Music Law: How to Run Your Band's Business [With CDROM]

In a similar vein to Mose Avalon's "Confessions Of A Record Producer," copyright attorney Richard Stim's "Music Law" -- published by the ever-egalitarian, uber-do-it-yourself Nolo Press -- helps musicians keep a level head and navigate the treacherous shoals of the music industry. The book is packed with clear-headed analyses of various potential pitfalls, pre-printed sample contracts, examples of marketing and website strategies, and even sample agreements to write up between the bandmembers themselves (in sort of a creative prenuptual contract; it's not only record execs and shady management that can derail your musicmaking...) The book is amply informative, well structured and even-handed; also included is a CD-ROM from which you can print out sample contracts and other forms... Plus, no less than Mose Avalon himself lauds the book as a helpful tool... high praise indeed!

A friend forwarded me a copy of Mr. Stim's book, and I am very happy that they did. My band is in the beginning stages of securing an independent record deal. I found that after reading the book, I was able to go into a meeting with the record company and know what questions to ask. I had some clue as to what they were talking about! I like that he included the forms and instructions on how to fill them out. It is a good basic reference book to help you figure out what to do and how to do it in a straight forward manner! Thanks Nolo! You've done it again!

This book is a must for all involved in the business of Music. It gives an indept look at all the contracts you are likely to come across and explaines what to do and what not to do. As an up and coming manager I found this book fasinating. this book will always be on my desk and will be read over and over again. It is a great reference book and is a little(quite Big actually)Gem.

This book is a MUST for every musician. You've got your guitar, your amp, now you need this book! Extremely readable-- answers all your questions and more. Practical advice on how to keep everyone in the band happy and avoid misunderstandings.

I have read most of the books which attempt to explain music business law and practice to musicians, and this one is by far the MOST PRACTICAL and the MOST USEFUL. It is very clearly written by a lawyer who also teaches law and who formerly played in several "signed" bands. The book contains good explanations of music publishing and the record business, and you will want to read them even if you are intending to hire a lawyer. If you can't afford a lawyer yet, it provides actual documents (copyright registration forms, label-shopping agreements, etc.) on CD-ROM that you can tailor to your band's needs and use to get started. If you only plan to buy one book about "this business of music", THIS IS THE ONE TO GET.