The Musician's Handbook: A Practical Guide to Understanding the Music Business

by Bobby Borg

Book Overview

An insider's guide to surviving and thriving in the music business for musicians, songwriters, publicists and agents. Veteran drummer Bobby Borg reveals 25 secrets to pursuing a successful career in... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0823083578
• ISBN13: 9780823083572
• Release Date: May 2003
• Publisher: Billboard Books
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.28 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.9" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

THIS IS A MUST READ FOR EVERY SERIOUS MUSICIAN!!!

I would recommend this book to anyone who is a SERIOUS musician or if you are truly serious about being in the entertainment business! I bought this book at the TAXI Music Convention in Hollywood, California after sitting through one of Bobby Borg's seminars. I thought to myself why not buy it and read it after all that is why I attended the Music Conference in the first place: to expand my knowledge about the music industry! That is exactly what this book does! In fact I like this book so much I bought 4 extra copies for my bandmates and a couple other people that I work with in the entertainment industry. This book is very easy to read and has tons of useful information in it. Once again if you are SERIOUS about being in the Music Industry you owe it to yourself to read this! Trust me you WON'T be disappointed!

Must have ! Carry it with you everywhere you go

Bobby Borg's book is a MUST HAVE! It's easy to read and he divides the book up in a way that you can skip around for quick references. I carry this book with me everywhere!!! His book is really a collection of facts that all artists need to know. Even if you are not an artist (exe upcoming manager) you still need to read this book. This is a step by step, no nonsense, straightforward understanding of every area in the music industry.

absolutely necessary

This is an excellent book for someone just getting into the business. Not just for rockers, either! Easy to read and understand. The best part is, this guy's not bitter about the whole industry! It's great to read a book that doesn't just tell you how horrible everything is in this business and how you are destined to fail! He just gives you the facts along with great anecdotes.You MUST buy this!!!

Carry A Tune And Carry This Tome

Bobby Borg's book, The Musicians Handbook: A Practical Guide to Understanding the Music Business, screams at you with logic and confidence. Unlike your parents' advice of having something to fall back on if the music doesnt pan out; Bobby is your encouraging uncle who says "you can do it, just watch your ass and listen up". Pointers, suggestions, annectdotes, and accolades. Bobby put it all down in a book that any musician (even drummers) can understand and reference. A recognizable face or song and no money in your wallet is a sad fate. This one book can replace that shelf of manuals written for lawyers and suits. Be a musician, but act like a pro. Carry a tune and carry this tome. -Pesci (Gany-Made Music Pitching) / (Performer)

Will save you years of time and thousands of dollars

This is commonsense advice that could save you years of time and thousands of dollars. Drummer Bobby Borg, who worked with Warrant, Left For Dead, and Beggars & Thieves, has authored an accessible music business book, The Musician's Handbook - A Practical Guide to Understanding the Music Business, which makes it obvious he studied a lot more than cymbals and sticks during his 12 years as a major label artist.Borg explains the nuts and bolts of the music business - like recording contracts, royalties, merchandising, publishing, managers, talent agents, and more - from his unique perspective as a signed musician. The book is not written in "legalese", but in layman's terms, allowing you to more easily understand a subject like "recording contracts". He uses many real-life examples which make complex topics easy to digest, and easy to apply to your own situation.The book is loosely focused on bands close to signing a label deal, and includes valuable advice about contracts, financial arrangements, and how to build your professional team. However, indie bands will also find much to learn in The Musician's Handbook, because Borg has included everything you need to know to do it yourself, too.Probably the most valuable aspect of The Musician's Handbook is the easy to understand financial information. Borg uses detailed examples of musicians' income and expenses, and then offers useful advice on how to maximize earnings and longevity. It never bogs down into complex accounting and boring contractual verbiage (save that for more formal and academic texts), but instead gives the the musician a broad-based and thorough understanding of the important aspects of the music business.