Getting Signed!: An Insider's Guide to the Record Industry (Berklee Press) [Paperback]

George Howard (Author)

Book Description

Series: Berklee Press | Publication Date: October 1, 2003

For unsigned musicians, it is vital to long-term success to sign a contract with a record label. However, preparing your music, targeting a label, and getting your demo into the hands of someone who will listen is challenging, if you don't know where to start. Getting Signed!, by record industry veteran George Howard, guides you through the maze of today's music industry, and will help you move your demo to the top of the stack. Even if you are not yet ready for a record deal, it will help you assemble a team that will make sure your music gets heard by as many people as possible. "The next time an aspiring recording artist comes to us for advice, we'll advise them to read this book first. George Howard really knows what he's talking about." - Chris Franz and Tina Weymouth, members of Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club

Product Details

• Paperback: 233 pages
• Publisher: Berklee Press (October 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876390459
• ISBN-13: 978-0876390450
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #202,342 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For serious musicians and entrepreneurs who want to start a company, October 21, 2005

By 

Lancelot "1dreamer" (Jackson, MS USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Getting Signed!: An Insider's Guide to the Record Industry (Berklee Press) (Paperback)

We owe Mr. Howard a debt of gratitude for this volumn, and even its wonderful, easy to read and understand companion leaflet, "Music Pulishing 101". I have been knocking around in the music industry for several years now trying to make sense, from the outside looking in, of this crazy business. Having signed and worked with several promising artists, my frustration with the unfathomable ins and outs of the process was beginning to show, and I considered giving up on my dreams despite my love for the business.

This work gives you the basic foundation you need in a readable, non academic way, so that you aren't wandering around in the wilderness like I was, listening to the questionable advice of people who really either 1) don't care about you; or 2) only want you to know so much so you don't level the playing field with them. It's business, not personal, so don't get bent out of shape, as Mr. Howard explains.

This work is the best, least expensive investment in your future as a knowledgeble artist, aspiring record label owner, or artist manager/producer that you can make. My music business is already opening up and my opportunities are already expanding with my increased understanding of how everything really works.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the one to get, May 31, 2004

By 

Laura Meyer - See all my reviews

This review is from: Getting Signed!: An Insider's Guide to the Record Industry (Berklee Press) (Paperback)

If you are an aspiring musician interested in learning more about how to jump-start your career or take it to the next level, I highly recommend reading this book. George Howard has the expertise to effectively advise readers in creating press kits, developing a support team of appropriate management, understanding royalties and basic legalities, as well as publishing and gigging. He presents all material clearly and succintly, so information is easy to digest and retain. The book is written in three different parts, progressing from basic topics to more advanced ones, and so this is a book that musicians at various stages of their careers can learn from. Read this book and you will be that much closer to getting signed.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, December 27, 2004

By 

L. K. Levine (Charleston, WV USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Getting Signed!: An Insider's Guide to the Record Industry (Berklee Press) (Paperback)

Don't let the size of this book fool you. George Howard covers a lot of ground in this compact book, which is easy to both read and digest. I recommend it to any songwriter or artist trying to find his or her place in the music industry. George provides a nice overview of the music business and pulls no punches on those "less attractive" areas of this exciting but often confusing industry.