What They'll Never Tell You About the Music Business: "The Myths, the Secrets, the Lies (and a Few Truths)" (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "Everyone has an idea; everyone has talent; everyone thinks that they can write or play or sing a song better than much of what they..." (more)
Key Phrases: administrating publisher, black box income, tour merchandiser, United States, New York, Copyright Office (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

What They'll Never Tell You about the Music Business reveals what most savvy music executives already know-and hope that readers never find out! This insider guide discloses the hidden dynamics and often unfortunate consequences of what really happens when a deal is prepared, contracts are signed, and promises are made-and alerts musicians, attorneys, songwriters, and anyone else interested in the music business to the potent dangers lurking beneath the surface of this incredibly competitive industry. Twenty chapters cover virtually every aspect of the music industry, including recording agreements, record royalties, artistic management, music publishing, music marketing and promotion, merchandising, copyright infringement, and the international music business scene. What's more, the information in this invaluable reference is all explained clearly and concisely with no legal jargon. For anyone involved in the music business, here is your source of inside information!

About the Author

Peter M. Thall, an attorney for over 30 years, is a member of the International Association of Entertainment Lawyers and board member of the prestigious New York Festival of Song. He lives in New York City.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 292 pages
• Publisher: Billboard Books; First Edition edition (June 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823084396
• ISBN-13: 978-0823084395
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #406,333 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read For Musicians, November 20, 2003

By	Norman Goldman "Editor of Bookpleasures.com" (Montreal) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Recently retired from the legal profession, I can well appreciate how individuals, who may be well meaning, can freely pass along advice; however, very often they lack the appropriate credentials to offer sound counsel.

This is particularly evident in the music world where unfortunately many an agent, accountant, attorney, manager or even friends are "out of their league" and unfortunately are not acting in the best interests of the artist.

As Peter M. Thall mentions in his book What They'll Never Tell You About The Music Business: The Myths, the Secrets, the Lies (& a Few Truths) "it is not enough to know the things you think you need to know about the music industry. Those who live within it-whether at the artistic or the business pole or somewhere in between-must know more. They must know the difference between surface and substance; between truth and lie; between reality and myth."

Thall is an attorney specializing in entertainment and copyright law. Some of the clients he has represented have included ABBA, Pat Benatar, The Cars, Miles Davis, The Irish Tenors, Barry Manilow, Anna Moffo and Simon & Garfunkel.
In other words "he is no babe in the woods," and his book reflects his many years of invaluable experiences that he shares with his readers.

Presented in a clear and efficient manner, the reader receives priceless counsel concerning royalties, personal managers, business manager, record producers, promotion, touring, merchandising, copyright issues, musicians contracts, music publishing, internet entrepreneurship, urban music, classical music, and the role of record companies.

In fact, in many instances in order to grasp the full implications of what was being revealed, I was forced to re-read paragraphs or sections that offered deep insights of a topic.
This was particularly evident when Thall discussed royalties and how the pie is divided among the various players.
It was an eye opener to learn that very often the musician is left with "chicken feed" at the end of the day, after everyone takes a percentage of the earnings.

Although much of the book is devoted to legal and accounting matters, there are also chapters dealing with personal finances and the importance of being surrounded with honest and competent advisors. Unfortunately, sometimes musicians are "shafted" by unscrupulous managers, accountants, lawyers or other individuals who form part of their entourage.

Reading this book is beyond doubt a learning experience and will certainly serve as an important resource for musicians as well as their advisors.

This review first appeared on reviewer's own site

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GOODNESS GRACIOUS! Bless the Messenger!, May 27, 2003

By	"trait" (Japan) - See all my reviews

Reading the preface got me motivated then, I hit the first 6 chapters, which put me in check real quick. Looking for a meal with no fat...this is it! Thall...levels the playing field, which should enable all parties involved on a project better serve each other. Fortunately for players, this book was released.

This information can evoke essentials that you may not even know exist, and help hedge against potential trouble like heeding regulations and scrutinizing your assembled team bridging your weaknesses with your strengths.

It is rare...or nearly impossible to be given legitimate sincere advice on the ins/outs of the music industry via published works. "Confessions" is one, and this is definitely another!

Looking at the artist's net earnings after all expenses, and the standard recording agreement most companies draft up, no wonder some artist's are labeled sell-out's and are criticized for their envisions and protuberances.

If you're 100% serious about making a living working in the music recording industry, and looking to save time and money, "What They'll Never Tell You About The Music Business" is a major fundamental. It's a Prerequisite, expressive and totally educational, no-holds-barred. One of the most unnerving experiences about being in the music business is getting ripped off. Read this so you won't!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars DO add it to your collection..., April 9, 2005

By	Cedar Tree Music - See all my reviews

Peter Thall's book at first struck me as a good book to have in the collection.

When I started reading it I thought, OH NO, its gonna put me to sleep. Perhaps at times, but mostly I found myself realizing I had not asked myself certain essential questions...which woke me right up!

It IS thick with legal issues. But, we are at this moment budgeting a tour and also negotiating with a manager...and the book made me think of things I would not have thought of. It looks like the book may have saved us from running the tour in the red (at a loss)! We will see how it all works out soon.

Gives a good view of how the money moves in the music business. It gives you ideas you can try to use in negotiations for a better arrangement. Lots of things to avoid and to think about that often get overlooked. What to think about before you sign that contract.

We are negotiating a deal and I pulled out this book and looked through the chapter corresponding to our deal. I got a whole page of questions and things to discuss BEFORE we finalized.

That IS one of Thall's goals with this book. If you forget to discuss it before you sign, then it is too late to talk about it later.

I have read "All You Need to Know About the Music Business" by Donald Passman and I recommend this as a Compliment to that excellent tome on the biz. If you are looking at them both trying to decide...you will have to decide what the application is. If you are an Indie artist/Manager at the early stages of your career then I would say, though "All You Need" is a more comprehensive overview, this may be more easy to take in and applicable to the issues you will be facing right now.

I do recommend them both as Passman discusses many issues not covered here.

Mr. Thall has done us a service. He has forewarned us of many of the pitfalls.

Already, it has helped immensely.

Not a replacement for good legal representation...but it may just save your behind!