This is great book if you are interested in "Music Law". There's so so much I did'nt know about the subject before reading this great reference quality book! This book is written by Attorney Rich Stim and is chock full of useful information. The CD-ROM of legal forms is a great item that comes with the book!

If you've found yourself getting a bit more serious about your band and music and would like to protect your intellectual property without spending a fortune on lawyers, this book would be a wise investment. For example if you have written a great song you need to be fully aware that "playing a song in public is not a publication." Overlooking many seemingly minor details like this can prove to be costly in the long run. The legal advice in this book is very thorough, but if you do need additional help, the author, Attorney Rich Stim, will point you in the right direction. If you have signed with a major label, you need a lawyer. Other than a few fellows picking and strumming for fun on a Saturday afternoon, a band is a business and you need to be informed and this book will help you.

If you are serious, you need to learn as much as possible about music law because publishing contracts can often be "complex and often illogical." If you are dealing with other people, you need to make sure they are reputable. In this book you will first need to establish what type of business you will have whether it be something simple such as a sole proprietorship or a corporation. Then comes the paperwork because you will need to protect your rights and learn how "not to get ripped off." You will learn about common issues and problems confronting a band, how to go about setting up a partnership, dealing with additions and loss of band members, financial issues, division of profits, you'll learn detailed information about copyrighting your material, insurance issues, dealing with debt, how to protect yourself from personal liability, issues pertaining to a band manager, copyrighting your songs, publishing your work and much more!

This is not a difficult book to read and understand because it is so clearly written. There are many forms in the text and files on the CD-ROM that can be printed out. To eliminate any confusion there is an instructional video on "How to Register a Song Copyright." This is a step-by-step narration and visual that will be extremely helpful to the songwriter. There are numerous informative sidebars throughout the book and an excellent, extensive index. This book and CD give little vignettes about how songs make money. For example, both talk about how the sixty-year-old song "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," still collects millions each year. If you want to make money, you have to spend a little and this book would be a good start!

Let's face it... most musicians get into the music business because they love music, not so much because they love business. It's precisely this very human tendency that gets so many musicians into terribly unfair situations later on, where they discover they have been used, cheated, stolen from, or otherwise taken advantage of in some way. Much of the problem is that musicians often don't know where to start, or what to do next on the road to fame and fortune... nor where to find a trusted mentor to lead the way.

Nolo's "Music Law" is written with an innate understanding of a musician's needs in mind, so that every single thing a new band might be thinking of, including: partnership agreements, registering the band's name, getting gigs, touring on a budget, choosing a recording studio, managing the band website, selling songs, and finding the right manager. I was very pleasantly surprised to see such depth and breadth of topics included, as I had only been expecting a book packed with legal forms and templates... as this is a book by Nolo Press, after all.

Want to know "How to avoid getting screwed"? This down-to-Earth book actually includes such advice as a heading in a variety of legal situations. I love the way author Rich Stim writes in a language non-lawyers can understand, bringing rational clarity to even the most stressful potential situations, such how to recognize when you might need to fire your attorney, and what to best do in order to proceed.

The beauty of "Music Law" is that it's excellent organization allows musicians to focus on precisely the area where they need help at any given moment. There is even a CD included with the book containing forms that can be customized on either a Windows or Mac computer, although a warning states that only the Windows users have access to full computer support from Nolo.

Author Rich Stim has done an exemplary job of wearing both his musician hat and his intellectual property attorney hat in writing this book... and best of all, he has done an exceptional job of wearing his author hat. This be-all, end-all reference book is comprehensive, well-organized, inspirational, educational, informative, and the perfect guide for any musician seriously moving forward with a musical career.

This book is an introduction to the many aspects of law that are relevant for musicians. Stimm is an intellectual property attorney as well as a musician himself, so he is well-acquainted with the legal issues that musicians often run up against. The book is thorough in its coverage; it includes chapters on band agreements, legal entities for bands (e.g. partnerships or corporations), managers, attorneys, equipment ownership, performance contracts, copyright law, publishing music and getting paid, protecting band names, album artwork, recording, distributor and consignment contracts, record company agreements, online legal issues, and taxes. As with other NOLO products, the accompanying CD-ROM includes copies of the sample contracts and agreements described in the text.

