All You Need To Know About the Music Business: 6th Edition

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Author Passman has created something of a journalistic feat: his book is an attorney's look at the mechanisms of the music industry-usually not a particularly fascinating subject-yet he's made it great fun to read. An LA-based music attorney since the seventies, Passman is boyishly enthusiastic about his subject, and says the book is an outgrowth of his professional need to explain the basic workings of the industry to his artist clients. Though he says he is not writing technically (as if for fellow attorneys), he has nevertheless included virtually all of the checkpoints, or "deal points," that come up in contract negotiations today. The point of view being marketed here is that it pays to be an informed artist or songwriter, even if you think you don't care that much about the business side. Passman's "blurbs," or endorsements, are almost overkill: the likes of artist Don Henley, producer Quincy Jones, and longtime Warner Communications Chairman Mo Ostin. In the light of all this prestige (even the publisher, Prentice Hall, is an old-guard New York house), I couldn't believe that beneath Joe Smith's back- cover endorsement, Capitol-EMI, of which Smith was chair, was misspelled as "Capital." Minor flaw, all things considered, and happily not a predictor of sloppy work inside. Passman is an excellent choice for either personal learning or university-level classroom study. On first hearing, the title seems a bit arrogant, but Passman just about does cover it all. The 1994 second edition is virtually identical to the first, except for a welcome expansion of the opening "First Steps" section, and a detailed explanation of legislation the entire music industry lobbied long and hard to achieve: the Audio Home Recording Act of 1992 (the "home taping" legislation). Passman explains the projected flow of revenues from this act back into the music industry: one third to songwriters and publishers, and two thirds to record companies. Among the nineties books on the business of the music industry, this is one of the very best. Ron Simpson, School of Music, Brigham Young University. Author of MASTERING THE MUSIC BUSINESS.

I bought this book as soon as I saw it's release, figuring that Don Passman would have had significant updates regarding digital distribution. Specifically I expected a detailed analysis of iTunes's agreement with artists/labels as it currently sells about 80% of purchased digital downloads (also not a mention of CD Baby). I also expected some analysis of the ins and outs of digital distribution agreements, as there are now many digital music aggregators, such as IODA and DMGI. No such luck. While there are some updates, they were pretty light, and this book is still mired in the mainstream music business. Worse, it apparently assumes the bricks-and-mortar world of music selling will continue to be the norm.

Mr. Passman seems to dismiss the brevity of his coverage by explaining that digital sales still represent less than 10% of the sales market. Even so, look at the trend lines -- digital sales has moved from early adopters to mainstream; CD sales are dropping (and sales no longer tell the big story in music -- file-trading probably rivals CD sales in volume of music distributed). There is a difference between technological innovations and a paradigm shift--most people recognize we are in the latter with respect to music.

The earlier editions were comprehensive at the times of their releases; but this edition is not, in my humble opinion, justified as a new edition. What is particularly disappointing is that the music market has been going through dramatic changes since the release of the previous edition; but you wouldn't know it by this book--which has very little in the way of new content. Alas, there is no mention of Creative Commons licensing -- this is a huge, worldwide phenomenon.

It would get 5 stars if the title were "All You Need to Know about the Traditional Music Business", but it terms of addressing the leading-edge trends that will be of interest to most artists starting out, this book falls short.

If you don't have a previous edition, this is still a GREAT book to get you started. Mr. Passman covers a lot of territory and has a friendly, familiar writing style. However, this book is not nearly as valuable, nor comprehensive in terms of being an updated new edition.

