Welcome To The Music Business: You’re Fucked!

It’s not often that I review and endorse a music business book.  Most are just a way to get $15 off of you.  But I had the inspiring pleasure of catching Martin Atkin’s talk at SXSW and, he is fucking awesome!  His book, a somewhat irreverent review of what artists should and shouldn’t be doing to mind their music business, is brilliant.

If you could hire this guy to be your manager, you would have a wonderful sustainable career in the music business.

My Favorite Quote From The Book is:

If You Don’t Sell Any Tickets – You Aren’t Getting Paid!

Atkins puts all the attorney bullshit into simple perspective.  We attorneys can write the best damn contract the other side has ever seen, but, if the other guy didn’t make any money – neither will you.

Atkins goes into several examples of how artists can be fucked by themselves such as: blaming others, ambition, pursuit of perfection, the need for external validation and many more.

Get the book, read it, tuck it in your gig bag, and live by it.

Martin Atkins

Welcome To The Music Business: You’re Fucked!

PS: I love his Donald Passman cut!

PPS: this guy knows how to run a merch table too. Pretty girls making the pitch to everyone.  A cool home made robot capturing your attention.  Little video screens at the table to capture your attention. Discounts for multiple purchases. Free stuff. Oh, and he takes credit cards too!

All the best

Todd Murphy is a Music and Entertainment Lawyer based in Jersey City, NJ.  He represents musical artists in all genres such as rock, dance, electronic, pop, hip-hop, punk, new wave, jazz and classical. Click here for Artist Inquiries.