The Music Business: Career Opportunities and Self-Defense

Dick Weissman started as a member of the Journeymen during the early 60's folk revival ( the other members were John Philips of the Mama's and the Papas and Scott McKenizie of 'Are you going to San Francisco' fame). After a few successful years with the Journeymen he then went on to work for major record companies as a producer, talent scout etc. He also taught as a professor in college music departments. In addition he has written numerous instructional music books for folk and blues music for a variety of instruments. In short, the man knows what he's talking about from actual experience over several decades. This book is useful for a variety of reasons - the casual prose is easy and entertaining to read, the book provides a historical survey of the recording business from its inception, and describes how the music biz works from the past days of vinyl to the internet present. Find out from this book what producers, engineers, agents, managers, A & R, demos, masters, lead sheets etc. actually are and do. The references to the days of vinyl may seem outdated to the under 21 crowd, but he also describes changes in the biz since those days so I don't see what the problem is. He doesn't make any claims to easy money in music, he tells it like it was and is. Technology may be changing the way music is merchandised but don't count out the big music corporations yet, they still have something to say about what music gets heard on the airwaves. This book isn't just for musicians either, its for anyone from laypeople to would be professionals in the music business. It should appeal equally to those who are curious about how music did and does get made, those with a curiosity about the history of the profesional recording biz, and musicians who want to become professionals. Read it and learn.

The music industry is an area where you must always watch your back as more and more people try to make it big and step on your dreams and goals to fulfill theirs. A decent guide that presents ways in which not to get involved on other people's business and get the best out of the efforts you are making to succeed. The book also presents the majority of scams and deceit plans that lawyer and other people have installed for you. A book with a medium structure and a not so easy to understand context, a good buy for the emerging musician, producer, etc.