All You Need to Know About the Music Business by Donald S. Passman is by far the best book to read for insight into the pros and the cons of the music business. Passman's knowledge is superior to any other music book that I have had the pleasure of reading. Many authors have released pertinent information about the realities of the business but Passman's approach is not only insightful but it is relaxing as well. His knowledge coupled with his humor, wit and enthusiasm soothes the anxiety of the reader. Instead of the reader being bombarded with only facts and figures, Donald Passman appears to display a more personal address. In reading All You Need to Know About the Music Business, I felt it was more of a close consultation instead of a structured manuscript. This is why this book is so powerful! It is wonderfully structured to assist the aspiring musician to take control of his or her own career. He reveals the dangers & advantages of advances, royalties, cross-collateralization, publishing, merchandising and touring. Passman gives the reader tips on getting the best record deal possible. He teaches us how to protect our passion, production, music and money! I highly recommend that all aspiring songwriters, producers and musicians read this book. Kudos!

This book used to be at #1 on my required reading list until I recently read "Confessions Of A Record Producer" by Moses Avalon (also available here on Amazon.Com). The two books compliment each other very well, and they really should be tied for #1 on my list. This book is written by a music biz attorney, Donald Passman, but it doesn't read like it was written by an attorney. Easy enough to read and follow that you will want to read the whole book. I won't bother detailing what the book talks about, since you can find that through the description. I will say that it is very comprehensive and doesn't leave anything out. It's a practical guide to how the music business works that no musician should be without. Combine this with "Confessions Of a Record Producer" to learn all about the bad side of the biz, and you will have a very strong foundation to get you started!

I'd like to know how much Donald Passman paid the 40+ people who gave this book a five-star rating. In the introduction, the author states that, in fact, you will NOT find out everything you need to know about the music business, because he charges a hefty fee for that information. So, even the title is a lie. This book merely scratches the surface of the music business and mostly leaves you scratching your head and wondering why you wasted your money. To sum up, my review of this book consists of one hyphenated word: RIP-OFF.

Wandering through the dark catacombs of the music industry without a flashlight and compass would be a pretty ludicrous effort, and yet many an musician and aspiring industry professional attempt to do just that. Breaking down the wall between the darkness of confusion and the light of understanding All You Need to Know... delves into the basics which make up the foundation of the entertainment industry. Everything you have ever heard about the business is true, it is a cat fight, sucker punch of a risk with as huge of a reward as the possibility of complete failure. With those kind of odds one can only imagine the complexities of its nature, spanning from the legal to the business to the creative to the social and everything in between. Grappling the bigger picture in understanding this web of structure which eludes most in defining the entertainment industry, All You Need To Know... maintains a balance of depth and simplicity throughout. Using easy to follow details of real life examples coupled with in-depth explanations of a multitude of entertainment obstacles from understanding the team of artist, manager, lawyer, agent, label artist relations to the basics of releasing a recording independently or through a label deal to copyrights, trademarks and ownership to touring and merchandising to digital media and beyond, All You Need to Know... thoroughly covers the bases in an understandable nature. Although, like most publications of this nature it is no substitute for common sense, a well versed manager, lawyer or teacher on hand, All You Need to Know... does do more than significantly lay the groundwork for understanding and subsequently conquering many of the normal trials associated with succeeding in the music industry in any fashion. In general All You Need to Know... spans the need for both a general reference guide to the industry and a readable, comprehensible book in its ability to possess both staggering

detail and simplistic, well versed writing. It works as easily for the musician just beginning to plan their music business endeavors as it does the more seasoned industry businessman and everyone in-between enduring the often confusing aspects of this world. Chapters are laid out with a multitude of subheads and than grouped into larger parts in the book making it easy to follow a point as it grows from simple to more complex. It has the flow at times of a real-life story, rather than a dry over-detailed reference, while never forgetting it is an educational tool. All You Need to Know... never fails to deliver the field of music with crystal clear insight and thought provoking depth, providing a beacon of light for anyone who wants to better find their way in the complex maze of the music industry.

I am an artist about to release an album. Even before I started venturing into self-producing my first album along w/ my producer/friend , I was reading this book nite & day & I even lent it to my manager since we're really not that knowledgeable in the business yet. It really is a must for someone to treat the music industry as business or else , if u don't know how to play the game, the ins-outs of this industry - u must read this book or else you're gonna sink. Donald is an industry professional whom I believe wants to share his knowledge to struggling & aspiring artists/musicians/managers/etc. like me. I highly recommend this book to new artists & those who have plans of crossing over the US music industry. Even if I'm a Filipino living in Manila , the knowledge that this book has given me is worth so much.

