The Musician's Handbook, Revised Edition: A Practical Guide to Understanding the Music Business

by Bobby Borg

The bible of the music biz—now fully revised with new contacts, fee info, trends, tips. Want to know how to set prices for a gig? Want to be ahead of the curve on new trends in music? Want to have all the latest contact information on hundreds of industry pros? Have we got the book for you! The Musician’s Handbook , already the industry bible for working musicians, has been thoroughly revised and updated with the answers to all these questions and more. New interviews with music-business leaders, new pricing and legal structures for the digital age, new how-to tips for independent and do-it-yourself musicians—it’s all in here. Fees, royalties and advances, live performance, touring, merchandising, working with managers, lawyers, and agents, spotting new opportunities—all these topics and many, many more are covered in depth in this indispensable guide to becoming successful in music and in business.

Genres: Music

288 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2003

Reviews

[Alexandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very similar to other music books out there, but my favorite part was the small gems throughout the book, such as other books and videos to watch about the music industry that he mentions. I took more from the videos and books mentioned in the book than the actual book, but I wouldn't have known about them unless it was for him so thank you.

[Tom Schulte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Besides time with Warrant and Beggars & Thieves as well as his own band Left for Dead, Borg has a long history writing music magazine columns and method books. In this book, Borg unites his experience in working bands with his journalistic experience for an informative and detailed text on the mechanics of the music business. Along with bandmates, a musician needs a more extensive team to navigate the practical matters of a career in music. Borg details the roles of the attorney, personal manager, business manager, talent agent and record producer in this team. Borg also goes far to explain the perennially mystifying topic of royalties, advances and music publishing in the complex revenue stream generated by songs and recordings. Borg also explores different employment scenarios, like contract versus self-employment as well the approach of being a solo artist/employer. These helpful chapters are unusual in books of this type. Sections of the book are enhanced with Q&A interviews with such people as Henry Rollins, Fred Croshal (GM at Maverick Records) and Neil Gillis (VP of A&R at Warner/Chappel Music).

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admittedly, a quick read because I skimmed more than half of it. Most of it just doesn't apply to me at this point in time. It is really informative for anyone wanting a career in the music business, but at least half of the book applies to those who are farther down the line. I will definitely revisit this book if I find myself down that line.

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great info for a novice to the music industry, and a handy reference for an expert.