Rating: 
Summary: An overpriced "how-to" manual for uninformed musicians.
Review: Though Mr. Sweeney's guide is cheaply produced, can be completely read in an hour and is way overpriced, the information contained therein is immensely practical and may be worth the cost for those seriously considering an independent release. The fact that Mr. Sweeney's advice is grounded in years of real experience makes this book a good investment and perhaps the best buy for the growing crop of project studio owners with little exposure to how the music industry works. Technical advances in the industry may make some of his advice obsolete in a short time, however. Hopefully Mr. Sweeney will cover such rapid changes in upcoming editions of his book.
Rating: 
Summary: Tim Sweeney is a necessity
Review: Tim Sweeney has done it again. He takes all the unnecessary junk out of the equasion and lays it out nice and simple. He will tell you exactly how to make the right connections, as well as how to make the important people remember you. His books are extremely easy to read and understand, and get this, it MAKES SENSE. His books definately compromise the "bible" of music business how-to. You will not regret buying this book AT ALL.
Rating: 
Summary: Tim Sweeney Is Great!
Review: Tim Sweeney is the best author writing on the subject of practical ideas for working bands. I own several of his tape programs and several of his books including this one. For some reason the tapes are much better. They are clearer and more compelling. I'd suggest that you try one of his tape programs before you buy this. If you like the tapes, you'll probably want to buy this later.
Rating:
Summary: Good But not Always Practical
Review: While Tim Sweeney's Guide to Releasing Independent Records is incrdibly insightful and helpful, at times I think he directs his suggestions more towards bands than singer-songwriters or indie artists. Also, I found that a lot of the expenses or investments he encourages, for example buying t-shirts and GIVING them away for FREE, don't really pay off, & aren't practical for most day-job struggling individuals. Definitely, these suggestions aren't for musicians on a budget. He attempts to suggest how to get the cash(loan or family), but he doesn't take into account that most singer-songwriters never really reap the profit from their expenditures (that or it takes a LONG time)... thus have to be careful.However, he really knows his stuff, & I got a lot of things out of his book. Good stuff.
Rating:
Summary: The First Book Aspiring Indie Labels Should Buy
Review: With a no-nonsense, step-by-step approach, Tim Sweeney well neigh guides would-be independent labels and independent-minded artists through the whole process of starting your organization and promoting your records. The book is so practical and concise it's difficult to imagine a better first purchase for a reference book. Tim Sweeney's rock-solid advice and methodical approach takes much of the bewilderment out of starting a record label.
| 