Like the title says, this book is a straight-forward no-nonsense guide to all you need to know about the music business. I have read it several times and I recommend it to all my clients in the entertainment industry.

A great book that covers all the basics of royalties, record deals, merchandising, etc...at least from a major label perspective. This stuff is great to know and everybody SHOULD take time to understand it, but I think there are better books out there for most acts, which is why I'm giving this 4/5 instead of 5/5. What I mean by this is that you have to have something to manage before you can get a manager... And you'll need a record that will sell before a label is interested and you need to negotiate with them. Get this book, but don't think this is how it's going to work for you. It CAN work this way, but you'll have to do a lot of work on your own artist development before it will.

I am a law school graduate and have worked as a legal officer for a major bank and as a pro musician. This book is very clearly written and is full of essential information that a) You just don't get in most law schools and b) Would cost thousands of dollars in legal fees to get from your own music lawyer IF they had the time to run you through it all (which they don't). This book is now my bible. Also you don't need to be a lawyer to understand it. If you are thinking of getting into the biz in any way, musician, lawyer, manager, producer, indie label, composer etc. you should own this book or the industry will chew you up and spit you out! I can't thank the author enough for giving this material out so generously. It is so well written. I've been seeking this sort of info for years. If you buy only one book on the biz make it this one.

Passman knows his stuff. Not only is this book a comprehensive guide to all the twists, turns and pitfalls of making a living as a musician, but it is very user friendly, to boot. Heck, even musicians can understand what he is talking about. Passman might earn a bit of criticism for his 'pro-lawyer' bias, but he is also just being honest that without a good lawyer any reasonably successful musician is going to be eaten alive by record company contractual permutations. Finally, Passman deserves credit for being such a smooth and downright funny author. A rare thing in what appears to be a nuts-and-bolts guide. Bottom line? IF YOU ARE A MUSICIAN YOU NEED TO BUY THIS BOOK.

for anyone who is interested in being part of the music business. Every teacher at UCLA in the Music Business program recommends this book for their class, and I can see why. Even though I am now in the business itself, I STILL go back and re-read sections because of the great info in here.

When I bought this book, I knew *nothing* about the music industry. After I read it, I was able to have intelligent conversations with industry pros. And the book is so well respected just droping it's name gets me attention. A must!

I guess this would be a good book for singers and musicians, but it was no help to me as a producer. Nothing applied to a producer.

First of all, let me tell you that being a fairly new band manager in this business, you can never learn or read too much. I have read nearly everything out there, online and offline.
"All You Need to Know About the Music Business" is BY FAR the best book related to the business of music I have read thus far.

You will find yourself muttering, "God, thank you for this man" at the end of almost every page. I mean it. I did.

This fantastic book is written in such a way that only other similar books could attempt. Mixing solid business information with a personality that will carry you from page to page. Once you have picked up this book, you will suddenly realize hours later you just missed an important meeting, but you will also know damn near everything you need to get you started in this business.

Simply put, if you don't have this book, you have no idea what you really don't know.

This book is essential if you are considering a career in any aspect of the music business. For example, If you started out with a home studio and want to branch out further, then this is the book for you. If you are a songwriter with a bunch of songs laying around but don't know what to do with them, this book is for you. It is one of the best 20 bucks I have since I began in the music business.

This book was great and the author did a great job of keeping the reader's attention for people like me who don't like to read because it's boring. He uses great scenarios and stories to get the key points across...I highly recommend this book...

This is a great and easy read for anyone whom ever dreamed of a career in the music industry. This book not only touches on just about ever aspect of the industry but it also gives you exta information that is so helpful.

It was recommended I read this book as I am new to the music industry. I have learned so much from it, and appreciate the common language and explanations. I will continue to use it as a reference book throughout my career.

