I’m a BIG reader.  This is part 1 in a series on books that I humbly believe should be required reading for Music Biz Wiz Kids.

Let’s be honest, the music industry is changing at an ever increasing faster and faster rate with new services, legal aspects, power players, artists, bands, labels, movements, and trendsetters coming and going every week.  So for the most up to date news, it’s best to keep an eye on sites like HypeBot and MusicThinkTank.  However, a good great book will pack information and wisdom by the pound!  If you are not a reader or do not consider yourself a reader, you are doing yourself a serious discredit.  So start reading!

Here is a reading list of books that will make you a true Music Biz Wiz Kid.

(Click the title to head on over to Amazon to buy the books for yourself!)

Confessions of a Record Producer by Moses Avalon – When the original edition of this book came out over 10 years ago, it made a stir.  Mr. Avalon put into the book real world numbers and case studies about how money is made in the music business – the players, the winners, the losers, the nitty gritty details in dollars and sense.  It’s the only book that tells the real story of how artists and producers get screwed over and how they can protect themselves. …………………………………………………………………………………………………

All You Need to Know About the Music Business by Donald Passman – A must have for anyone in the music business – young or old, just beginning or highly experienced in the industry.  Almost every Music Business 101 course makes this required reading.  And for good reason too.

“If I had to recommend only one music business book for someone who wanted to break into the music industry, this would be it. Donald S. Passman’s All You Need to Know About the Music Business is one of what I refer to as the Holy Trinity of music business books.” – Randi Reed of MusicBizAdvice.com ……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Mastery by Robert Greene – I read this cover to cover in less than 4 days.  No, its not strictly about the music business but what Robert Greene talks about this is (at the same time) easily applied to a career in music and much much bigger than that. Robert Green does what many authors have tried to do, but only a handful (or possibly none) have done before- Reveal the secret of true mastery and genius. “The secret, Greene maintains, is already in our heads. Debunking long-held cultural myths, he demonstrates just how we, as humans, are hardwired for achievement and supremacy.” – Amazon Book Description ……………………………………………………………………………………………………

48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene – 48 Laws of Power is the modern day Machiaveli “The Prince.” Using enthralling examples from history, Robert Greene dissects the rules of power that govern kings, businessmen, con artists, leaders, and emperors.  Readers can easily take the knowledge and apply it to what they do in the music business (or any other business for that matter).  This book is not only a fascinating read on its own, but even more powerful when you understand that many powerful people in music and entertainment- everyone from Will Smith to 50 Cent- swear by this book like the Bible. …………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris- In the future, everyone will be self-employed.  Get a head start on everyone else by reading Tim Ferris.  From designing your ideal lifestyle to becoming more productive and effective to starting an online business that make money- this book packs a lot of useful information, but more importantly Mr. Ferris gives practical advice and step by step actions you can take to achieve success and join the New Rich.  Well why read this if your in the music business?  Why not?  It will open your mind, expand your horizons, and start you on the path of designing the life you want inside and outside of the music industry.  …………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon – This little book was another eye opener.  Its short and sweet, but what Austin Kleon does in this book is tremendous.  He breaks down commonly held assumptions about what it is to be creative and how to be creative.  Rule #1 – Question Destroy your concept of originality!  It’s baloney.  Nothing has been original in a long time. Start stealing from the best like artists do – pick and choose from your inspirations what works for you and test it out with trial and error.  I’ve personally given this book to artists, writers, poets, designers, musicians, bands, artists, etc… Highly recommended for anyone who is a creative.

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