📖 Overview
Entertainment lawyer Donald S. Passman continues his series following music industry expert Danny Roth, set in the ever-changing landscape of digital music and streaming platforms. As Danny helps a rising star navigate a transformative deal, he becomes entangled in a complex web of industry politics and corporate interests.
The story moves between Los Angeles and New York City's entertainment circles, exposing the inner workings of modern music distribution and artist representation. Danny must balance his professional expertise with mounting personal stakes as he discovers connections between seemingly unrelated events in the industry.
The novel serves as both a thriller and an insider's perspective on the current state of the music business, exploring themes of loyalty, adaptation, and power dynamics in a rapidly evolving digital age. Through its narrative, the book examines how traditional industry relationships shift under the pressure of technological advancement and changing consumer habits.
👀 Reviews
There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Donald S. Passman's overall work:
Readers consistently cite Passman's clear explanations of complex music industry concepts. His straightforward writing style and use of examples help make legal and business topics accessible to industry newcomers.
What readers liked:
- Detailed breakdowns of contract terms and royalty calculations
- Regular updates addressing streaming and digital changes
- Practical advice for artists negotiating deals
- Comprehensive coverage of different industry roles
What readers disliked:
- Some sections become outdated between editions
- Heavy focus on major label deals vs indie paths
- Complex mathematical examples can be overwhelming
- Price point considered high by some students
Ratings across platforms:
Amazon: 4.7/5 from 2,800+ reviews
Goodreads: 4.3/5 from 3,900+ reviews
Reader quote: "Passman explains everything from basic copyright to complex profit-sharing in a way anyone can understand." - Amazon reviewer
Many readers note they keep returning to the book as a reference throughout their music careers. Entertainment law professors frequently assign it as required reading.
📚 Similar books
All You Need to Know About the Music Business by Donald S. Passman
A comprehensive guide to music industry contracts, royalties, and business practices from the same author's more detailed perspective.
Hit Men by Fredric Dannen The book exposes the power players and behind-the-scenes dealings of the music industry from the 1930s to the 1980s.
How Music Works by David Byrne The Talking Heads founder breaks down the business, creative, and technical elements of music creation and distribution.
Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory by John Seabrook This investigation reveals the mechanics of modern pop music production and the songwriters behind the biggest hits.
The Music Business (Explained In Plain English) by David Naggar A straightforward breakdown of music industry fundamentals, from copyright law to streaming revenue.
Hit Men by Fredric Dannen The book exposes the power players and behind-the-scenes dealings of the music industry from the 1930s to the 1980s.
How Music Works by David Byrne The Talking Heads founder breaks down the business, creative, and technical elements of music creation and distribution.
Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory by John Seabrook This investigation reveals the mechanics of modern pop music production and the songwriters behind the biggest hits.
The Music Business (Explained In Plain English) by David Naggar A straightforward breakdown of music industry fundamentals, from copyright law to streaming revenue.
🤔 Interesting facts
🎸 Donald S. Passman is one of the music industry's most respected attorneys, representing major artists like Taylor Swift, P!nk, and Green Day.
📚 Beyond his legal career, Passman has authored the influential "All You Need to Know About the Music Business," often called the music industry's bible, now in its 10th edition.
🎓 He teaches music law at the University of Southern California Law School, helping shape the next generation of entertainment attorneys.
💼 The book offers updated insights on how digital streaming and social media have transformed the music business landscape since the author's earlier works.
🌟 Passman draws from over 40 years of experience negotiating music deals, having witnessed the industry's evolution from vinyl records through digital streaming platforms.