Cet excellent livre n`a jamais été traduit en francais et ne le sera sans doute jamais, car il concerne avant tous les Etats-Unis. D. PASSMAN a notamment été l`avocat de J. Jackson, et est un expert dans le domaine. Pour le marché francophone, je recommande deux livres en particulier :
1. TOUT LE MONDE VOUS DIRA NON, de Hubert Mansion. Un réel guide de survie dans le show-business, brillant et magnifiquement documenté. Un livre à mon avis indispensable pour comprendre la réalité trop souvent cachée du milieu de l`industrie du show-business.
2. LES CONTRATS DE LA MUSIQUE, de P. M BOUVERY. Surtout pour les avocats vivant en France. Le seul livre technique sur le sujet, à lire en tant que manuel juridique.

This book was absolutley magical. I really enjoyed how this book gave such a wonderfull, indetail,look behind the scenes of the music buisness. This book was so good i jumped with joy after reading it. i really liked the part about the managers and what they do to ensure the artists position in the music field. i also really enjoyed the part about the music producers. After reading that section i want to pursue a career in music production. i think Don passman is a great author. it must have taken a long time to get together all this info. their was so much info about the music buisness i couldn't believe it. i really enjoyed reading this book because it was so informational. I highly recomend this book.

So many landmines, so little time. Creating and playing music is easy, when compared to the complicated battlefield of the music business. Attorney Donald Passman does musicians a great service by explaining the intricacies of contracts, royalties, publishing, merchandising and more -- all in an easy-to-understand style. Get this when you want to get a clue about the "business" side of music. -Bob Baker, author, "Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook: 201 Self-Promotion Ideas for Songwriters, Musicians & Bands."

If you are a performing artist, then this is the book for you. It is written with the singer in mind, it includes information about how to get started, and the information is a must-know so that you protect yourself from bad contracts in the industry. The author also happens to be quite a comedian. Protect yourself and your art.... read All You Need To Know About the Music Business.

... "Listen-Up, Spuds!" - as DEVO and Neil Young would say - and heed this advice: DON'T Put It Off !!! ... Read it NOW, before it's too late! ... Yeah, it's a HARDCOVER. ... Yeah, it's kind of COSTLY. ... Yeah, it's a BIG book with a lot of legal jargon and business mumbo-jumbo. ... TOO BAD! ... Ignore it at your own peril! ... Read this book now - NOW! - before you get in so deep into the deep water in the deep end of the pool, and don't know what happened, how to deal with it, or what you can do to get out of it without having to hire a lawyer for THOUSANDS of dollars to save you from economic ruin! ... Trust me: just buy it, read it, and make everyone else in your band read it, too! ... You will NEVER regret it - NEVER! ... Besides, Donald Passman writes like a real pro and makes it interesting and fun to read. You WILL get a number of laughs out of this book, too. It's THAT good... YOWZA! - The Aeolian Kid

I had been meaning to read this book for a while by the time I actually got around to it, and now I wished I hadn't waisted so much time before I did. This has to be one of the most valuable books (if not the most valuable) about the industry I have ever read (and, let me tell ya', I've read a lot of books!). I expected a "glossing over" of many topics because of the fact that the book is not very long and is very comprehensive in its subject matter, but, low-and-behold, I was amazed to find so much in-depth information regarding each individual topic, actually more about certain issues than I have managed to attain reading separate works devoted wholly to any one subject covered in the book. Mr. Passman's great use of wit keeps this book very entertaining for those of you who would rather not have yourself associated with anything that may be deemed "educational" (and his years of experience are there to serve those of you who won't associate with "humor", you know who you are). I highly recommend this informative, well written book to anyone who has their sights set on any area of the music business, and even for those who don't, it can make a lot of sense out of many of the VH1 "Behind the Music" episodes.

Without a doubt one of the most resourceful guides for not only aspiring musicians, but managers, producers and regular record and radio folk as well. You can't say you're interested in a career in the music industry without having this book on your shelf!