This book was a real eye-opener - I had no idea there were so many ways to get into trouble if you're just trying to make some music. But what Simm does is explain what situations are likely to cause trouble, and how to avoid trouble from the outset by making everyone's expectations clear and putting them in writing. Simm also explains how to tell if you're over your head and need to hire an attorney (before signing a big recording contract, for instance). The sample contracts in the book are well-thought out and in written in plain English, easily modifiable to fit your particular circumstances. Worried about including a cover song on your band's album? Simm explains how to do this legally--it's a lot easier and cheaper than you might expect, and allows you promote the album through all media without fear of lawsuits. This book should be considered essential equipment for any professional musician.

Every NOLO book I've read has delivered what it said it would. This book does the same. There are no arcane insights into a bunch of legal hypotheticals here. All that's in this book is a collection of very solid and useful advice. It is certainly not the be all or end all, but it is a great starting point for figuring out how to make your way in a notoriously predatory business, getting screwed over or ripped off as little as possible. A must for the aspiring or neophyte professional musician!

My wife writes and performs her own songs. We got this book to understand what is needed in order to go to the next step. This book has provided very useful information from copyrighting your songs (includes a step by step guide), to legal issues regarding the artwork of the CDs, website names, trademarks, servicemarks, contracts, etc. Our idea is to start selling online so we did not pay much attention to the contracts between agents and bands but the rest of the information has been very educational for us. The booked is geared towards bands but if you are a one person performer, the information is equally useful. For bands, it even talks about how a band usually splits any money they make between song writers and other musicians. It also covers songs been played on the radio, covering other people's songs, and a lot more. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in making their music career into a formal business.

I agree with some other reviewers that this book should not be a substitute for sound legal advice, HOWEVER, if you are just starting out and aren't to the point of negotiating contracts and the like, start here.
I've never seen another book on the subject that comes close to covering all this information, especially one that is so well organized. The author touches on just about every subject one could think of. Actually, if he missed anything, I couldn't tell you what it was.

The layout is easy to navigate, which is always a plus. If you are looking for advice in one specific area, it's easy enough to locate. Also, the provided forms are wonderful to have. They could potentially save you hundreds in lawyer fees getting the basics in place. Some of the info contained in the forms also provide information in themselves of possible problems that you may encounter at each business level as a professional musician. Coming from someone who has been in music for many years, myself, you truly cannot anticipate every detail, but the more you do, the better off you will be.

To the novice musician... If you are just starting in a band or making money playing on the weekends, you're probably not inclined to spend a lot of time or money worrying about the "business" of music. In fact, most musicians tend to shy away from this, choosing instead to focus on artistic pursuits and "people skills" to get more gigs. My advice is GET THE BOOK AND READ IT! It is very likely to save you time, money and heartache if you anticipate the potential problems for your band. Furthermore, if you aren't anywhere near the "pro" level, but would like to go there someday, facing the business end of this head-on with your current band members will give you a good picture of how serious they, too, are about this business and whether they're willing to make the required effort to go full time.

To the professional musician...there is still a wealth of information here that your lawyer may not have touched on. Because the author touches on the legal issues from multiple perspectives, it will help you to understand not just how the contract effect you, but how your interactions impact the other professionals you are working with. Getting the perspective of those you work with closely is good business!

Overall, I am tremendously impressed by the content and helpful forms included here. And to those of you are are reading it, good law and good luck!

Music Law: How To Run Your Band's Business is a well-written, easy to understand book, and the publisher Nolo Press has decades of experience and a good reputation for providing reliable legal guidance to consumers.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in starting a band or creating their own music company.

