Hot Hits, Cheap Demos: The Real-World Guide to Music Business Success

Rating:
Summary: Hot Hits, Cheap Demos: The Real-World Guide to Music Busines
Review: Dear Students of Life and Musicians Artists on the path of becoming your best in the Mega Music Biz:

I have done over 8000 + gigs since 1983 in the Dallas Ft-worth Metroplex. ( I'm just getting warmed up too) Presently I have read and own 48+ music business books, on my quest to have the Knowledge to get the Power! I have "coached" and taken music business internet course's with people/ institutions on the East and west coasts.

I LITERALLY COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN. IT TOOK ME 3 DAYS TO READ IT. That is only because I had to stop and catch my breath
and savor that I was reading completely profound fresh and clear distinctions about why, how, Musicians/Artists suceed and fail in this business. My friends, after 8000 + gigs and only getting warmed up I know the "Truth" when I read it.

This is not a book written by a smart, arrogant, cocky know it all whom got laid off from the record biz, and is mad at the biz and the World, but by a street smart, elegant, eloquent, brilliant and talented individual whom actually has participated in some of the greatest success stories in the music business, Rock, pop, smotth-jazz-new age etc... Musicians if there is one book you finally read from cover to cover, it has to be this one.

You owe it to yourself to buy this book and read it three times and then make your new plan. I have seen way to much failure in this career path, where "consultants-professionals" play into your fantasies, and artists fool themselves with their own untested fantasies.

MUSICIANS/ ARTISTS learn to read, do it now, this book will put you back on track fast, by helping you to cleary identify your artistic goals/values and will help you step by step create a plan to succeed. I have never been so impressed by the integrity of anyone in this business. Nadine tells the "TRUTH" about how and why it works. Get Real with yourself right now and get this book, rediscover, reinvent, seize the moment.

Finally someone tells it like it is, and that's Nadine. The only reason she can tell it like it is, is because she has really lived all this, and has the ability to create distinctions so profound and yet simple you'll be wondering why anyone else couldn't tell it so true, plane and simple and articulate.
In the quest to be my best:
Ken Boome


Rating:
Summary: This book will get you results... no doubt!
Review: I purchased this book one afternoon when my band FULL SERVICE was getting started in Austin, TX. I knew that there must be some knowledge out there that could help us out, and I bought a whole stack. Of all the books I bought, this one was and is the best by far and away.

So far I have read the book three times and have made the rest of my band members read it as well. The pages are marked up with liner notes and ear-marked pages, exclamation points, and comments to myself like "YES! DO THIS!" I have learned so far that trying to build a band from the ground up has it's ups and downs. The most important way that I use this book is to read it whenever I need a pick-up; whenever I'm feeling low on ideas to get promote the band or find innovative ways to get a booking agent's attention; or whenever I just want some inspiration. Nadine has a really positive and supportive outlook on the music business, but she is also a totally straight shooter - no BS allowed in this book. If you REALLY listen to what she says and put your ego aside, this book can help push your band or music career along the path to success, however you may define that.

I really can't recommend this book enough. If you're a musician trying to get his or her band rolling, buy this and study it. Question the things she says like you would anything you read and see if it stacks up. Use it as a source of ideas and inspiration. Be honest with yourself as you read it and the rewards will come.

And if she's taught me anything, it's to always be promoting and networking, so check out my band while you're at it! FULL SERVICE: www.fullservicemusic.com!

Rating:
Summary: Nadine tells it straight!
Review: If you want people to tell you that you that you are great and that you are going to be a star without any work, then you should not read this book and go back to dream land. If you want real world, what do I have to do to be successful advice...talk to Nadine Condon and read this book. The industry has changed, but there are certain truths that still remain paramount. "Hot Hits, Cheap Demos" is the bible for bands that are starting up or trying to get to the next level in their careers. It is comprehensive, straight forward and provides real world advice from someone who has A LOT real world experience.

The bottom line is that if you read this book, digest it and follow its guidance, you will have a clearer picture of where you need to go and a better sense of your strengths and weaknesses. This will allow you to make better strategic decisions and get where you want to get faster, cheaper and with less personal frustration. In case you are wondering, I am not writing this as a favor to Nadine or anyone else. This book is solid....buy it. Happy music career hunting.
Matthew Burks - KINGSTREET (www.kingstreetmusic.com)

Rating:
Summary: Nadine tells it straight!
Review: If you want people to tell you that you that you are great and that you are going to be a star without any work, then you should not read this book and go back to dream land. If you want real world, what do I have to do to be successful advice...talk to Nadine Condon and read this book. The industry has changed, but there are certain truths that still remain paramount. "Hot Hits, Cheap Demos" is the bible for bands that are starting up or trying to get to the next level in their careers. It is comprehensive, straight forward and provides real world advice from someone who has A LOT real world experience.

