Book Reviews

The Musician’s Handbook, Revised Edition: A Practical Guide to Understanding the Music Business

By Bobby Borg

Price: $20

The newly revised edition of The Musician’s Handbook provides information on anything you could ever want to know about a career in music; specifically, in the current digital age of podcasts, blogs, mp3s and MySpace. Bobby Borg, a veteran of the business aspects of the music industry as well as the world of performing and recording, covers every aspect of life as a musician in a relatable, fun and easy-to-read manner.

The book can act as either a reference guide for a musician with specific legal questions, or a function as a how-to guide for budding artists. With descriptive chapter titles like “Pay Your Dues But Use Your Head” and “Show Me Mo’ Money: Master Use, Games, and Audiovisual DVDs,” it is easy to flip to the page with the information you need and avoid those that don’t apply.

For the aspiring musician, The Musician’s Handbook asks all of the essential questions that must be answered before even beginning your career, like, “Are my band members looking for the same things that I am?” and perhaps most importantly, “What am I willing to give up to for this?” These questions may seem unnecessary at first, but Borg explains just how important it is to be on the same page as your potential band, as well as being realistic with yourself. He also suggests signing a contract as a band, which seems uptight, but in reading the book, a contract appears to be essential.

Though very encouraging, Borg is careful to highlight the necessity of persistence when tying to achieve success in the music industry. He pulls no punches when he describes how the path to success is long, rough, and very much lacking in money. The struggle may be unavoidable, but the handbook provides suggestions for ways to remain financially afloat during the long process of getting discovered and eventually turning a profit. The more commercial and mainstream, the more money there is to be made, and of course, indie bands are on the lower end of the monetary spectrum.

Borg does describe a variety of ways in which to promote your band (in the most economically-efficient way possible) so that in the future, having your dream job may actually pay the bills. There is still something to be said for remaining true to your fans by staying “underground,” but the way Borg lays out the harsh realities of the business shows just why so many bands are “selling out.” Bobby Borg’s The Musician’s Handbook is thorough about the steps to take in order to begin, and then sustain, a successful career in music. It is encouraging while remaining realistic about the ruthless conditions and complications that can occur along the way. Written for both the DIY band with copyright troubles as well as the exuberant, young solo artist wanting to know how to form a band, the book handles these issues in a way that’s both comprehensive and accessible. (Watson- Guptill Publications)

www.watsonguptill.com

-Carolyn Sebasky