Success is about having the right information and then knowing how to and actually applying it! This is one of the books we recommend highly in our Hip Hop Entrepreneur Bookshelf on our website!

--Walt Goodridge, President Hip Hop Entrepreneur Association (Walt is also author of Rap: This Game of Exposure and, The Game of Artist Management, The Hip Hop Entrepreneur Lists of Exposure, The Niche Market Report, and other success tools for the Hip Hop Entrepreneur)

Now in its fifth edition, All You Need To Know About The Music Business is already viewed as the quintessential music industry reference book. It achieved that deserved status because it is rich with comprehensive information that will prove useful to you as you prepare for, or embark upon, a career as a signed recording artist. The operative word is SIGNED. This edition, as well as the previous ones, focus on the mechanics and dynamics that are characteristic of artists that have record deals with major labels - which the vast majority of artists don't have (or want for that matter). The information is accurate and now updated with a newly revised technology section that speaks to the developments in the digital arena. Because it's so well-written and well-presented, it's easy to mistake it for professional counsel - which it's not. What it unmistakably offers is analysis, strategic approaches to common situations, and expert (and sometimes comical) insight into how deals are done. Still THE must have reference book

I loved reading this book, but... The title is very incorrect. This is not "All" you need to know about the business. For that reason I take points off the rating. Aside from that, I'd say the book is a must read for anyone in the industry.


From Mark John Sternal
Author of "GUITAR: Total Scales Techniques and Applications"
"GUITAR: Probable Chords"
"Complete Guitar By Ear"
and, "The Twelve Notes Of Music"

Basically for a beginner who is seeking knowledge to prosper in the music industry; and for intermediate individuals in the industry that wants to broaden their knowledge.
Knowledge = mo' money
Mo' money = you smart

I highly recommend this book.

An essential gudie for people who are either starting a band, wanting to be an attorney in the music business or any of the other related business areas regading to music. The major benefit of this book is the breakdown of percentage commisions that all players can expect and bargain for. It is truly a great reference book to have on hand.

I think this book is really essential to any artist/musician. It's well written and covers anything in-deep. Nr 1 book in my music biz collection.
(I hoped to find also something about new ways of releasing records, like master licensing to indipendent labels, but that's OK)

This book is the best. It's very easy to read even if english isn's your mother language. Very interesting and iclude All you need to know to know about Music Business.

If you aren't a musician this is more than all you need to know about the music business. If you are a musician this is nowhere near all you need to know about the music business. But most of what you need to know you learn by getting involved in the business itself, not by reading books. A large part of this book's large readership consists of wanna-and-will-never-be's, but take a look anyway. (Remember that you also need to know how to play. For that I can do no better than recommend PENTATONIC SCALES FOR THE JAZZ-ROCK KEYBOARDIST by Jeff Burns.)

Also recommended: PENTATONIC SCALES FOR THE JAZZ-ROCK KEYBOARDIST by Jeff Burns.

Awesome. Easy to read. Clearly and methodically organized. Extremely helpful at any level of the music profession but especially near the beginning of your career because the book explains how to run your own music business independently from large producers, if you are up to the challenge. It is the best source of a variety of resources: Who's who, legalities and future choices that must be made.

Am trying to learn more about the music business to help out a friend and the book is great as there is a lot to know and it is informative.

Excellent book. It goes into great detail bout almost everything you'd need to know as a musician in the music business. I highly recommend it.

I highly recommend this book to gain greater insights in the Music business or any business. donald does it again. this is one of the only legal books on the Music industry I would recommend. It was a great buy along with a couple of manuals I purchased from Musicbrains.net entitled the Indie label Kit.

this book is very comprehensive and enjoyable. it's easy to read and i learned about some important things to watch out for in the music business. it's an excellent reading for those who are considering a career in the biz. it'll save you a lotta money hen you hire a lawyer because you'd be familiar with most of the contractual / basic rules already.

