5 Books On Music Business.
Table of Contents
Why read about the music business?
Do you rap or sing and wonder what else you need to do to succeed in the music business? Have you ever heard artists talking about their marketing, distribution and label deals, but didn’t understand what they were talking about? With the right knowledge and resources at your fingertips, navigating the music business is easier than ever, allowing you to take full control of your music in the comfort of your own bedroom! In this post we'll explore why it's important for independent artists to read more about the business aspects of music, from record deals to valuable life lessons, we’ve compiled 5 books that will provide valuable insights and techniques to help you level up in the UK music industry.
1. All You Need to Know about the Music Business: 10th Edition
If you want to gain a deeper understanding of the music business then this book is for you. Updated 10 times to give the most recent knowledge and advice on the forever-evolving industry, it’ll be your definitive guide to success. As an independent or up and coming artist, you may not have the budget or access to good management or record labels, this book will help you understand the importance of learning the business for yourself, from “how to protect yourself whether you sign with a record deal or go it on your own” to “how to put together a team to guide your career, consisting of a personal manager, business manager, agent, and attorney.”
Price £29.99
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2.Rapthology: Lessons in Life and Lyrics by Wretch 32
Born and raised in Tottenham, Wretch 32 will forever be known as UK rap royalty. Nominated for the MOBO awards and winning the BBC 1Xtra “Best Hip hop” artist award in 2006, there’s a lot to be learnt from this autobiography and guide. Discovering the secrets behind what makes a song work and gaining insight into Wretch 32's personal writing process are just a glimpse of the valuable information contained in this book.
"Price: £10.11
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3. Rick ross perfect day to boss up
In his book, "Rick Ross: A Perfect Day to Boss Up", the multi-Grammy award nominee and author Rick Ross offers his strategies on how to become a successful entrepreneur. Drawing from his own personal experiences, Ross shares hard-hitting examples of what it takes to build an empire and make it last. Through tips on personal development, branding, marketing, and financial management, this book provides a comprehensive guide for anyone who wants to take control of their own business destiny. The book touches on subjects such as inside stories from his business and music ventures, Secrets to handling stressful situations to why failure is central to success. This book will help you understand the music industry first-hand from one of the most entrepreneurial artists in Hip Hop.
Price £11.17
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4. Get More Fans: The DIY Guide to the New Music Business (2014 Edition): The DIY Guide to the New Music Business (2022 Edition)
This book teaches how to effectively promote your music and increase your fanbase on a small budget. Discover strategies for getting your YouTube videos seen, turning casual fans into paying customers, and gaining coverage on blogs and websites. This book teaches you how to use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and SoundCloud to connect with potential fans and keep them. With the decline of major labels and the vast escalation of social media platforms, opportunities for independent musicians to gain exposure have increased rapidly and the potential for success is infinite.
Price £24.53
5. How To Make It in the New Music Business
Ari Herstand's book "How to Make It in the New Music Business" is a major source of guidance for musicians aspiring to make it big in the constantly evolving music industry. It has become an essential tool for many music schools and independent artists, inspiring countless individuals to take charge of their own success. The book is renowned for its "do it yourself" approach, providing readers with up-to-date information on the latest trends, developments and inspiring stories from across multiple platforms positioning itself as the go-to resource for anyone navigating the ever-evolving contemporary musical landscape.
Final thoughts?
All in all, these books should give any artist - rapper or not - a great foundation from which to understand the ins and outs of the music industry. While no book can guarantee success, studying up never hurt anybody. And who knows, these books may be the catalyst to propelling your career forward and level you up as an artist. After all, knowledge is power - especially when it comes to something as complex as the music business.
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