Product Description

Whether you're a solo artist, songwriter, or part of a band seeking to create a career in the music business, there comes the need to figure out more than where the next gig will be. There are many legal and business details to understand before you sign a contract with a record label or publishing company. This useful and easy-to-follow guide provides a clear path for moving your career forward and gaining control over your future in this business. You'll learn the steps you should take in any music genre to turn your professional music career into a legitimate and profitable business. With his combined experience as an entertainment attorney, independent record label owner, publisher, and professional musician, author Steve Moore provides a uniquely valuable perspective. Through a realistic, straightforward, plain-English approach, this book acts as the perfect guide to get your career moving in the right direction from start to finish -- saving you time, headaches, and money!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1219538 in Books
• Published on: 2005-02-18
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 656 pages

About the Author
Steve Moore has been in the music industry for 26 years. He began his music career in 1977 when he began to play music professionally. He has worked as a Singer/Songwriter, Studio Owner, Publisher, Recording Engineer, Record Producer, Live Sound & Lighting Production, Independent Label Head-New South Records. He worked as an Entertainment Lawyer (12 Years) in Nashville, TN where he represented a number of national & international acts. Formed High Cotton Records in 2003 signing independent alt country and rock artists from the Southeast US.

Customer Reviews

A MUST read
Anyone serious about a career in the music business MUST read this book. Even though it is 596 pages, I read it cover to cover in less than a week! This has got to be the most comprehensive guide to the music business ever written. Everything from entertainment law, to launching your career, to pitching your songs, to digital rights and everything in between is covered. There are even chapters on wills, trusts, and estates. An excellent read!

eye opener for musicians
If you are an aspiring musician and have been offered a contract with a label, consider reading this book first. Moore offers in plain language a sober analysis of how the music business works. He discusses issues that many amateur musicians might be unaware of.

Plus, a contract offered to a new, hitherto unsigned band is often badly skewed in favour of the label. The band has very little leverage and it's not a level playing field.

Moore also discusses the typical cut from the royalties. Taken by the label for the cost of promotions. Like mailing free CDs of the band's music to radio stations and reviewers. Unwary musicians often don't realise how much of their already minimal royalties can get eaten up this way.