Three books to make you a rock star… Or at least books to make you think you could be

I'm not one to recommend books-- since it takes me forever to read anything.
However, here are three books of the subject matter, "self published music" (This should be a section in most book stores.) They've been very informative for me.

In my opinion, I see so many indie bands and indie label start-ups not realizing their potential to market themselves correctly, regardless of their talent and/or fan base. On the flip side, it is so overwhelming and very time consuming to market one's self, make a record, make your art, perform, promote. So, how do you juggle all of this? Try and get a label and have someone do it for you? Get your mom to do it? Here are some good reads to help you & your band help navigate through the morass.

~G

The Indie Band Survival Guide:
The Complete Manual for the Do-It-Yourself Musician (Paperback)
List Price: $14.95
by Randy Chertkow & Jason Feehan
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (August 5, 2008)
This was a great reference for common sense promotion for your band; Online, touring promotion, working with labels and management. This is timely but, it is a little dated on the internet side (If you call a couple of years "dated".) I really enjoyed it.

All You Need to Know About the Music Business 6th Edition (Hardcover) 2006
List Price: $30.00
By Donald S. Passman
Publisher: Hal Leonard Corp; 6 edition

This is the nuts and bolts of the record biz. Royalties, Lawyers, Representation, Distribution, Contracts... This is a staple for a many of peeps in the music biz. It really is the standard for the Music business... Also, you will understand how silly the music business really is... Honestly, if you music/ band reputation is at the point, where it's getting really serious. Like, "I think I need a lawyer to go over this 500 page contract."This is a good reference.

Ripped: How the Wired Generation Revolutionized Music (Hardcover)
By Greg Kot
Scribner, May 2009
List Price: $25.00

Description
A decade ago the vast majority of mainstream music was funneled through a handful of media conglomerates. Now, more people are listening to more music from a greater variety of sources than at any time in history. And big corporations such as Viacom, Clear Channel, and Sony are no longer the sole gatekeepers and distributors, their monopoly busted by a revolution... more>>