The music publishing industry is a very complex yet exciting one. Finding your niche and then working your way into it can be a tricky task, but extremely rewarding. There are many different companies out there publishing for music, from producing songs to publishing music scores and books. This webpage is designed to give you resources to help sift through the music jungle, find out how to start, and where to go from there.
Excellent resource guides that offer help in understanding and breaking into the music industry can be found in your local bookstore, library, or Internet stores. Here are some of the best ones:
All You Need to Know about the Music Business. This comprehensive guide gives you the music business from the ground up. You'll learn how to select and hire a winning team of advisors-personal and business managers, agents, and attorneys-and structure their commissions, percentages, and fees in a way that will protect you and maximize your success; master the big picture and the finer points of record deals, including demos, compact discs, and music videos; understand the ins and outs of songwriting, publishing, royalties, advances, and copyrights; maximize concert, touring, and music merchandising deals; and secure the rights to your band's name-and find out if someone else is using it. You will also learn about the multimillion-dollar megadeals; new developments regarding music sampling; how a company called SoundScan is changing the music business; and the 1992 Audio Home Recording Act, which taxes digital tapes and recorders. Also included is information about publishing royalties, advances, etc.; the use of music on the Internet; online services, CD-ROMs, and other new media; classical music; the Digital Performance Act; and new industry trends in all areas.
This Business of Music. A current reference for musicians, songwriters, music agents and managers, and record labels, this book explains the complexities of music industry, contracts, copyrights, and royalties for anyone involved with the business side of music. The immense number of topics covered include national and international copyright law, master licensing, songwriter and music publisher agreements, producer fees, and music synchronization rights.
The Songwriter's Market. The reference guide with over 1,000 updated music listings for record companies, booking agents and music producers, it provides the must-have information you need to get your songs heard and signed. You'll find the music industry contacts, what they're looking for, and how much they pay. The recent edition includes articles, interviews, websites of interest, contest information and music insider advice you won't want to miss.
