Product Description

This readable, up-to-date handbook on the fundamentals of music law and business practices bridges the gap between the novice and the seasoned pro. The author discusses the types of contracts songwriters and performers are likely to encounter, gives helpful negotiation pointers and includes a useful glossary of technical and legal terms.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1264411 in Books
• Published on: 1995-03-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

From Library Journal
Garrett and Wilson both provide practical guides for songwriters and performers. Entertainment lawyer Wilson primarily focuses on such music law topics as copyright, naming a band, booking agents and managers, and selecting an entertainment lawyer. She also includes samples of copyright registration forms, a useful glossary of terms, and a sketchy list of references. Garrett has self-published a more ambitious guide that addresses the legal, financial, and marketing concerns of the music business. Despite a breezy, sometimes sensationalist tone, he uses clear illustrations to introduce readers to creating a song company, securing financial sponsors, copyright, contracts, marketing plans, producers, managers, tax issues, and studio and recording costs. Though providing useful information, the authors deliver a more limited examination of the music industry than their titles suggest. For a more comprehensive look at the same topic, refer to Jeffrey and Todd Brabec's Music, Money and Success: The Insiders Guide to the Music Industry (Schirmer: Macmillan, 1994).?David Szatmary, Univ. of Washington, Seattle
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Back in the 1950s and 1960s, artists would have number-one smash hits and then barely see any profits because of unscrupulous song promoters. That situation is not as common these days, but it does happen, along with copyright infringement and song ripoffs. Music lawyer Wilson has put together a terrific handbook that outlines all the information a fledgling musician or songwriter needs to know, from basic copyright law to how to get a legitimate agent or booking manager. There's even a chapter on how to organize a rock band, which takes into account the legal rights of all members of the group allowing for later "creative differences." Most importantly, Wilson writes in a friendly, clever style that acknowledges the "rigmarole" of the legal system while using the necessary arrows to direct even the novice musician to the road to success. Joe Collins

Review
This legal guide for songwriters and performers provides an important key to understanding the music industry; from copyright law and its protection for musicians and writers to booking agent activities, manager roles, and how music lawyers can help or hurt a business. A "must" for any professionally involved. -- Midwest Book Review

Customer Reviews

Very good introduction to the subject.
I have many books and much experience with the subject matter. The problem with reading music industry books is a lot of times you read the chapter heading and think it will be common sense. Yet sometimes when you read something it has more of an impact, than when you think it. It is true of this book. There is a lot of information about law that you may think you know... but read it and it'll increase your knowledge and change your dogmas about the industry.