This Weeks Amazon Music Industry Top Sellers
Everyone’s heard of Amazon. It’s as synonymous with the Internet as Ebay and Google, and is one of the most visited websites in the world. So, it seemed a sensible place to look for books that cover the music industry and, in particular, the music business. Much to my joy, they even have an appropriate section – woo hoo, I’m in business. Short of giving you a complete run down of the top ten, I’ll give you a brief annotated version of what features at the present moment. The second bestseller is a book called All You Need To Know About The Music Business. Unfortunately, the 464 page mammoth book consists of how to pick managers and the such, so not ideal. Number 4 is where the Indie money lies. A book entitled Guerilla Music Marketing Handbook claims to bestow virtually everything you could possibly need to know in order to market your own music. At number 6 is a book on how to start your own record label. This 304 page book is the expanded version but does offer some genuinely useful insight for those looking this far ahead. Finally, at number 8 is perhaps the most viable option in the list. The Indie music,/tag> handbook really is packed full of invaluable information including niche areas to promote your service. It won’t be the be all and end all of your success, especially as that kind of information becomes outdated relatively quickly, but it is a good starting point. Another book of note is the frighteningly titled “Losing My Virginity” by Richard Branson. You can view the list at the Amazon site.
October 26th, 2007 at 9:32 am
so now people want to know about the music business, not about the music itself (songs and bands and singers and all), that’s good and bad at the same time, it may lose the real reason of music, but people may also research more about it, which is good, let’s see lol
October 28th, 2007 at 2:15 pm
I think it’s important that people seeking to make it in the industry are well informed and books like the ones mentioned above are very useful.
Just look back at the bands that have been shafted over the years by unscrupulous record companies and struggle to pay back their advances, let alone make any money.
The more you know about something the more you can work it in your advantage.
November 29th, 2007 at 8:32 pm
I don’t know…I think that any art form, regardless whether it’s painting, writing, or music, doesn’t necessarily lose its purity because the artist needs to learn about the business aspects of art. Music for music’s sake is fine, but even the most rebellious, the most independent musicians need a roof over their heads and food on the dinner table, so learning about business stuff isn’t a bad idea.
December 3rd, 2007 at 9:26 am
Knowing about what you are getting involved in is never wrong, unless you should not be involved from the beginning. There has been time and time again a band has died off due to becoming to commercial and losing their edgy raw sound due to what is forced upon the group. I want superior music produced by superior artists not record labels and sound equipment.
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:01 pm
I have a family member that is trying hard to break into the business. He already knows that he will never go with a major label, and this is by his choice. However, he does lack the business experience needed to make it in the music industry. I think a book like this would be perfect (and essential) to up and comers who want to promote their own music. Although I have not read the book personally, this article has me curious. This may be something to put on the Christmas list.
February 29th, 2008 at 10:44 am
It is very important to get the word out there in any format that you can. There are many talented people out there in the world that just do not know where to turn for help. So shows like American Idol have helped but that is simply not enough. People need to know what is expected of them, where to get the help they need and books are a great expression that can help people to move.
I think independent labels or promoting yourself is a great way to start. Thanks to the internet you have a means to communicate and build a fan base long before a label picks up on you.
March 16th, 2008 at 11:54 am
I think (referring to Leighdu’s comment) that many young artists dismiss the non-musical aspects of their chosen career for various reasons. Some (especially guys) think that their talent, and talent alone, can take them very far without a business plan or any thought of getting managers or accountants, and others simply don’t know how to go about the business process despite knowing they need to learn marketing, scheduling, and other financially-oriented skils.