What They'll Never Tell You About the Music Business: "The Myths, the Secrets, the Lies (and a Few Truths)"

by Peter M. Thall

Book Overview

An inside guide to the music business, this volume aims to disclose the hidden dynamics of the industry. It explores what really happens when a deal is prepared, contracts are signed and promises are made - and alerts musicians, attorneys, songwriters and anyone else interested in the business to the potent dangers lurking beneath the surface of the industry. There are over two dozen chapters covering aspects such as recording agreements, record royalties,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0823084396
• ISBN13: 9780823084395
• Release Date: June 2002
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill Publications, Incorporated
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

The ultimate must have book for those in the music business

From beginning to end, this extremely informative book is filled with music industry tips, anecdotes, and reality checks from one of the most respected entertainment lawyers in the country. As an entertainment lawyer myself, I have benefited greatly from Mr. Thall's straight talk on the way the industry actually works. I have recommended this book to all of my music clients and their managers, all of whom have reported that they have found the book easy to read, eye opening, and well worth their time. If you are currently in or thinking about getting into the music industry, make the modest investment and purchase this book---to get this much advice, guidance, and perspective from a qualified attorney, particularly one with Mr. Thall's impressive resume, you will easily spend hundreds or thousands more than the cost of this excellent book.

A Must Read For Musicians

Recently retired from the legal profession, I can well appreciate how individuals, who may be well meaning, can freely pass along advice; however, very often they lack the appropriate credentials to offer sound counsel.This is particularly evident in the music world where unfortunately many an agent, accountant, attorney, manager or even friends are "out of their league" and unfortunately are not acting in the best interests of the artist.As Peter M. Thall mentions in his book What They'll Never Tell You About The Music Business: The Myths, the Secrets, the Lies ( & a Few Truths) "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."Thall is an attorney specializing in entertainment and copyright law. Some of the clients he has represented have included ABBA, Pat Benatar, The Cars, Miles Davis, The Irish Tenors, Barry Manilow, Anna Moffo and Simon & Garfunkel.In other words "he is no babe in the woods," and his book reflects his many years of invaluable experiences that he shares with his readers.Presented in a clear and efficient manner, the reader receives priceless counsel concerning royalties, personal managers, business manager, record producers, promotion, touring, merchandising, copyright issues, musicians contracts, music publishing, internet entrepreneurship, urban music, classical music, and the role of record companies.In fact, in many instances in order to grasp the full implications of what was being revealed, I was forced to re-read paragraphs or sections that offered deep insights of a topic.This was particularly evident when Thall discussed royalties and how the pie is divided among the various players.It was an eye opener to learn that very often the musician is left with "chicken feed" at the end of the day, after everyone takes a percentage of the earnings. Although much of the book is devoted to legal and accounting matters, there are also chapters dealing with personal finances and the importance of being surrounded with honest and competent advisors. Unfortunately, sometimes musicians are "shafted" by unscrupulous managers, accountants, lawyers or other individuals who form part of their entourage.Reading this book is beyond doubt a learning experience and will certainly serve as an important resource for musicians as well as their advisors. This review first appeared on reviewer's own site

GOODNESS GRACIOUS! Bless the Messenger!

Reading the preface got me motivated then, I hit the first 6 chapters, which put me in check real quick. Looking for a meal with no fat...this is it! Thall...levels the playing field, which should enable all parties involved on a project better serve each other. Fortunately for players, this book was released.This information can evoke essentials that you may not even know exist, and help hedge against potential trouble like heeding regulations and scrutinizing your assembled team bridging your weaknesses with your strengths.It is rare...or nearly impossible to be given legitimate sincere advice on the ins/outs of the music industry via published works. "Confessions" is one, and this is definitely another!Looking at the artist's net earnings after all expenses, and the standard recording agreement most companies draft up, no wonder some artist's are labeled sell-out's and are criticized for their envisions and protuberances.If you're 100% serious about making a living working in the music recording industry, and looking to save time and money, "What They'll Never Tell You About The Music Business" is a major fundamental. It's a Prerequisite, expressive and totally educational, no-holds-barred. One of the most unnerving experiences about being in the music business is getting ripped off. Read this so you won't!

New York State Bar Association Praise

"What They'll Never Tell You About the Music Busienss" is a clear contender for the one indispensable work on the topic. An extremely useful, thorough and very practical guide to both the legal and business aspects of our industry. There is a wealth of information that will illuminate and educate the music industry population at all levels of experience. There is something in this book-a lot of something-for everyone. This book delivers the goods. There is no one involved in the music business who will not learn and benefit from this ambitious work.Excerpted from Book Review of The New York State Bar Association, Committee on Entertainment, ARt, and Sports Law. Originally published in Winter 2002-2003, Volume 13, No. 3 issue, a publication of the Entertainment, Art, and Sports Law section: New York Bar Association. Used with permission.

What They'll Never Tell You About the Music Business

The New York State Bar Association calls this book "a clear contender for the one indispensable work on the topic...An extremely useful, thorough and very practical guide to both the legal and business aspects of our industry. There is a wealth of information that will illuminate and educate the music industry population at all levels of experience. There is something in this book--a lot of something--for everyone. This book delivers the goods. There is NO ONE involved in the music business who will not learn and benefit from this ambitious work." Exerpted from the Winter 2002-2003 Volume 13, No. 3 issue, publication of the Entertainment, ARt, and Sports Law Section: New York Bar ASsociation. Used with Permission