this book, I realized I was doing a lot of things "right," but there were several ideas I hadn't looked into. This book motivated me to squeese every drop of brainstorming I could muster- to really make a name for myself in my home town."

The Great Rock 'n Roll Swindle (UK only)

by Michael Moorcock [Virgin, 1981]

"The real dirt on how to make it in rock without self-destructing."

out of print On Becoming a Rock Musician

by H. Stith Bennett [Univ. of Mass. Press 12/80, 2/81, 258pp.]
So You Want to Be a Rock and Roll Star

by Don Gere [Acrobat 6/78, 76pp.]

"Explains to singer, writer, or novice producer how to record songs and have them made into records for less than $500. Complete with photos, checklists, and lists of facilities and resources."

Bomp note: completely outdated, of course, yet in its time it was quite useful, coming out just as the DIY new wave explosion was getting under way.
How to Make a Hit Record

by Mike Jahn [Simon & Schuster 1/77]

out of print
So You Want to Be a Rock and Roll Star

by Sharon Lawrence [Dell 10/76; McGraw-Hill 8/83, 238pp.]

"Broadly speaking, the guiding principles offered are: 1)Rock on, man; 2)Drugs are evil and wrong.; 3) Success isn't everything; 4) Anything Lynyrd Skynyrd did was probably the right thing; 5) Being a chick may not be helpful; 6) Make frequent references to your 'ass'. The most disconcerting thing about this (presumably long out of print) volume is that it jumps bizarrely from tips for the rank beginner through to guidance on how to appoint a public relations firm. It also has a whole chapter on doing your laundry on the road. Very strange."

out of print

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