AMF Recommends: Books on Artist Management
We had such a great turnout at our Artist Management Panel last week! Thanks to George Couri (Triple 8 Management), Sarah Morris-Powell (C3 Presents Management), Pat Cassidy (Clean Bill Music), and Jen Ronan (Rare Clover) for their insight and experience.
If you still have questions, or you just want to dig a little deeper into what it means to be an artist manager or to work with artist management, AMF recommends the following books on the topic.
1. Artist Management for the Music Business – 4th Edition by Paul Allen
With the evolution of the music business and the shifting influence of large record labels, the artist manager is now – more than ever – at the center of an artist’s career. Artist managers are tasked with keeping abreast of the music industry and supporting the artists under their management while simultaneously managing their own careers. Including key industry insights, exclusive planning guidance, management tools, and strategies for a successful career, Artist Management for the Music Business has the tools to support any new or experienced artist manager.
Through its analysis of over a dozen case studies, lessons, and contract examples, author Paul Allen provides a focused look at managing artists’ careers. This follow-up to the best-selling third edition features new material on music streaming and how this can impact an artists’ income and an introduction to negotiations and how this skillset can impact all aspects of an artists’ career.
2. All You Need to Know About the Music Business – 9th Edition by Donald S. Passman
For more than twenty years, All You Need to Know About the Music Business has been universally regarded as the definitive guide to the music industry. Now in its ninth edition, this latest edition leads novices and experts alike through the crucial, up-to-the-minute information on the industry’s major changes in response to today’s rapid technological advances and uncertain economy.
Whether you are a performer, writer, or executive, veteran music lawyer Donald Passman’s comprehensive guide is an indispensable tool. He offers timely, authoritative information from how to select and hire a winning team of advisors and structure their commissions and fees; navigate the ins and outs of record deals, songwriting, publishing, and copyrights; maximize concert, touring, and merchandising deals; understand the digital streaming services; and how to take a comprehensive look at the rapidly transforming landscape of the music business as a whole.
3. Managing Your Band (6th Edition) Artist Management: The Ultimate Responsibility by Stephen Marcone & David Philp
Making it in music has never been easy, but today it’s harder than ever before. The digital age has dawned and, with it, the music biz has wholly merged with the entertainment industry. Up-and-comers are immediately faced with a dire choice: alter your art to appease the powers that be or learn to navigate the notoriously grimy underside of the most glamorous profession in the world.
Now in its sixth edition, Managing Your Band has long since been the standard bearer for aspirants and hardened vets alike. From dive bars to festivals, from branding and merchandising to marketing and publicity, from publishing and licensing to rights and contracts, Marcone and Philp leave no stone unturned in this comprehensive guide to artist management.
4. The Indie Bible – 15th Edition by David Wimble
An international music resource that helps independent artists with their music promotion, indie marketing campaigns, radio promotion, and on their quest to get music reviews, radio airplay & interviews. It also helps indie artists to get featured and have their video and audio files posted in music blogs and online digital music websites.
There is an extensive section featuring a list of independent record labels and music distributors of all genres, both in the US and abroad. There is an additional section for digital music distribution. The last section contains hundreds of music promotional and marketing tools to help your career grow to its fullest potential. All sections are sorted by genre and geographic location. When used correctly, The Indie Bible helps you to gain international exposure for your music on a limited budget.
5. Million Dollar Mistakes: Steering Your Music Career Clear of Lies, Cons, Catastrophes, and Landmines by Moses Avalon
Everyone knows the success stories of the music industry: how Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” blew the roof off and how Clive Davis helped orchestrate Carlos Santana’s stunning comeback. But now you’ll find out about people who were dead wrong. This book details some of the most expensive blunders ever made by artists and by record executives, managers and producers who’ve worked with stars such as Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Madonna, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, and more.
From contract and copyright screw-ups to sheer arrogance and lying, this book includes eye-opening revelations on: the pitfalls of employing a family member, the marketability of suicide, the industry’s accepted levels of lies and thievery, and much, much more. Read this to avoid making the same mistakes in your own career!
