The Artist's Guide to Success in the Music Business: The “Who, What, When, Where, Why & How” of the Steps that Musicians & Bands Have to Take to Succeed in Music

by Loren Weisman

The Artist’s Guide to Success in the Music Business, 2nd Edition, is a detailed analysis of the subjects that all musicians should understand and apply to pursue a successful and sustainable career in music today. Full of practical advice, this music industry book provides comprehensive details on how to achieve self-empowerment and optimize your success in today’s music business. From production and performance tips to marketing and career-building advice, this music business book instructs and empowers artists on how to take the hard-earned lessons of a fellow musician and put them to work in their own careers.

Take your music from passion to profession

From promotion and performance tips to marketing and career-building advice, Loren Weisman serves up lessons culled from his twenty years as a working musician and a music business consultant.

Get straight-talk from the road and the studio in areas such as:
•    Creating the best plan for their career
•    Touring
•    Booking gigs
•    Performing
•    Recording from pre- through post-production
•    Branding a band
•    Fundraising and working with investors
•    Marketing and promotions

The Artist’s Guide to Success in the Music Business, 2nd Edition, is a detailed analysis of the subjects that all musicians should understand and apply to pursue a successful and sustainable career in music today. Full of practical advice, this music industry book provides comprehensive details on how to achieve self-empowerment and optimize your success in today’s music business. From production and performance tips to marketing and career-building advice, this music business book instructs and empowers artists on how to take the hard-earned lessons of a fellow musician and put them to work in their own careers.

Genres: Music

440 pages, Paperback

First published August 16, 2013

Reviews

[Rosanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sincere thank you for giving definitions of success beyond Superstar that are waaaaay more realistic than how some musicians think. I'd also like to point out that this book could be used in other fields, such as fashion, writing, acting, etc. The advice is sound and basically goes like this: it's okay to dream big, but be realistic. Recognizing that 10 people are just as important as 100000 people is a sign of a successful person. Create a customized plan that includes both your wildest dreams and the steps to get there, but also know that you'll have to make adjustments along the way.

Any young person who is interested in the music business (or any business that will make them a star) should be forced to read this book first to learn that it isn't all mansions, private planes and parties. Some of the best advice is to don't bs your way into a situation and get as many details as possible. Don't get pulled in by the hype. Learn to identify the signs of a scammer (some are actually quite subtle).

Some of the advice is common sense, like put your best foot forward, check the contract or draw it up yourself, if you have a CD, make sure the song is actually filled out. Mr. Weisman gets into the nitty gritty part of the business side of the music industry and it can be a lot to take in, but it's all useful.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It's so good that it's on my list of items to buy.

[John Voshell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book, it will open your eyes and let you see simple things you can do to advance your career. The best thing about this book is it can help with any business. A lot of the tips can be used in any industry not just music.

[Mike Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book, it has helped me realize a lot of areas I can improve. It's easy to get stuck in your ways, in music you need to stay current with what is working for getting your music out there.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers realistic advise. It can apply to people in other industries, not just music. It was also easy to navigate and read.

[Silas · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is an awful lot of filler in this book. I can save you a bunch of money by summarizing:

1. Don't be a jerk
2. Work constantly

Really didn't get much use out of this book, as most of it was rather self-explanatory to me, and was mostly about interpersonal relationships within the band and professional courtesy to people who work at and run venues. I imagine there are some people for whom that is novel, but for me, it was just painfully obvious. There was also a section about crowdfunding and fundraising that is at least an improvement from other books on the subject I have read, that predate those ideas, but much of that will become swiftly outdated (and is already showing its age a bit). There were a couple of ideas of interest here, but they were few and far between. Overall, this was something of a waste of time.

[Duncan Pat Pritchett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for the musician just getting started, or who needs help in figuring out all the business decisions that need to be made. Great practical advice.

[Dov · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an ultimate guide to anyone who is considering a career in the music business. It's a step by step guide to take you from where you are to where you should be. Plan, work hard, be honest with yourself and other and share your art.