Get this book. It is written by a well respected music business attorney and gives specific facts on what you will be getting into when you hit the music business. no, not everything is going to work out like a text book scenerio, but this will give you a better understanding of the business of music better than any book I have found.

I read the previous edition of this book and just bought the current edition. This book was recommended to me by my private music instructor when i was 18 graduating high school. It definantly opened my eyes to the music industry. A great book, written like fine fiction...fun to read for sure.

I originally read the previous version of this book, and found it to be extremely helpful. This version goes even further with it's up to date information on the new aspects of the business. If you are interested in being a professional artist, or are in the business of making your money working with them, you have to read this book.

We operate a recording studio in Sheboygan Wisconsin and purchased this book thinking it could help us with various aspects of the music industry. This book has not only helped us understand the intricate dealings artists and individuals involved in this business need to know but we have decided to add it to our package offering and include it with all major projects signed at our studio. The artists love the info as it takes them step by step through the maze of legal documentation in a "no nonsense" and easy to understand process. Some even report having saved the cost of there sessions at our studio by using some of the approaches recommended by the author.

Wether your a musician, producer or even current record exec. You should give this book a shot, it's very comprehensive and efficient. Once you read this book there's nothing left to know.

All You need to know about the music business has been a tremendous help to me in learning about the basic workings of the music business. Subjects range from publishing to royalty calculations and from finding good management to merchandising.

It is clearly focused on the US legal and structural situation, though, and should not be used by Europeans as a "manual" without checking the facts. For example, publishing works slightly different in Europe and so do royalty calculations.

If you want to understand the basic principles of the business, however, it is an absolute must!!

I've read many books on the music business and this is far and away the best!

Don Passman speaks, where other authors keep silent. This book is a "must read" for any artist who doesn't want to fail on his way up...

The author not only explains the mechanics of the music business and how all the entities are contractually related one to each other, but also states numbers. Information, that I wasn't able to find anywhere else.

If it is important to you to get what you should get, read this first! I am aware of several artists who didn't even get half of what they could.

This book is great for all of those new artists in the music industry.
HTTP://WWW.LANDONEASLEY.COM

This book is lterally a page turner. No matter if you are an Indie Aritst. Song Wirter, Producer, or even own your own label this book detailed knowledge explaining all the legal asspects of the game. basically how you get paid, how to protect yourself, and what you should ask for when making deals. It also gives tips on how to negotiate contracts (record deals), red flags, loop holes, ect. Just read it!

The whole point of the book is to keep you from getting screwed, and it catalogs every possible way in which everyone in the music business - from record companies to publishers to promoters and everyone in between - can and will try to take a big chunk of your music earnings. It doesn't have sample contracts with long boring explanations, it just tells you the salient negotiating points and where various artists (emerging, mid-level, and superstars; majors vs. independent) generally end up in terms of compensation, what you should hold out for in your negotiations, etc.

Although the book reads like a 'parade of horribles' for the music industry, and may make you reconsider your desire to become involved in the business of music, the book is really intended for people who are going to be negotiating contracts with powerful interests. Passman gives you the confidence that, when and if the time comes where you have to negotiate important deals, you will have a place to turn to get an honest appraisal of the deal you are being offered, where it might be improved, what others are getting, etc.

Highly recommended for anyone in the business. If you are an artist with a "team" of professionals helping you (chapter one of the book discusses this team) this book really could be "all you need to know about the music business." If you are going to be on the employer side of the business creating contracts, the book still makes a great companion text to something like "This Business of Music" which includes sample contracts and more lengthy expositions but lacks the critical insights to protect your bottom line. If you are going the D.I.Y. route, this book is probably less important to you than Bob Baker's Guerilla Music Marketing Handbook, as promotion and publicity are everything at first, but it would still be a good reference tool, if only to prove to yourself you've made the right decision by rejecting the bad deals shady labels are offering you.

