The Future of Music: Manifesto for the Digital Music Revolution

This book is so brilliant that it makes the vast majority of music industry books that are being published seem irrelevant. It discusses in detail, the reasons why the future of the music industry is headed into the digital/mobile entertainment era. It also provides statistical information that professionals, marketers, entrepreneurs, and educators can use constructively. Both Dave and Gerd (the books co-author), have their fingers firmly planted on current music industry activities and trends. They also possess and display a clairvoyant eye toward the future that offers beneficial insight and foresight to those who may not be aware of what this whole digital (i.e. independent) revolution is about, and most importantly, what it will entail to prosper in it. The book is easy to read, easy to understand and simply brilliant. If you buy just one industry book this year, this should be THE one. Buy it now!

I would reccommend this book to anyone who is thinking of going into the industry. Speaking from a vocalist's perspective, alot of the time we forget the other important aspects of the ever changing music industry in our effors to remain artistic and undiluted, forgetting that they all work hand in hand. This book I feel has enlightened me with sound judgement and speculation. It has also inspired me to formulate a strategy on how i plan to fit in. I now feel as though I have valuable and priceless knowledge on every aspect of that which i love and desire to suceed in- Music.

A fascinating read that takes the recent turmoil in the music business and gives it shape and form. Will help readers understand how the times have changed and some new ways of thinking about how to make it work for any number of people working in the music biz in the future. I had the good fortune to inteview Dave Kusek a few weeks back; you can read about the interview at http://www.wellroundedradio.net/episode015.html or give it a listen to the show in mp3 files at http://www.wellroundedradio.net/listen During the interview we discussed: * what will the record label of the future look like? * how will today's working musicians change the model for those working today and in the future? * how will music fans discover great new music and who will be the tastemakers of tomorrow? * what will be the role of the artist's manager as labels become less important and marketing, promotion, and business acumen take the lead? * what kind of new careers will develop in the music industry as all these changes take place? A fast and easy read that will inspire everyone working or aspiring to work in the music industry to take action!

Reading the "Future of Music," I was heartened to hear a positive voice amidst the cries and screams coming from the from the recording companies' sinking ship. Being a producer and author of digital information, I was encouraged to learn that there are and will be new and exciting ways to distribute my material. It's always good to be reminded in the friendly and positive manner of Leonard and Kusek how important it is to stay flexible and innovative in today's world. John Tarr, author of the "Dynamic Musician Series, Dynamic Stability and Breath, Vol. 1" www.dynamicmusician.com

A stunningly candid source of concentrated, up to date insight about the music business and its turbulent transition into the digital era. This book tells it straight and will make the dinosaurs of the music industry very unhappy. Like Martin Luther's '95 Theses' nailed to the door of Wittenberg Cathedral, Kusek and Leonard drive nail after nail into the sclerotic heart of the old-fashioned music business. Their rational vision of the future of music rests on the idea of unshackling music from the hardcopy product business in a yet-to-be-realized era of open content licensing, facilitating sharing and communication among users, and growing the business to its full potential. It provides as clear a vision of the future of the music industry as you will find, from two writers with a rare combination: a solid grounding in the traditional practices of the music business, an up-to-the-minute knowledge of the new technologies that are changing it, and the ability to think through the consequences. I've dreamed about a book like this, but thought it would be impossible in today's hyperdynamic environment where every week seems to bring a breakthrough technology, device, or service. But by digging out the underlying trends and principles Kusek and Leonard get under the news and illuminate it. Along the way they provide a brilliantly concise history of the evolution of digital media. I can't think of any book more important for artists to get the full re-orientation they need to survive and prosper in the digital era. It's no less critical for members of the music and broadcasting industries who need to consolidate their thinking into a coherent roadmap for the future. In a word: indispensible.