Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I read this book along with taking the Record Business 101 class at Berkleemusic.com with George himself and it was on of the most informative experiences of my life in reguard to my future as a musician. Thank you George, it was fun learning.
-Alex Brouwer

This music business primer is easily worth over $10,000.00 in advice and real world guidance. What sets GETTING SIGNED! apart from all others on this subject is 1) the impeccable "real world" success of its author and 2) the quoted input from 22 other professionals in every field of expertise an up and coming band will need to interface with along the journey of "Getting Signed!"

Laced with humor and interesting commentary taken from real world situations, Getting Signed! fits both the must have and must read list for anyone serious about a career in the music business. It's not just for performers, but also aspiring songwriters, producers, promoters, A&R people, radio promotion, distributors and everyone else inbetween that make this "music business" a business. Why? Because this book clearly and concisely explains the music business one component at a time. Given its primary perspective is for "the band", the material covered quickly transcends into a practical handbook for success in the multifaceted music business.

The bottom line is simply this: If you're determined to succeed in the music business whether you're in a band or not... "Buy this book and learn." You'll never earn a greater return on your money than this.

It's amazing how this book helped me to understand the music business. The examples were very useful; also the workshops at the end of each chapter.
I think that this book enclose several tools to success in the record industry.

I read this book cover-to-cover and attended George Howard's class at Berklee Music School. George is a very gifted individual and the book is written very well. It's full of no nosense, straightfoward information about the music business concerning the record industry. It will be the best money you ever spent on a book!

George Howard's "Getting Signed! An Insider's Guide to the Record Industry" is a MUST read for any independent artist, or anyone thinking about starting their own label, or anyone working within the music industry. It is full of valuable information from the demo to the deal, and everything in between.
Glory Reinstein
Bluebird Promotions

This book is awesome!! If you are serious about a career in music and wanna know how record labels work you need this book!!

I recently completed the online course at Berklee Online using this book during the course. I must say this book is insightful and offers a detailed description of the "Music Business" process. A must have for any seasoned or aspiring performer, artist, songwriter or music publisher. Hats off to George Howard for such a well written, informative work.