This book is not too useful, but not useless, either. At least one can see, that the author enjoyed his life in the music business. And this is something. From a professional point of view the reader does not get much to work with.

Don't get taken for due your du-diligence and read this book whether your putting out your own record or shopping for a record deal. This book is a must. Need I say more.

Has some insight about how to get put on, but not much more than I already knew about.

This is a great book! It is filled with so much highly valuable info it is a must for anyone serious about pursuing music as a career.

If you read only one book about the "nuts and bolts" of the music industry this is the one to read. "All You Need To Know About The Music Business" is written for the artist/musician. The artist will be much more able to understand how things work, and what there contract with a record label states by reading this book. This book also is an excellent read for record labels (especially indie labels). I have read approximately 20 books regarding the music industry and Mr. Passman's is the very best!...Nancy Nickle, President, Catz Go Round Records

For anyone interested in knowing about the music business - it's a wonderful book. BUT, for anyone defintely wanting to break into the business - THIS BOOK IS A MUST!
Easy reading, sections broken up very nicely and topics covered sufficiently enough to get a person on the right track.

Even too detailed for somebody not in the business. In any case excellent content and well explained

I loved this book and the fact that it is updated frequently to keep up with the changes in the music industry. You must read this book if you are considering a career in the music industry.

If you are looking to get in the music business or just know about it in general, then this is a good book to have. Easy reading and is a helpful reference for a quick answer to a question.

After reading half a dozen of this type of book, THIS is the one I bought! Covers nearly every aspect of the music industry including publishing, legal and management, merchandising, touring, record contracts, film licensing, the internet/ new media, etc. It even has a section on classical music. The only thing I don't like is the author's liberal (pun intended) use of leftist quips. Not appropriate. What sets it apart from others of its type though is the author gives clear and specific advice on nearly every issue, `Check for this,' `Avoid that,' etc. Very helpful to anyone who is seeking to enter the industry in any aspect. Buy this one!

I've read over two-dozen books on the music business- this is the best. If you only get a few bks on the biz, get this.

Something "Search Inside" doesn't tell you: Passman allows you to read this book choose-you-own-adventure style by telling you what you can skip if you are on the "Fast Track" or what you should not skip if you are on the "Intermediate Track."

This book was a good read for those who really want to know the ins and outs of the industry. I am an indie artist myself so I would like to think I don't have it so harshly. Other than that, it was very informative.

This is a great book if your looking to be socialized into the way the industry works (or doesn't as the case may be). If you read it from the perspective of; how the labels are ripping off fans, their employees (bands), and generally mismanaging themselves, then you can get a good understanding of where the opportunities are.

I'm not suggesting that this isn't a worthwhile read as some aspects still apply and it'll serve as a great history book of the way things used to be. That said, the need to actually cover how much is an acceptable level to be ripped off is obviously ridiculous and speaks volumes about the state of the industry. I have yet to find any other industry that generally accepts that there are acceptable levels of getting ripped off. I also find it offensive that the author (well established entertainment lawyer) suggests that there's really nothing wrong with lawyers representing both labels and artists. His message there can be boiled down to "it's a small field and the way things are...so get over it."

These are some of the fundamental reasons why the music establishment is going the way of ancient Greece. Industry execs have lost the passion of the music over the greed of their financial requirements, and the lawyers being paid by artists are misrepresenting them even though they have a fiduciary responsibility to protect them.

Other great supplemental reads are Million Dollar Mistakes and Behind the Glass.

Any musician who is serious about a career with any kind of longevity needs to read this book. It is too easy to get screwed these days, so it's important that artists understand the nature of the business and have as much control as possible over their product and finances.

En conjunto con mas libros que compartan diferentes puntos de vista sobre el mismo tema este puede ser un gran comienzo para personas que esten interesadas en saber por completo como es que se maneja el dinero en el negocio de la musica.
Mi fuerte no son las matematicas, y aunque tiene algunas ecuaciones que desconciertan si no se sigue un hilo sobre el tema, no impiden tener una imagen completa de como se maneja el dinero y las cuestiones legales.
Para finalizar, el libro tiene el defecto de dar los temas incompletos, dando pie a que: se contrate a este señor que se dedica a esto o en una forma u otra asegurar el trabajo a sus colegas.
Buen libro, pero no es una biblia, por favor...

