What They’ll Never Tell You About The Music Business…The Myths, The Secrets, The Lies (& a Few Truths)
Author Peter M. Thall
Published by Billboard Books/Watson Guptill
Review By Robin Steeley
"it is not enough to know the things you think you need to know about the music industry. Those who live within it-whether at the artistic or the business pole or somewhere in between-must know more. They must know the difference between surface and substance; between truth and lie; between reality and myth."
This book was written by New York City counselor Peter M. Thall who has been a practicing entertainment attorney for more then three decades, and is a member of the Association of Entertainment Lawyers. What They’ll Never Tell You About the Music Business is a revealing read, full of the information and secrets that upper level music executives are privy too. It gives you the ins and outs of the industry and the hidden struggles and consequences that come along with signing a record deal, signing management contracts, and dealing with label and studio executives.
It gives you an insider’s view to this competitive industry and is full of useful details and solid information. It contains over twenty chapters that cover nearly all aspects of the entertainment industry, including recording agreements, record royalties, artistic management, music publishing, music marketing and promotion, merchandising, and copyright infringement. The information is presented clearly in a basic way that most could understand.
From start to finish, it’s filled with industry insider tips, anecdotes, and useful guidelines to navigating this complex industry. Some of the highlighted topics included are royalty management, personal and business managers, record producers, promotion and publicity, touring, merchandising, copyright law, contracts, publishing, and the role of a record label just to name a few.
I recommend this book to musicians, managers, publicists, label executives, recording engineers, producers, agents, and all of those interested in stepping into the world of the recording industry. The book reflects the years of experience of Attorney and Author Peter Thall. It offers advice and a professional perspective to guide you through your musical journey. This book is well worth the money and depending on where you’re at in your career, could potentially save you thousands or even millions in costly pitfalls and mistakes.
