The Real Deal: How to get Signed to a Record Label [Paperback]

Daylle Deanna Schwartz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2002

Revised and completely updated edition of the industry classic! The Real Deal is the only music business reference source that offers specific advice to musicians on getting that all-important record deal.

Included in this thoroughly revised and updated Second Edition are all the business necessities, creative aspects, and marketing strategies needed for musicians to survive and thrive in the music industry. Readers learn, step by step, how to prepare a presentation package and reach the right person at the record labels, and discover dozens of no-fail procedures and time-tested techniques for making it in this incredibly competitive business.

This exciting expanded edition features expert advice from dozens of successful managers, record producers, recording artists, and publicists, as well as three brand new chapters: “Taking Care of Business,” “Making Money Promoting Your Talent,” and “Using Your Songwriting Talents.” Also included is thorough, up-to-the-minute information on using the Internet and getting signed overseas, as well as two completely revised and updated appendices providing information on books, conferences, and other resources.


For any musician playing popular music, The Real Deal is the definitive guide to winning a recording contract!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

DAYLLE DEANNA SCHWARTZ is a music industry consultant, self-empowerment counselor, and successful author of many books including I Don’t Need a Record Deal and The Real Deal: How to Get Signed to a Record Label. She has appeared on more than 300 television and radio shows, including Oprah and Howard Stern, and has been quoted in many publications, such as the New York Times and Billboard. Schwartz lives in New York City.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Billboard Books; Exp Upd edition (May 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823084051
• ISBN-13: 978-0823084050
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #516,153 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstandingly Resourceful!, November 23, 2005

By 

Frankie Jarrett (St. Joseph, MO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Real Deal: How to get Signed to a Record Label (Paperback)

this book is very precise and chronologically correct. each chapter leads to the next covering nearly every aspect of the artist/songwriter-end of the music industry. i especially liked the sparatic quotes from interviews with successful artists, A&Rs, CEOs, publishers and producers in the industry. don't buy this book if you're looking for an easy way to land a deal, but do buy it if you are willing to work at advancing your music career and would like a practical guide to give you an advantage over the competition. i highly recommend this book, it's a must-read for anyone that desires to MAKE MONEY with their music and aquire basic knowledge about the music industry including what common mistakes to avoid straight from the mouths of industry big-wigs.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars good book, January 1, 2004

By 

A customer "mistermaxxx" (usa) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Real Deal: How to get Signed to a Record Label (Paperback)

this book is very detailed&breaks things done about the industry&how to approach ways at being down.very complete&a solid Read all the way through.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's time somebody said it!, May 21, 2002

By 

Steven Gould (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Real Deal: How to get Signed to a Record Label (Paperback)

Daylle's other books were great but this new edition is so appropriate for today's music market. Daylle doesn't mess around. She explains that the best way to get a record deal is to pursue a career, and she's right. I would rather make money from my music than chase that elusive deal. I know so many musicians getting stagnant on labels. I do want a long term career. I'd also like a record deal but as Daylle says, the best one is a deal that advances your career because most labels won't give you one. I'm motivated to do what it takes to succeed after reading The Real Deal because it is the real deal. Daylle gives great resources for making money from music and that's what I want. Her chapter on making money from songs is very helpful and the one on getting to the next level of touring gives me hope. Anyone who wants to make money from their music should read this terrific book!