Getting Signed!: An Insider's Guide to the Record Industry

by George Howard

(Berklee Press). For unsigned musicians, it is vital to long-term success to sign a contract with a record label. However, preparing your music, targeting a label, and getting your demo into the hands of someone who will listen is challenging, if you don't know where to start. Getting Signed! , by record industry veteran George Howard, guides you through the maze of today's music industry, and will help you move your demo to the top of the stack. Even if you are not yet ready for a record deal, it will help you assemble a team that will make sure your music gets heard by as many people as possible. "The next time an aspiring recording artist comes to us for advice, we'll advise them to read this book first. George Howard really knows what he's talking about." Chris Franz and Tina Weymouth, members of Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club

Genres: Music

233 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this book is a great resource of information for musicians at any number of stages in their career. it's full of insider knowledge and all sorts of tips and pointers for people to put their music on the track for success. It's clearly written and a really accessible read.

My only gripe is kind of an unavoidable problem: the book is somewhat outdated. At least the edition that I read was published in 2003, and doesn't seem to have been changed much at all. Needless to say, the way in which we judge musical success and the way in which consumers interact with music has changed drastically.

Still, given the different terrain, there are still a number of timeless tips and pointers that will be key to musical success, regardless of what era the book was written in.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

The greatest book ever written. Makes Moby Dick look like The Bridges of Madison County.