The Musician's Handbook: A Practical Guide to Understanding the Music Business (Paperback)

by Bobby Borg (Author) "Let there be no mistake-pursuing a career in the music industry is not easy, nor is it for the thin-skinned..." (more)
Key Phrases: subpublishing incomes, merchandising monies, future record royalties, The Musician's Handbook, New York, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
FINALLY, a book written BY A MUSICIAN FOR MUSICIANS--from an author who has actually been in the trenches himself—from rehearsal studios to label signings, from recording studios to concert stages. Get the STRAIGHT FACTS about the music industry--NOT THE FAIRY TALES.

In The Musician’s Handbook, veteran musician Bobby Borg reveals over 35 inspirational and proactive strategies for pursuing a successful career in the music industry. Other chapters of this indispensable primer provide comprehensive coverage of the four types of business relationships, the five key people a musician needs to succeed and the four major sources of music revenue.

Rare and candid interviews with top industry professionals such as Fred Croshal (GM of Maverick Records), Neil Gillis (VP of A&R and Advertising at Warner/Chappell Music), Chris Arnstein (personal manager, international tour manager and booking agent) and Henry Rollins (punk-rock legend of Black Flag and Rollins Band) make the Musician’s Handbook one of THE MOST HONEST AND RESOURCEFUL BOOKS EVER WRITTEN ABOUT THE MUSIC BUSINESS TO DATE! If you're even thinking about pursuing a career in music, or wondering why it hasn't turned out as expected, The Musician's Handbook is a Necessity!

*Loaded with invaluable information and contacts that can mean the difference between succeeding and failing in the music industry

*Essential reading for musicians, songwriters, publicists, managers, and anyone else interested in making a successful career in the music business

*Filled with entertaining anecdotes and side bars allowing you to flip through its pages and read interesting stories and facts

*A Concise, easy-to-read introduction to the business of music that arms musicians with What they WANT and NEED about the music business so that they can get back to doing what they like best--CREATING MUSIC!

From the Author
NOTE: The Musician's Handbook investigates the realities of the music business behind the glamorous fantasy world often portrayed in the media. It is designed to help you to understand the ins and outs of the music industry. At times it will seem harsh. But the more aware you are of the potential obstacles in your path, the better prepared you will be to overcome them. Whether you're out on the road, or just getting ready to cut your first record, it pays to be armed with as much ammunition as possible. Perhaps these quotes from Sun Tzu's The Art of War, an ancient Chinese strategy adapted by leading business professionals today, will illustrate this point:

"Know yourself and know your enemy and you will fight a hundred battles without disaster."

"Know the ground, know the weather; your victory will then be total."

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Billboard Books; 1st edition (May 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823083578
• ISBN-13: 978-0823083572
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #75,907 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars absolutely necessary, May 20, 2004

By	Susanna Kurner "Zanna Jazz" (Carlsbad, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is an excellent book for someone just getting into the business. Not just for rockers, either! Easy to read and understand. The best part is, this guy's not bitter about the whole industry! It's great to read a book that doesn't just tell you how horrible everything is in this business and how you are destined to fail! He just gives you the facts along with great anecdotes.
You MUST buy this!!!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THIS IS A MUST READ FOR EVERY SERIOUS MUSICIAN!!!, February 25, 2006

By	Steven Archdeacon - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I would recommend this book to anyone who is a SERIOUS musician or if you are truly serious about being in the entertainment business! I bought this book at the TAXI Music Convention in Hollywood, California after sitting through one of Bobby Borg's seminars. I thought to myself why not buy it and read it after all that is why I attended the Music Conference in the first place: to expand my knowledge about the music industry! That is exactly what this book does! In fact I like this book so much I bought 4 extra copies for my bandmates and a couple other people that I work with in the entertainment industry. This book is very easy to read and has tons of useful information in it. Once again if you are SERIOUS about being in the Music Industry you owe it to yourself to read this! Trust me you WON'T be disappointed!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have ! Carry it with you everywhere you go, July 12, 2004

By A Customer

Bobby Borg's book is a MUST HAVE! It's easy to read and he divides the book up in a way that you can skip around for quick references. I carry this book with me everywhere!!! His book is really a collection of facts that all artists need to know. Even if you are not an artist (exe upcoming manager) you still need to read this book. This is a step by step, no nonsense, straightforward understanding of every area in the music industry.