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As we welcome the new year, it's the perfect time for musicians, producers, and industry professionals to gear up for success. The music industry is evolving at a breakneck pace, and staying informed is more critical than ever. If you're ready to take your music career to the next level, here's the ultimate reading list for 2024 – a collection of top music industry books that are both informative and engaging.
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1. "All You Need to Know About the Music Business: Eleventh Edition" by Donald S. Passman
Dubbed “the industry bible” by the Los Angeles Times, Donald S. Passman's All You Need to Know About the Music Business is a timeless guide that has been universally regarded as the definitive resource for the music industry. Now in its eleventh edition, music attorney Donald Passman leads novices and experts alike through the most profound change in the music business – streaming. This edition covers the impact of streaming and TikTok, the mega-million-dollar sales of artists’ songs and record catalogs, music in Web3 and the Metaverse, music created by AI, and a full update of the latest numbers and practices.
Donald S. Passman's comprehensive guide is an indispensable tool for everyone in the music business. The eleventh edition covers the most profound changes in the industry, including the impact of streaming and TikTok, creating a new democracy for music. Passman provides timely information about the latest trends, such as the reasons why artists have more clout than ever in history, the influence of TikTok, and a full update of the latest numbers and practices.
Listen to our interview with Don Passman on the MUBUTV: Music Business Insider Podcast
2. "How To Make It in the New Music Business: Practical Tips on Building a Loyal Following and Making a Living as a Musician (Third)" by Ari Herstand
How to Make It in the New Music Business has become the go-to resource for musicians eager to make a living in a turbulent industry. Widely adopted by ambitious individuals and music schools across the world, this essential work has inspired tens of thousands of aspiring artists to take matters into their own hands. In this highly anticipated new edition, Ari Herstand reveals how to build a profitable career with the many tools at our fingertips in the post-COVID era and beyond.
Ari Herstand’s essential work is a testament to the do-it-yourself spirit in today’s music world. Packed with practical tips on building a loyal following and earning a living as a musician, this new edition is tailored for the post-COVID era, focusing on digital mastery and authentic fan connections.
Listen to our interview with Ari Herstand on the MUBUTV: Music Business Insider Podcast
3. "The Plain & Simple Guide to Music Publishing - 4th Edition" by Randall D. Wixen with a Foreword by Tom Petty
For more than 15 years, The Plain and Simple Guide to Music Publishing has been the definitive guide to music publishing. Music publishing is one of the most complex parts of the music business, and yet it can be the most lucrative area of income for musicians. This book, written by expert and industry veteran Randall Wixen presents a clear, concise approach on how music publishing works today.
Randall Wixen’s book is a must-read for anyone looking to unravel the complexities of music publishing. With humor and clarity, Wixen offers insights into mechanical, performing, and sync rights, delving into streaming issues and recent legislative changes.
Listen to our interview with Randall Wixen on the MUBUTV: Music Business Insider Podcast
4. "Thinking In Sync: A Primer on the Mind of a Music Supervisor" by Amanda Krieg Thomas
"Thinking In Sync" is the perfect entry point into the world of synchronization for any musician, band, songwriter, manager, or music industry professional starting a career pitching music or interested in learning more about this unique and profitable area of the industry.
Amanda Krieg Thomas’ primer provides a deep dive into the world of music synchronization. It’s an invaluable resource for those aiming to understand how music supervisors think and what it takes to get your music placed in film and TV.
Watch our interview with Amanda Krieg Thomas on the MUBUTV: Insider Video Series
5. "Music Money and Success 8th Edition: The Insider's Guide to Making Money in the Music Business" by Jeff Brabec and Todd Brabec
The Insider's Guide to Making Money in the Music Business is the industry bible and the ultimate guide to making money in the music business. Music is a business of money, contracts, decisions and making the most of every opportunity. To succeed—to make money—to have a career—you have to know what you are doing in both music and business.
Jeff and Todd Brabec’s guide is comprehensive, covering everything from royalties to contracts. It's a practical handbook for understanding how to turn your music into a money-making venture across various media platforms.
6. "What They'll Never Tell You About the Music Business, Third Edition" by Peter M. Thall
The completely revised and expanded edition of What They’ll Never Tell You About the Music Business is a must-have reference. You’ll learn how many musicians have seized do-it-yourself internet opportunities to create successful business models, how corporate general counsels can educate their employees (and themselves) to understand copyright law and to avoid trouble, and much more.
Peter M. Thall reveals industry secrets that can make or break your career. From DIY internet opportunities to understanding copyright law, this book is teeming with insider knowledge.
7. "Start Your Music Business: How to Earn Royalties, Own Your Music, Sample Music, Protect Your Name & Structure Your Music Business (Music Law Series Book 1)" by Audrey Chisholm Esq.
Audrey Chisholm’s guide is an easy-to-read blueprint for launching a successful music business. From earning royalties to protecting your name, this book is a step-by-step manual for every budding music entrepreneur.
Audrey Chisholm’s book is an easy-to-read guide for individuals in the music industry who want to legally start and grow a successful music business. It covers everything from understanding royalties to protecting your name and logo.
8. "Run Your Music Business: How to License Your Music, Negotiate Contracts, Pay Business Taxes & Work Full-time in Music (Music Law Series Book 2)" by Audrey Chisholm Esq.
The sequel to Audrey Chisholm's first book, this guide takes you further down the path to running a thriving music business. Learn about licensing your music, negotiating contracts, and managing your growth effectively.
Audrey Chisholm’s second book is an extension of her first book, providing detailed guidance on licensing your music, negotiating contracts, and effectively managing your music business.
9. "The Booking Agent's Book of Secrets for Touring Musicians: (or, a step-by-step guide to getting an agent, and doing the job yourself in the meantime)" by Mr Phil Simpson
Phil Simpson’s book is an insider's guide to getting more gigs and understanding the role of booking agents. It's packed with actionable advice that can help you navigate the touring aspect of your career.
Phil Simpson’s book provides valuable insights into getting more gigs and comprehending the role of booking agents. It's filled with actionable advice that can help you navigate the touring aspect of your career.
10. "Music Production 2024+ Edition: Everything You Need To Know About Producing, Studio Recording, Mixing, Mastering and Songwriting in 2024 & Beyond : (2 Book Bundle)" by Tommy Swindali
This bundled book set by Tommy Swindali is a goldmine for aspiring producers looking to hone their craft in recording, mixing, mastering, and songwriting. It covers everything from studio setup to music theory and beyond.
Tommy Swindali’s book collection is an invaluable resource for those seeking to elevate their skills in recording, mixing, mastering, and songwriting.
Bonus Read: Get More Fans: The DIY Guide To The New Music Business by Jesse Cannon and Todd Thomas
While not officially on the list, this bonus read deserves mention for its insightful strategies on fan engagement and DIY promotion tactics suitable for any independent artist in 2024.
Now in its tenth edition for 2023, this popular music business guide has over 100 pages updated in the last year and a whole new chapter on the techniques authors use to take bands from 0 - 10,000 fans that you won't read in any other book.
Jesse Cannon and Todd Thomas’ guide provides insights into DIY promotion tactics suitable for any independent artist in 2024.
As we step into 2024 with renewed enthusiasm and determination, these top 10 music industry books are your ultimate toolkit for navigating the dynamic world of music. Whether you're looking to build a loyal fanbase, understand complex legal aspects, or elevate your music production skills, these books offer indispensable knowledge and actionable steps for success in the modern music business. So grab a copy, turn up the volume on your ambition, and get ready to write your own success story in the music industry! 🎵📚
-MUBUTV
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