THIS BUSINESS OF SONGWRITING:

A Practical Guide to Doing Business as a Songwriter (Billboard Books)

Learning how to write great songs is not enough. Without a firm grasp of the rudiments of music publishing, and a solid knowledge of how songs generate income, how they may be protected, and how to organize a business, songwriters leave themselves adrift in a sea of obstacles and challenges, unable to navigate the roiling waters of today's music business.

This Business of Songwriting is the first book to demystify the process of doing business as a songwriter. It provides a detailed, comprehensive examination of business-related topics and issues that all songwriters need to understand, and it presents accessible explanations and samples of the contracts, licenses, and legal agreements that songwriters are likely to encounter throughout their careers.

The book also discusses how to get a publisher—and get songs recorded; an explanation of how songs generate income from digital and physical sales, as well as from radio, television, and Internet airplay; and from live performances. Also, the issues of copyright and infringement are addressed. It defines the terms that songwriters need to understand in order to be knowledgeable about the music business; walks readers step-by-step through the process of starting and operating their own publishing company; explains copublishing and foreign subpublishing; and teaches songwriters how to successfully pitch their songs to publishers, artists, managers, A & R representatives, and producers. The unique issues facing performing songwriters are addressed, as well as those who write songs for the Christian, children’s, video games, musical theater, and jingles markets. Additionally, the book offers a detailed explanation of how the singles and album charts work; a comprehensive comparison of how performing rights organizations monitor and distribute royalties; and provides valuable information about how to organize a songwriting business.

Readers will learn that the business skills and knowledge they need can be acquired, as the author shares his insights and expertise gained from more than twenty years "on both sides of the desk" in the music business.

Dear Passengers,

I’ve got a new favorite book in my arsenal of tools that can help you earn a living in the music business – Jason Blume’s latest, ‘This Business of Songwriting,’ a Practical Guide to Doing Business as a Songwriter (Billboard Books).

Jason has been a featured speaker at the TAXI Road Rally several times, and is one of the most engaging speakers you’ll ever hear. His last two books were wonderful, and this one is even better!

I read it cover-to-cover over the weekend, and couldn’t help but think, “If the people who call me for advice every day would read this book, they’d never need to ask another question!”

This book is THAT good! And not only does it cover everything you need to know, it does it in such a conversational and easy-to-read way, that you’ll breeze right through it.

If you’ve been on my list for any length of time, you know how much I credit the books I’ve read with TAXI’s success. Let Jason’s book become the reason you find YOUR success.

I don’t make a penny from this recommendation or the sale of this book. It’s just so good that I don’t want you to miss out on this treasure trove of information.

Michael Laskow
CEO
TAXI, Independent A&R
taxiboss@aol.com
818-222-2464
www.taxi.com