Being a singer/songwriter, and not having as much information as I was like, I was wanting to find a reliable resource on the legal matters relating to the music business. I, by chance, came across this book, and heard that it was a very informative and dependable book on the legal side of the music business, so I ordered it. The most appealing thing for me had to be the fact that it was written by a lawyer (Rich Stim) who has been in the music business himself, I liked that.

The book is laid out very simply with 17 chapters some appendixes and a supplemental cd-rom that has government forms on it for things such and copy writing, which is definitely nice. It is a book I will keep around and use a lot as I progress and am able to do more in music. I wont bother with long drawn out explanations, the bottom line is, if you are or want to be in a band or write music: READ THIS BOOK!

God Bless ~Amy

Filled with rich information concerning the legal aspects of the music building, aimed at bands particularly, [[ASIN:1413310567 Music Law: How to Run Your Band's Business] proves to be an exceptional reference providing countless scenarios and hypothetical legal issues that have happened to so many bands throughout history. Each and every chapter breaks down varying issues that one captivated by the 'awe' of being in the music business might overlook. Throughout the book, author (attorney) Rich Stim is clear to emphasize the importance of having business savvy aka being knowledgeable about the music business so that you 'don't get screwed'.

Chapter One, serves as a prologue, convincing the reader (or band member(s)) that 'your band is a business'. The author goes through a number of tried and true responses he's heard about aloofness regarding legal issues ('The "I Don't Know" Excuse' or 'The "I Don't Care" Excuse') countering it with convincing reasons why it is important for the musician to be a savvy business person. Chapter Two progresses forward detailing 'Partnership' agreements and including sample forms. Similarly, Chapter Three, delves into management, and Four into attorneys. These chapters all feature scenarios, problems that have arose from past experience, and the legal solution.

Chapter five delves into equipment, exploring issues of 'ownership', legal ramifications, and so on. Chapter six explores 'performing and touring', specifically dealing with gigging ("as in dating, there is no surefire way to get a gig" (p. 115) , getting paid, and etc. Chapter 7 keys in on copyright, licenses, copying, and songwriting ownership among other things. Chapter 8 details publishing; Chapter nine details Band names, specifically issues when dealing with identical band names.. Chapter 10 explores album artwork (again there is a form!!!); Chapter 11 Details Recording (producers, engineers, sampling/sample clearance, etc.) Chapter 12 deals with Duplication; 13 with 'Selling You Music'; 14 with Independent Record Deals; 15 with 'Online Music; 16: 'Money' and 17: 'Taxes'.

Quite the reference, Music Law is complete. From the get go, Rich Stim encourages the band signed to a major label to have an attorney and that the text is no authority on major label deals. Nonetheless, this text serves as a springboard, minimally. Very informative.

NOLO has done it again, this time with a comprehensive legal manual for musicians and those in related businesses. This is a thorough book, taking one from the basics of performing as a musician to the intricacies of the music publishing business and complexities of touring. It also includes, as do many NOLO books, a CD-rom of forms discussed in the book.

The chapters are:
1.Yes, Your Band Is A Business
2.Band Partnerships and Beyond
3.Management
4.Attorneys
5.Band Equipment
6.Performance and Touring
7.Copyright and Song Ownership
8.Publishing Your Band's Music
9.Band Names
10.Album Artwork
11.Recording
12.Duplication
13.Selling Your Music
14.Independent Record Agreements
15.Taking Your Band Online
16.Keeping Track of Your Band's Money
17.Taxes

An Appendix on using the CD-rom and a 20-page index.

I found the information extensive and complete, with a lot of details and nuances which would take one a long time to learn (the hard way) in the music business. Music, like other publishing and media businesses, is heir to some archaic and corrupt systems, and it behooves the musician to know as much as possible about how to navigate the shark-infested waters.

The only nitpick I have with this book is that the information about playing other people's music, as in a cover band, is scattered across several chapters, and I would have liked a bit more focused section in the Performance chapter, with more clarity in the Copyright section as well. Other than that, I can find no flaws with this book.

