Customer Reviews

The Songwriter's and Musician's guide to Nashville

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Sherry Bond's book is an absolute must for anyone who wishes to pursue a career as a songwriter or performer. Her book covers many areas other guide books leave out, such as the importance of networking and where to go to make contacts. For me, it gave me the confidence that I could go out and make a living as a songwriter. I recommend it for everyone interested in the music business as a whole - not just Country.

This compact little book is a great read and full of great advice for songwriters and musicians looking to pursue opportunities in country music, specifically Nashville.

Ms. Bond is a music publisher and has worked in the Nashville arena for years. She gives examples on the Nashville number system (for reading/recording music), how to label your CD's and inserts and she gives the addresses and names of some of the best and more affordable recording studios in and around Music City. She also included the contact info for some of the top producers, publishers and A&R in country today! There's also a great section on all of the best open mic spots, restaurants and accommodations in and near Nashville.

In my opinion, this book is for someone that is seriously considering a career as a country musician/songwriter. And if that's you, then it's a great reference book to have in your arsenal.

The fine art of songwriting and marketing it to a music business audience is covered in this title, which provides an examination of the Nashville music industry and how an aspiring songwriter or musician can get heard in the big city. Bond is a songwriter and music publisher who blends interviews with music professionals with details on record companies, producers, recording studios, and others. Chapters cover all the basics, from preparing a product to marketing and avoiding common errors.

This is a great book that fills a real need -- practical advice for anyone who aspires to be a songwriter or performer in Nashville. I work in the music industry in Nashville and am often asked for advice from songwriters new in town. I'm not necessarily qualified to give advice, so now I can recommend this book. One of the most interesting features is a chapter that suggests a week's itinerary, including where to eat lunch. Often people will come to town and not have any idea of what to do. They'll try to drop in on busy publishers, get turned away again and again and then go home thinking everyone on Music Row is unfriendly. Bond explains the right way to get your foot in the door. Again, highly recommended.

Don't leave home without it!! Having already made my first jaunt to the Music City prior to purchasing this book....I can most definitely appreciate all that it brings to wanting to be a professional songwriter. The good thing for me is that in my trip I only committed one error....the other stuff I did was just along the lines of getting acquainted with Music Row and getting the tourist stuff out of the way.
Now, for my second trip, it will be like my fourth or fifth because I feel as I've already made those trips, avoided the mishaps and traps after reading this 'how to manual'.
Sherry provides some very sensible 'how to and how not to' points. The book is worth several trips to Nashville. A great preparatory.
My wife and I have already sat down and written out a plan for moving to Nashville for next year using this book......lots of excitement in this...I'm looking forward to becoming part of the music community and living that life.
Let the 'adventure' begin.
Don't Leave Home Without It!
Peace and Love,
John

I read this book before my first trip to Nashville and was miles ahead of others coming to town who had not read this masterpiece. It is by far the most thoroughly researched, informative, complete, concise guide to Nashville's music industry ever published, and should be on the best seller list. If you have ever considered a career as a songwriter or want to be a successful recording artist, you must read this book cover to cover. It's easy reading, packed with useful info, and written by a very nice, successful woman who lives in Nashville and knows the industry because she has worked in it her whole life.