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What They'll Never Tell You About the Music Business: The Myths, the Secrets, the Lies (& a Few Truths) [Paperback]

Peter M. Thall (Author)
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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

“For someone on the way up, this book is a must; for everyone else, it’s a bible.”—Danny Strick, co-President, SonyATV Music Publishing, Inc.
 
This completely revised and expanded edition of What They'll Never Tell You About the Music Business is a must-have reference not only for aspiring songwriters, record producers, and performing artists but also for record company executives, personal and business managers, agents, and attorneys. You’ll learn: 

*How the Internet has affected every aspect of the music business, from copyright and royalty issues to censorship

*How many musicians have seized do-it-yourself Internet opportunities to create successful business models

*How satellite radio, digital jukeboxes, and video games are affecting the music market

*How artists can maximize their chances for long-term financial health

*How the royalty pie is sliced—and who gets the pieces

*What snares and pitfalls to avoid when signing an employment contract
*And much more.
 
“The music business is complicated, and this book is very helpful in deciphering its pitfalls, opportunities, and challenges.”—Clive Davis, Chief Creative Officer, Sony Music Entertainment Worldwide
 
“Thall’s book simplifies a complicated business, and it provides the reader with knowledge that otherwise is available only to those on the inside.”—Scott Francis, President, Warner/Chappell Music and Chairman & CEO, Warner/Chappell Music U.S.
 
“Whoever reads this book is getting expert advice from one of the most respected and knowledgeable players in the music industry today. I wish this book was available when I was looking to begin my career in the music business.”—David Renzer, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Universal Music Publishing Group
 
"Intelligent and accessible--rich in references, but easily understandable."—David Geffen
 
“A clear contender for the one indispensable work on the topic, this book delivers the goods. There is no one involved in the music business who will not learn and benefit from this ambitious work.”—New York State Bar Association

About the Author

Peter M. Thall has more than 40 years experience of practicing law and has represented many of the world's greatest artists, such as Simon & Garfunkel, Barry Manilow and ABBA.

Product Details

  • Paperback: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Billboard Books (January 12, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0823007081
  • ISBN-13: 978-0823007080
  • Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #327,854 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Peter M. Thall
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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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First Sentence:
Everyone has an idea; everyone has talent; everyone thinks that they can write or play or sing a song better than much of what they hear on the radio. Read the first page
Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
administrating publisher, black box income, tour merchandiser, suggested retail selling price, classical managers, classical music industry, statutory license, packaging deduction, neighboring rights, major music publishers, independent promotion, popular music business, royalty base, recording costs, mechanical rights, producer agreement, royalty provisions, recording agreements, record royalties, personal manager, royalty account, mechanical royalties, merchandising company, record company, promotion people
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United States, New York, Copyright Office, Harry Fox Agency, United Kingdom, Licensed Territory, Rolling Stones, Los Angeles, The Odyssey of the Song, Tower Records, Leonard Bernstein, Lincoln Center, Garth Brooks, Irving Berlin, Madison Square Garden, Wall Street, Warner Bros, Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Digital Performance Right
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What They'll Never Tell You About the Music Business: The Myths, the Secrets, the Lies (& a Few Truths)
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What They'll Never Tell You About the Music Business: The Myths, the Secrets, the Lies (& a Few Truths) by Peter M. Thall Paperback 4.8 out of 5 stars (18)
$13.59
All You Need to Know About the Music Business: Seventh Edition
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Customer Reviews

18 Reviews
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4.8 out of 5 stars (18 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read For Musicians, November 20, 2003
This review is from: What They'll Never Tell You About the Music Business: "The Myths, the Secrets, the Lies (and a Few Truths)" (Book) (Hardcover)
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

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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars DO add it to your collection..., April 9, 2005
This review is from: What They'll Never Tell You About the Music Business: "The Myths, the Secrets, the Lies (and a Few Truths)" (Book) (Hardcover)
Peter Thall's book at first struck me as a good book to have in the collection.

When I started reading it I thought, OH NO, its gonna put me to sleep. Perhaps at times, but mostly I found myself realizing I had not asked myself certain essential questions...which woke me right up!

It IS thick with legal issues. But, we are at this moment budgeting a tour and also negotiating with a manager...and the book made me think of things I would not have thought of. It looks like the book may have saved us from running the tour in the red (at a loss)! We will see how it all works out soon.

Gives a good view of how the money moves in the music business. It gives you ideas you can try to use in negotiations for a better arrangement. Lots of things to avoid and to think about that often get overlooked. What to think about before you sign that contract.

We are negotiating a deal and I pulled out this book and looked through the chapter corresponding to our deal. I got a whole page of questions and things to discuss BEFORE we finalized.

That IS one of Thall's goals with this book. If you forget to discuss it before you sign, then it is too late to talk about it later.

I have read "All You Need to Know About the Music Business" by Donald Passman and I recommend this as a Compliment to that excellent tome on the biz. If you are looking at them both trying to decide...you will have to decide what the application is. If you are an Indie artist/Manager at the early stages of your career then I would say, though "All You Need" is a more comprehensive overview, this may be more easy to take in and applicable to the issues you will be facing right now.

I do recommend them both as Passman discusses many issues not covered here.

Mr. Thall has done us a service. He has forewarned us of many of the pitfalls.

Already, it has helped immensely.

Not a replacement for good legal representation...but it may just save your behind!
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars New York State Bar Association Praise, February 14, 2003
By New York State Bar ASsociation (New York, New York United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: What They'll Never Tell You About the Music Business: "The Myths, the Secrets, the Lies (and a Few Truths)" (Book) (Hardcover)
"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.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Excellent for someone who knows a bit already about the industry as it nicely goes into detail of all aspects you possibly want to know/need to know. Read more
Published 14 days ago by IL

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have!!!
I purchased this book as a gift for a family member who wants to perform and they fell in love with this book. They carry it around wherever they go. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Nik

5.0 out of 5 stars very informative
very informative view of the music industry, pros,cons and pitfalls. An essential read for anyone persueing a recording career or about to negotiate a recording contract.
Published 21 months ago by M. harris

4.0 out of 5 stars Could have more clarity
This is a good one but is not as clear & comprehensive as "Everything You Need To Know About The Music Business" (Donald Passman)
Published on June 1, 2007 by Adam Frange

4.0 out of 5 stars Add it to the library
I highly recommend this book to gain greater insights in the Music business or any business. It was a great buy along with a couple of manuals I purchased from Musicbrains. Read more
Published on July 2, 2006 by Maeson

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
The hardships of surviving on the music industry can be easily compare with the jungle, where nothings is what it seems and danger lurks around every corner. Read more
Published on May 18, 2006 by Crystal

5.0 out of 5 stars 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... Read more
Published on May 26, 2004 by William J. Morris III

5.0 out of 5 stars 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... Read more
Published on May 27, 2003 by Open-ended

5.0 out of 5 stars 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... Read more
Published on February 14, 2003 by New York State Bar ASsociation

5.0 out of 5 stars Get This Book
It reads like a music biz "Who done it?" or "Who's doing it?"
suspense. It's dense with information and uniquely revealing about
all the player's... Read more
Published on October 30, 2002 by Debbie Andrews and Mike Blaxill

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