Joe Satriani tells a great story about how NOLO books helped him immensely at the beginning of his career, in terms of setting up his business interests and protecting his music. NOLO ought to think about an endorsement agreement with Satriani.

If you are a musician, write music, use music in video or other work, or have any such relation to the world of music business, read this book and keep it handy. You will not regret it.

I got this book at just the right time because, as George Carlin said, "the time will come when EVERYONE in a band". And that day is a little closer now that I am in one.

I am neither a professional musician nor a lawyer, but our band is now recording and has been performing together for a number of years. Because of our organization, we have not needed and legal guidance until now. This book may help you avoid the pitfalls of being a band and help you to realize how much (or how little) money there is to be made and how to hold onto what you have. Trying to make any money off of your band is really difficult, so be careful of all the exploiters out there! Even so, this book is no replacement for having a real entertainment lawyer on retainer.

The sidebars about real-life experiences helped to keep the advice and legal jargon in perspective, too. I will keep this book by our side as we continue on our journey.

I got this book for my younger brother who is in a semi successful band. I say semi successful, because they get gigs, but don't have a recording contract. After browsing through this book, I can't see how a band, any band, can survive without the knowledge here.

I know Chris, my younger brother, can hardly believe he gets paid for doing what he loves, but someday, some clean cut, cigar smoking guy in a suit, if Chris and his band are successful, will be in a position to take advantage of him. He'll do it, take advantage of my little brother, because the music business is just that, a business. And if you're going into business, it's best to understand the rules of the game. This book will give you the rules and it'll help you from getting run over, chewed up and spit out by the suits.

If you're a rock and roll wannabe. If you're playing around town in a band. If you've cut a demo and are about to meet with an independent record company. If your band is looking for a manager, lawyer or even new members, then this book is one you need to read. From the opening quote of Paul Stanley of Kiss, "It's very easy in this business to find people who are willing to put their arm around you and tell you how great you are. Unfortunately, their other hand is in your pocket." to the last chapter on taxes, this book will help you keep an eye on that other hand, both the record company executive's and the government's.

You don't want to be cheated by a manager, lawyer, record company exec, other members in the band and if you survive them, you don't want the IRS to get what little you might have left. If you want to be a star, you need all the help you can get along the way and there is plenty of help in this book. You need to understand how the record business works, this book will tell you. You need to know about the pitfalls ahead and you need to know how to avoid them, this book will help you.

That's it, in a nutshell, I can't say it enough. If you're in a band, this book will help you.

This book gives a very good, solid overview of the legal requirements of a working band. Highly recommended for musicians at all levels of the business.

I am neither a musician or an attorney, but I still found this book both interesting and useful. And maybe a little bit cold; there is nothing in this book about being an artist, just the stark mechanics of keeping a band business running in a lawyer filled environment; of getting your fair cut when the sharks are circling.

What I most found useful were the large number of standard contracts which are walked through section by section. These will be a great starting point when I need to put together a fair and comprehensive contract in the future. And what is nice about these contracts is they are not obscure, they are written in the clear form of legalese; something even I can understand. Very impressive.

What I found most interesting were the anecdotes sprinkled throughout the book about the legal troubles and deals seen by well known artists such as John Fogerty. I wish there were more of these, but I guess these are only the spoonfuls of sugar placed in the book to help me get through what would otherwise be pretty dry stuff.

Anyway, anyone thinking about starting a band business should read the whole thing, and anyone needing to enter into a music related contract should read selected chapters.

This book is God-send dream come true book for bands. Nolo is consistently unbelievably helpful in the books they publish. This particular book is extremely useful for any band considering trying to make some money playing whether just on Friday nights at the local bar, or to the level of the Rolling Stones. The topics covered are so numerous that to list them all and give each a short description would take up several pages but since you can easily "Look Inside!" you can see the topics covered in this book. Also included is a Music Law Resources CD-ROM which has on it:

Install Forms
Install Audio
Listen to Audio (no installation) - an attorney interview discussing music law as it relates to songs and their usage.
Install Video
Watch Video (no installation) - I could not get this to work so I don't know what's on it.

