In the Right Direction: A Beginner's Guide to Starting a Record Label

Rating:
Summary: A Great Music Business Primer For The Rest Of Us!
Review: This book was written for those who know absolutely nothing about the music business. Here's an easy to read guide packed with important music business basics that every aspiring recording artist will need to know when releasing an independent CD. Start your own label to............Promote, Distribute and Sell your own CD!

This book has appeared recently at:

The Combined book Exhibit's - New York Public Librarians
The 16th Annual Small Press Book Fair in New York March 2004
The NABE Pacific Northwest Showcase in Seattle March 2004
Look for this book in the upcoming BEA this summer!

If you know everything there is to know about the music business, then this book isn't for you. I highly suggest this book to anyone who is just starting out in the music business.

Rating:
Summary: A Beginner's Guide To Starting A Record Label....,SWEET BK!
Review: This is the all new 3rd edition of "IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION - A Beginner's Guide To Starting A Record Label", .... A great book for upcoming songwriters and aspiring recording artists. This book will help you to understand the basics of the music business by giving you the information needed to actually start and run an independent record label. The ground work for copyrights, independent record promotion and distribution are also covered. At the back of the book is a start-up checklist to guide you along the way. If you are serious about releasing your own cds then you will definitely need this book. I hear that several musician magazines and fanzines across the country are presently looking at copies!

Rating:
Summary: Only A Start
Review: Weighing in at under 70 pages including appendices, this is a thin book, which would be easier to accept if not for the price tag.

Although it's a good general introduction to the topic, it's lacking in details and organization. Too much time is spent on things that most readers probably already know (like a list of manufacturers of professional-quality audio equipment). Just as the information starts to get good, the reader is given a list of other books to check out instead, or is advised to hire a professional-- something that goes against the do-it-yourself theme suggested by the title.

In short, if you're trying to decide whether or not to start your own recording label, this book should explain enough to guide your decision. If you've already decided to go this route, pick up a more substantial book instead.