Customer Reviews

All Area Access: Personal Management for Unsigned Musicians

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I first saw "All Area Access" at Tower Records in Los Angeles. It's got a nice slick cover, and a flattering prologue in the front. I didn't have the cash on me, so I bought it through Amazon.

I am a musician who's been working the L.A. scene for about 3 years. There is a lot of truth in "All Area Access," but I sort of get the impression that Marc Davison wrote the book because he couldn't make a living by playing in, or managing bands for that matter.

He provides some sample forms which are helpful. Things like call sheets and finance spreadsheets, but they are very poorly laid out on the pages. The illustrations are a little weak, and the typos are out of control.

I liked the book, and would certainly recommend it to beginning musicians. Those of you who have been around would be better suited with Donald Passman's "All You Need to Know About the Music Business," which can also be found here at Amazon.

Also for beginners, there's a book called "The Real Deal." It covers a lot of the basic questions that young musicians and managers might have.

Thanks for the time!

Jason Walry - Seriously Feline Los Angeles, CA

An unbelievable wealth of information!! After reading thisbook non-stop, cover to cover, I set out immediately applying themethods, using the forms, and walking the talk. Guess what? In less than a month, I have label interest in one of my songs, and I co-host the hottest writers Showcase in Houston. This book made it possible for me to overcome the gnawing fear I used to have about looking like a rank amateur and in front of booking agents, and club owners. It has always been my dream to see Houston area writers and performers get the same attention and pay as the NashVegas crowd, and now it's really beginning to happen!! Thank you Mr. Davison - If you are ever in Houston, please allow me to comp your drinks and thank you in person for writing this book - oops, gotta go - my cell phone is ringing AGAIN!!

I am an industry professional who recently purchased All Area Access.

This book is aimed toward the begining bands out there. It takes a step-by-step approach to explaining the various challenges that an up and coming band will face.

Strangely enough, there are many typos and gramatical errors in the book. Even the illustrations appear to be incorrectly printed on the pages.

If you are new to the business, this is a fine book to have in your collection. If you are looking for a more advanced explanation, I suggest getting Donald Passman's book, All You Need To Know About The Music Business.

All in all, this is a very honest book, written by a very normal guy. It's a great place to start, but leaves a lot to be desired.

When I decided to launch a small Artist Management company in Seattle, I turned to this book to teach me the fundamentals of how to put together a decent press kit, book gigs, etc. While it is by no means comprehensive, it gave me a good start. Very much an "Unsigned Artist Management for Dummies," the basic items and humorous anectdotes discussed in this book are easy to understand and can be a big help in creating at least a blueprint for newbies like me.

ALL AREA ACCESS Who ever you are Mr. Davison, thank you for writing this book. I have purchased several books on the music business and much to my dismay I have found them to not only to be incomplete but they deal with subjects that do not apply to the daily experiences of struggling unsigned bands. ALL AREA ACCESS is the only book I have ever come across that is hands on and completely applicable to the day in and day out needs of a musician. It has opened me up to so many new avenues for my band including the college curcuit where I have just successfully booked a $1,000 event that never would have happened if it weren't for the book. I am forever grateful.

If this is your first band, buy this book. If you're in school and think you want to have a performing music career, buy this book. If you're midcareer, this book may also be useful. And if you want to become a manager but not sure how to start, buy this book. The main attraction for all readers is that it has very specific checklists that may seem insultingly simple, but are really helpful in keeping tasks organized and everyone's energy focused. It's worth the $-$ just for the sample worksheets, suggestions as to how to keep doormen honest, and other "duh" stuff, when you consider it will probably stop you from losing at least $ on your next gig. It may not get you a record deal, but it will help keep you from pulling out your hair during the day-to-day part of building an act.

I bought your extremely resourceful and well written book, and was more than pleasantly surprised when I realized how indispensable it is and how really screwed up we'd be without it. The only books I have read on the workings of the music biz have been written by lawyers. In sharp contrast, All Access is obviously written by a bandmate. Thanks for publishing this work. It may be the only sword an alternative dance band could have in Los Angeles!

It is about time someone wrote a book explaining the nuts and bolts of running a band! If you are trying to put a band together or you already have one formed...BUY THIS BOOK! Why waste your time making stupid mistakes when you can get this book that is full of first rate advice? I am on my second read as we speak! Great job Marc!

Got it, read it, read it again. Keep it on my desk and refer to it day in day out. It's the I-Ching of the music biz.

Vic Peretti

Best book on the music business that I've ever read. Pure and simple, deals with just about every element that pertains to being an unsigned band. Read so many titles that dealt with topics that don't apply it was refreshing to turn these pages and find practical and sensible advice - the kind of advice a band would get from a manager if they could find one.

Hive five Mr. D.