The bottom line is that if you read this book, digest it and follow its guidance, you will have a clearer picture of where you need to go and a better sense of your strengths and weaknesses. This will allow you to make better strategic decisions and get where you want to get faster, cheaper and with less personal frustration. In case you are wondering, I am not writing this as a favor to Nadine or anyone else. This book is solid....buy it. Happy music career hunting.
Matthew Burks - KINGSTREET (www.kingstreetmusic.com)

Rating:
Summary: Playing From Experience
Review: In this fun, easy to read book, Nadine shares many of the lessons she has learned from musicians who have found, and continue to find, the steps to success as a commercial band or solo performer. If you have just finished your CD and haven't thought about the next step, this book is an excellent introduction on how to market it, and your band. It offers anecdotes from those who have made it, and templates for those who are starting out. If you are like me, you will carry it around with you until you have read it cover to cover, and then you will wish there was a "part 2."

Rating:
Summary: Playing From Experience
Review: In this fun, easy to read book, Nadine shares many of the lessons she has learned from musicians who have found, and continue to find, the steps to success as a commercial band or solo performer. If you have just finished your CD and haven't thought about the next step, this book is an excellent introduction on how to market it, and your band. It offers anecdotes from those who have made it, and templates for those who are starting out. If you are like me, you will carry it around with you until you have read it cover to cover, and then you will wish there was a "part 2."

Rating:
Summary: More than "How To"... a "You Can Do It" Book for All Artists
Review: The average "How To" book supplies information, but leaves motivation up to the reader. It assumes the reader is motivated enough by the simple fact that they are reading the book. But I found that Nadine Condon leaves nothing to chance in "Hot Hits, Cheap Demos", as she not only shares a wealth of insider tips from a prolific background in Rock & Roll promotions and artist development, but goes the extra step to diffuse the myths and misconceptions that often frustrate and ultimately de-motivate the aspiring artist, myself being one of them. My impression is that Nadine set out to affirm and encourage aspiring artists as much as to inform them.

On the INFORMATION side, Nadine's career has included working with Jefferson Starship, Melissa Ethridge and Smashmouth (just to name a few, there are many more). Plus, she regularly hosts a major showcase event in the San Francisco area that draws labels and record execs from all over to see new talent. Nadine knows her stuff. And she has the gold and platinum albums from grateful clients to prove it. She knows the business, the industry, the market, and she shares those insights abundantly.

Most of all, she knows artists--how they work, how they think, how they feel. It is that familiarity with artists that creates the MOTIVATIONAL aspect of the book. From the start, anyone who reads this will feel appreciated for whatever their current status and aspiration is in music. Whether they simply want to perform at the local open mic or take the nation by storm, they will find that Nadine is in their corner. She provides specific steps to take immediately to move beyond frustration and get to the process of making your dreams come true. I have already begun to put into practice some of the specific steps she recommends.

I appreciate the fact that "what is ultimate success" is left up to me, the reader, and Nadine's role is to simply help me get there, wherever "there" is. Her encouragement is inspiring and affirming, and her advice is proven, specific and do-able.

Rating:
Summary: More than "How To"... a "You Can Do It" Book for All Artists
Review: The average "How To" book supplies information, but leaves motivation up to the reader. It assumes the reader is motivated enough by the simple fact that they are reading the book. But I found that Nadine Condon leaves nothing to chance in "Hot Hits, Cheap Demos", as she not only shares a wealth of insider tips from a prolific background in Rock & Roll promotions and artist development, but goes the extra step to diffuse the myths and misconceptions that often frustrate and ultimately de-motivate the aspiring artist, myself being one of them. My impression is that Nadine set out to affirm and encourage aspiring artists as much as to inform them.

On the INFORMATION side, Nadine's career has included working with Jefferson Starship, Melissa Ethridge and Smashmouth (just to name a few, there are many more). Plus, she regularly hosts a major showcase event in the San Francisco area that draws labels and record execs from all over to see new talent. Nadine knows her stuff. And she has the gold and platinum albums from grateful clients to prove it. She knows the business, the industry, the market, and she shares those insights abundantly.

Most of all, she knows artists--how they work, how they think, how they feel. It is that familiarity with artists that creates the MOTIVATIONAL aspect of the book. From the start, anyone who reads this will feel appreciated for whatever their current status and aspiration is in music. Whether they simply want to perform at the local open mic or take the nation by storm, they will find that Nadine is in their corner. She provides specific steps to take immediately to move beyond frustration and get to the process of making your dreams come true. I have already begun to put into practice some of the specific steps she recommends.

I appreciate the fact that "what is ultimate success" is left up to me, the reader, and Nadine's role is to simply help me get there, wherever "there" is. Her encouragement is inspiring and affirming, and her advice is proven, specific and do-able.