Overall: This is a very useful book and covers just about every topic imaginable concerning music law as it relates to bands. I cannot imagine a band trying to do business without this book since it is now available as it will prevent problems before they arise, and can lead to solutions to problems as they arise. Extremely well written and easy to understand.

Being in a band can be a ton of fun, but it's not all fun. There is hard work involved, and I'm not just talking about the hours of practice and lugging around heavy equipment (or being chased down the street by groupies). Whether you like it or not, there is a business side to being in a band, and you ignore it at your own peril. Many have, and sing tales of woe as a result. Some of these sad tales are sprinkled among the pages of great advice to be found in this very thorough guide. The book boils down to this: a) get it in writing so everyone can agree to what they've agreed to, and b) know when you are in over your head and need a lawyer.

Now I know what you're thinking. If I'm going to need a lawyer anyway, why do I need this book? Two reasons. First, there are lots of things you can do on your own, especially when your band is just starting out. Doing these simple things will save you a world of pain later on when your band grows and band members come and go. Second, at the point at which you do need a lawyer, you'll know why you need one and what you want the lawyer for. You'll be able to speak his or her language and save time and money by being clear in what you need done. To use an analogy, it's the difference between walking into a music store and saying "I want a guitar" or walking in and saying, "I'd like to buy a solid top 12-string acoustic that will stay in tune." The informed consumer is always going to end up happier.

So what's in the book? Solid advice that anyone can understand and apply. It's well organized so you can quickly turn to the section you need for reference, but it's also written so that you can read cover to cover without dozing off. As mentioned, they sprinkle in some real world examples of problems other musicians and bands have had, as well as what you can do to avoid this happening to you. This makes for a livelier read.

I would whole heartedly recommend this book to any band that doesn't have a major label deal. After that point, you'll need a good lawyer. Before that point, this book could very well save you from years of litigation and agony when disputes arise. At minimum it will help you think through potential problems before they happen and avoid them with a few easy and prudent steps.

Rock on!

Having performed in a dozen or so bands over the years it didn't take me long to see that this book has the answer to every business problem that I ever encountered in playing (or writing) music. Some of the topics which rang loud and clear with me included [paraphrasing]:

-- How to settle up on band equipment when someone leaves the group?

-- How do you copyright a song?

-- How do we prevent getting cheated out of our money?

-- If we do get cheated, what are our options?

-- How do I handle income tax issues?

...and on and on. Everything!

A good friend of mine (a pro guitarist for over 30 years) very recently got boinked out of his money when the club owner cancelled just as his band showed up to play as scheduled. If he had owned this book beforehand, that would not have happened.

This is the most up-to-date full reference available on this topic. And it's a good one too because anyone can understand it -- it's clearly written using lay terminology.

In the back of the book is a media CD which contains any and all legal forms that you'll ever need. Free updates are available as well.

I cannot say enough good things about this terrific and helpful book -- attorney and author Rich Stim has done an outstanding job here and will surely be applauded by musicians everywhere for his worthwhile and beneficial work. This book would also make a fine gift for any musician family members or pals.

Highly recommended!

Let me just note that I am neither a professional musician nor an attorney, so there may be some fine points of the business that are not covered by this book and I wouldn't catch the omissions. That said, it's hard to imagine a more complete reference book on how to run a band's business. This book covers all the legal bases from forming a band, finding management, performance and touring, copyrights, recording, taxes, to putting content on-line.

The advice is clear, concrete, and sensible. Examples of various legal forms are provided and, most usefully, also available on the enclosed CD so that you can easily copy them, modify them as needed, and use them in your business.

I particularly appreciated the author's advice about such matters as whether or not it makes sense to press an action for potential copyright violations, collecting fees for gigs, and other gritty business details.

All I can say is Nolo almost never disappoints, and they've done it again here. If you have a band and are struggling to navigate the music business waters, get this life raft!