Book Review: How To Get A Record Deal : The Knowledge to Succeed
There are many aspiring artists who want to get a record deal, but many are engaging in activities that will not get them any closer to one. In fact, not understanding the music business could jeopardize your chances of securing a deal and obtaining one that is financially rewarding. Activities like shopping around a demo, only trying to be a YouTube Star, paying to be in talent shows where prizes include connections to music executives, and paying for spammy email blasts are a complete waste of time. Wendy Day tells you straight up that these gimmicks don't work. In her book, How to Get a Record Deal: The Knowledge to Succeed, she pulls no punches when talking about the music industry and sharing her advice.
If you have never heard of Wendy Day, then it's time you become acquainted with her and learn how she helped negotiated some of the biggest record deals in history. The first chapter of the book quickly establishes her credentials. Day writes, "I’ve worked with and helped build the careers of many artists. I’ve shopped and negotiated some of the most successful deals in urban music and I’ve helped build, structure, and organize some of the most successful indie labels in urban music. I’ve helped artists like Eminem, Twista, Do Or Die, Ras Kass, Thirstin Howl III, Young Buck, Blood Raw, Roccett, TMI Boyz, 4ize, R City, David Banner, Killer Mike, Machine Gun Kelly, Cormega, Tupac Shakur, Naughty By Nature, Slick Pulla, Channel Live, Groove Theory, Slick Rick, MJG & 8Ball, UGK, Trae, PsychoDrama, J Diggs, and hundreds of others. And labels like Cash Money (Lil Wayne, Turk, Juvenile, BG, and Mannie Fresh), No Limit (Fiend, Master P, Mia X, C-Murder, Mac, Beats By The Pound), and Trill Entertainment (Lil Boosie, Webbie), etc."
Some recording artists defer all "music business stuff" to their managers and only after they have been swindled or taken advantage of do they get serious about learning the music business for themselves. Additionally, artists who do not understand the business may also end up fighting against those managers and label executives who have their best interests at heart. Day's book explains why building a regional audience and fan base is vital to success. She describes how the music industry changed and why she hates 360 contracts. The book categorizes and elaborates on the different types of record deals and different types of record labels. Day provides encouragement and common sense for those who want to remain independent. She goes on to describe what record labels look for when signing artists and she shares her insights on the qualities needed to succeed in the music business.
Reading a book about the music business may seem insignificant compared to the costs of branding your image, producing music and videos, and promoting your work, but reading a book like Day's will help you to see where you need to spend your time, money, and energy. In other words, The Knowledge To Succeed will help you build a good foundation to formulate a strategy for your music career.
