Well friends, summer has begun. The charcoal’s lit, the beer’s cold, the kids are in camp (or even better, you don’t have kids), and you’re itchin’ to brush up on your music literature. No? Well, you should be.
Welcome to the first of many weekly summer reading posts. Our aim here is to provide you with a different reading suggestion each week all centered on the music industry. With 27 musicians, music industry graduates, audio engineers, gigging musicians, songwriters, and a common love for all things music, I asked the Sonicbids team to send me their suggestions. As much as I love to hear myself talk though, I want to know your suggestions too. Feel free to leave comments on any of the blog posts or tweet directly at us @Sonicbids.
We’re going to start out the series with an industry standard, All You Need To Know About The Music Business by Donald Passman. Maybe it’s just because there’s an overwhelming amount of Berklee grads here, but this seemed to be at the top of everyone’s list, and rightfully so.
Passman graduated from Harvard Law School and has been practicing entertainment law for over 30 years. He’s worked with Janet Jackson, R.E.M., Quincy Jones, and Tina Turner…to name a few. If that’s doesn’t do it for you, he’s also a magician member of the Magic Castle! Oh yeah, the LA Times also refers to this book as “the industry bible.”
Now in its 7thedition, Passman is not only keeping up with current trends, but keeping it simple and in a manner that any idiot can understand. Simply put, it’s a book for anyone in any facet of the industry. You’ll learn about record deals, copyright law, how to find the right manager, maximizing touring and merchandizing, publishing deals, new technologies, band agreements… Need me to keep going? Since his first addition 18 years ago, the book has sold hundreds of thousands of copies, and for one reason: it’s easy to read and incredibly relevant (two reasons, I know).
Sit by the pool, have a drink, string up a hammock, and enjoy your summer. But when you have some free time, read this book.