Interesting and revealing title that opens shut eyes about the dangers, pros and cons of the music industry, the world in which many venture but very few survive. Media sharks and big companies are all against the development of independent publishing and production, legal aspects are a mess and experience is low, all this combine to create a lethal cocktail that keeps most people away. Here to sweeten the poisonous mix is this title ,a good but incomplete piece, maybe you should try "How To Make A Fortune In The Music Industry By Doing It Yourself: Your Personal Step-By-Step Guide To Having A Successful Career In The Music Business. ... To Sell Music, Book Shows And Get Noticed!" By Ty Cohen , a book that covers all the legal aspects plus gives you an inside look at the methods others use.

This book it a good book but it leave a lot of valuable info out. I belive that the Steps to Stardom Volume 1 DVD is far better because it actually takes you behind the doors of the music industry to gain priceless information from CURRENT industry CEO's, A&R's, Producer's, Distributor, Celebrities, Engineers, and many more. Once again this is a good book, can be better.

Talk About Over Delivering!

In "All You Need to Know About the Music Business", author DonalD Passman covers every possible angle one would need. NO matter if you are an entry level beginner or a highly paid executive expert, I suggest you read this book from cover to cover, you will learn something new.

Ty Cohen Author of www.Important-Music-Industry-Contacts.com
(The Industry Yellow Pages)

grat book witty with practal and easy to understand terms .A great overview of music related business

What can I say... Information and knowledge are the most important things you must have on your side in this business.
This is as important to anyone, in or about to enter, the music scene as The Art of War is to the military.
A must have... and it will save time, money and energy in your career. Thanks Donald... it's worth it's weight in gold.

I found the book to be very helpful and informative. It has been written by someone who has been directly involved in the music industry, and has experienced the ups and downs that comes with the territory. It provides goals and strategies to make the success happen. The book is very valuable. I recommend it.

The title's got it! The Music Industry is a Business. Okay, some of us like to think it's about art, culture, the aspirations of humanity, the beauty found in a voice singing unto the Heavens. But, there's a ton of pre-packaged stuff out there that makes my grocery store look like it sells stuff only on the same day it gets them.

I really enjoyed this book. It really helps lay out a plan for how to do it, and who couldn't use some help? But, I didn't think it was as strong in the whole pr area that it is in others. Another book, Guerilla PR: Wired, really came through there, especially with the 'Net--Blair Witch, remember? It's gotta help to have total strangers know who you are.

A highly entertaining, extremely thorough music business book. Passman discusses everything from record royalties to music publishing, managers and attorneys and much more. This book is a must have if you are new to the music business and written in a very engaging manner. The author successfully simplifies what is often thought of as a complex business...

This book is really helpful. I really enjoyed reading it. Very easy reading for the person who gets very restless and bored after the first page. I reccommend this to any one who wishes to get involved in this business

if i wanted to stat a music lable i would definetly get this boo

Very informative, easy to read, well laid out. He explains many of the reasons why things are going to be rough in a recording contract with a major label. My one complaint is that he then goes on to tell you why you should give in to all the demands the labels make, so it seems a little like he wrote the book to help the labels. But however he meant it, it still clarifies the process very well, and shows many of the problems in the music industry.

We have been offering advise for new and upcoming musicians since 1968 at our site. We recommend the book by Mr. Passman, as well as refer those interested in purchasing said book to Amazon.com. Amazon.com really does have the best prices.

Anyone even considering pursuing a recording contract needs to read this book! No other work has so successfuly illustrated - in plain language - what a record deal holds in store for the recording artist. It's an eye-opener! - Devon M. Scott, Executive Director of the Nonprofit Entertainers' Foundation, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee